and they shall have a fourth of what you leave if you have no child, .

and they shall have a fourth of what you leave if you have no child, ..." Then, the portion of your wives will be one eighth of your property, except for the land the explanation of which is stated in jurisprudent books. It is in the case that you have a child, even though this child is from another wife. It says: "...

but if you have a child, then they shall have an eighth of what you leave...." This division, similar to the previous division, is also done after the fulfilment of the bequest you have bequeathed and paying the debts. The verse, continues saying: "... after (the payment of) a bequest you may have bequeathed or a debt. ..." Then, it states the ordinance of the inheritance of sisters and brothers, when it says: "...

And if a man or a woman leaves property to be inherited by neither parents nor offspring, and he (or she) has a brother or a sister, then each of them two shall have a sixth,..." The Arabic term /kalalah/ is used for the maternal sisters and brothers who have inheritance from the diseased person. This situation is in the condition that there remains a maternal brother and sister from the diseased person. But if they are more than one they will have, on the whole, one third.

That is they must divide one third of the property among themselves. "... but if they are more than that, they shall be sharers in a third..." Then it adds that this is in the case that the bequest be performed formerly and the debts be separated from the property. "... after (the payment of) any bequest. ..." And, it is in the condition that it does not harm the inheritors through the bequest or confessing a debt. "... that does not harm (others) .

..." So, at the end of the verse, for an emphasis, it says : "... (This is) an ordinance from Allah, and Allah is Knowing, Forbearing." That is, this is a divine order which you must respectedly observe and He, Who has enjoined you these ordinances, is cognizant of your interests and expedients, and He is also aware of the intentions of the testators; yet, in the meantime, He is Forbearing and does not punish promptly those who treat against His command.