It is a type of savings account that gives sons the...

It is a type of savings account that gives sons the responsibility of being the distributor and maintainer of the family. Sons, unlike daughters, have the responsibility to maintain and financially support their immediate families. Muslim women, whether they are daughters, sisters, wives, or mothers, are free from financially supporting themselves and others. What they earn and receive is theirs to keep. They are not obligated to maintain or support anyone.

Muslim women are entitled to inherit as a daughter, mother, wife, and sister; consequently, they may, in certain cases, become financially stronger than men. Fatma: Could property be transferred to any person during the life of the testator? Sayyid: The testator can transfer ownership of his or her estate during his lifetime to anyone. Meaning, the testator can legally change entitlement of ownership from his name to the name of the other party.

Hypothetically, the testator may transfer all of his assets during his lifetime and leave nothing for inheritance. Fatma: Could the testator will one-third of his or her inheritance to any person? Sayyid: In a written will, the testator may allocate one-third of the inheritance to any person, institute, or organization he or she chooses. Fatma: Parents these days are more ready and willing to distribute their inheritance among their sons and daughters evenly.

Would this be considered a transgression of Qur’anic doctrine? Sayyid: If parents document a written will (to be executed after their deaths) stating an even distribution of inheritance between their sons and daughters, then it would be a transgression of Qur’anic injunctions. In the several verses regarding distribution of inheritance, the Qur’an forewarns those who do not adhere to the commandments: These are settled portions ordained by Allah. (4:11) Thus is it ordained by Allah.

(4:12) Those are limits set by Allah; those who obey Allah and His Messenger and transgress His limits will be admitted to a fire, to abide therein: And they shall have a humiliating punishment. (4:14) However, parents are permitted, during their lifetime, to legally transfer ownership of their property, assets, or funds to certain children, which may be deliverance to some parents who have flagrantly disobedient children. Suppose parents had an unrighteous son and a righteous daughter.