In the realm of religious texts, the Quran holds a significant place for Muslims worldwide, revered for its guidance on various aspects of life, including the laws of inheritance. However, a critical examination of the inheritance laws as outlined in Surah An-Nisa (Quran 4:11-12) reveals a mathematical inconsistency that has been a point of contention for critics and scholars alike.
The Inheritance Laws in Quran 4:11-12 and Quran 4:176
The verses in question provide detailed instructions on how estates should be divided among heirs:
- For the male, what is equal to the share of two females.
- For daughters: If there are two or more daughters, they receive two-thirds of the estate. If there is only one daughter, she receives half.
- For parents: Each parent receives one-sixth if the deceased left children. If there are no children, the mother receives one-third, and if there are siblings, the mother receives one-sixth.
- For spouses: A husband inherits half if there are no children, or one-fourth if there are children. A wife inherits one-fourth if there are no children, or one-eighth if there are.
- If this person leaves behind two sisters, they together will inherit two-thirds of the estate.
A Hypothetical Scenario
Let’s consider a hypothetical situation where a man dies leaving behind an estate of 100 dinars. His heirs include one wife, three daughters, one father, and one mother. According to the Quranic inheritance laws:
- Wife: 1/8 of the estate = 12.5 dinars
- Three Daughters: 2/3 of the estate = 66.667 dinars (collectively)
- Father: 1/6 of the estate = 16.667 dinars
- Mother: 1/6 of the estate = 16.667 dinars
When we add these amounts:
- 12.5 (wife) + 66.667 (daughters) + 16.667 (father) + 16.667 (mother) = 112.5 dinars
This result is problematic because it totals to 112.5 dinars, which exceeds the original estate value of 100 dinars by 12.5 dinars.
The Mathematical Error
The arithmetic here clearly demonstrates a mathematical error in the distribution prescribed by the Quran. The sum of the shares allocated to the heirs surpasses the total estate value, which is mathematically impossible in real-world inheritance scenarios where the estate must be divided exactly among the heirs.
Another Hypothetical Scenario:
A women dies leaving behind only a husband and two sisters:
- Husband: 1/2 or 50%
- 2 Sisters: 2/3rd or 33.3334%
This becomes less than 100 (73.3334%).
This matter was so confusing that Hazrat Umar himself said in Sahih Muslim 1617a:
Umar b. al-Khattab (Allah be pleased with him) delivered a sermon on Friday and made a mention of Allah’s Apostle (ﷺ) and he also made a mention of Abu Bakr (Allah be pleased with him) and then said: I do not leave behind me any problem more difficult than that of Kalala. I did not refer to Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) more repeatedly than in case of the problem of Kalala, and he (the Holy Prophet) never showed more annoyance to me than in regard to this problem, so much so that he struck my chest with his fingers and said: ‘Umar, does the verse revealed in summer season, at the end of Sura al-Nisa’ not suffice you? Hadrat ‘Umar (then) said: If I live I would give such verdict about (Kalala) that everyone would be able to decide whether he reads the Qur’an or he does not.
Attempts at Reconciliation
Muslim scholars and apologists have attempted to reconcile this discrepancy through various interpretations:
- Reduction in Shares: Some suggest that the shares should be adjusted proportionally to fit within the estate value. However, this approach is not explicitly mentioned in the Quranic text and seems like an ad-hoc solution.
- Use of Hadith: Others might reference hadith or sayings of companions of Muhammad to provide alternative formulas or adjustments. However, these external sources cannot override the Quranic text itself, which is considered the primary and most authoritative source in Islam.
- Contextual Interpretation: There might be attempts to interpret the verses contextually or culturally, suggesting that the rules were meant for different societal norms. Yet, this does not address the mathematical issue directly.
Conclusion
The inheritance law as described in Quran 4:11-12 presents a clear mathematical error when applied to the scenario described. The total distribution exceeds the estate value, which is a fundamental flaw in any system of inheritance. Critics argue that this error is indefensible within the framework of the Quran being a perfect and error-free divine text.
This issue stands as a significant challenge for those who uphold the Quran’s infallibility, as it directly contradicts the principle of mathematical consistency that one would expect from a divinely inspired text. While interpretations and explanations might be offered, they often stretch beyond the text’s literal meaning, highlighting the difficulty in reconciling this apparent error.
In the discourse of religious texts and their application, such mathematical inconsistencies invite a broader discussion on the nature of scripture, interpretation, and the intersection of faith with logical scrutiny.
This has been discussed in more detail in this YouTube video: https://youtu.be/ee2Yfk23n8c?si=1MonelAimuu8TuPl