Women In Islam : Inheritance ( Part 4 )

Inheritance in Islam is claimed by skeptics as the obvious example of women discrimination. They said it is totally unfair when women only deserve ½ from the amount that given to men, even both are from the same family.

But having said that, according to the Islamic inheritance laws, there are situations which women inherit more than men and also women inherit while the men get nothing. As for the former, it happens when a person dies leaving one full sister and three half-brothers (by the father). In this case, the full sister gets half of the deceased wealth while the other half will be divided equally among the three half-brothers. As for the later, it occurs when a wife dies, leaving a husband, a full sister and a brother of her father. In this situation, the husband gets half and another half will be given to the sister while the half-brother gets nothing at all.

The case that argued by Islamic skeptic as the women discrimination, happen when the inheritance is divided between a sister and a brother or a daughter and a son. In this case, women just deserve to own ½ compared to their partner who get full.

In term of equality, this type of division seems unjust, however in term of put the thing in the right place, absolutely it is the best solution to manage the deceased wealth. Thus, the inheritance should not be looked at how Islam divides the wealth, but the responsibility between gender also needs to be considered.

In Islam, men are solely responsible for everything. For example, the man has to pay the bridal money or dower gift to the bride. After that, all of household expenses and wife necessary are in his responsibility. Failing to fulfill this task, they can be declared as unqualified husband by the court if their wife makes the complaint. If he is single, he also must take care for his sister (if she not married), his mother and his father (if they are unable to work).

The situation completely reverses for women.  Firstly, they are not asked to pay anything for their marriage instead of receive the bridal money. Secondly, if she works, she possesses full of her money and her husband is not permitted to take her money.

In conclusion, Islam provides the best solution for human problem rather than promote the equality.