Sharing inheritance according to the Sharia is perfect justice-Shaykh Tirmidhi

The need for Muslims to follow the Islamic guidance in the sharing of deceased’s property was the focus of a one-day seminar organized by The Muslim Congress (TMC), Alimosho Local Government and Agbado Oke-Odo Local Council Development Area on Saturday 20, July, 2024.

The seminar, with the theme, ‘Islamic Law of Inheritance: Concepts and Core Values,’ provided insights on the principles guiding inheritance-sharing in Islam.

It also highlighted the necessity of sharing inheritances as well as the dangers of neglecting the act on not only the bereaved family but also on the society.

Why TMC organised the seminar

In an opening remark, the former Acting Wali of TMC Lagos State, Alhaji Abdulwaheed Omotunde, noted that Islam has not left any issue unaddressed, and inheritance sharing is one of them.

He said it was unfortunate that Muslims still have problems in the aspect of sharing inheritance despite having clear guidance from the Holy Qur’an.

“This is why TMC came up with this awareness programme to sensitise Muslims on the issue of inheritance sharing in Islam, the ease associated with it and to take the difficulties away from the people,” he said.

Family has right on deceased property

The Guest Speaker, Shaykh Jamiu Tirmidhi, who heads the Committee of Experts, Zakat and Sadaqat Foundation, explained that it is the right of a deceased family members to inherit his property, noting that not sharing such would amount to injustice.

He said sharing inheritance according to the Sharia is the perfect justice as everyone is given what they deserve.

He cited Qur’an Chapter 4 verses 7-14 in which Allah explained in details the sharing ratio for both male and female children as well as other members of the family entitled to the deceased property.

“These ˹entitlements˺ are the limits set by Allah. Whoever obeys Allah and His Messenger will be admitted into Gardens under which rivers flow, to stay there forever. That is the ultimate triumph!

“But whoever disobeys Allah and His Messenger and exceeds their limits will be cast into Hell, to stay there forever. And they will suffer a humiliating punishment,” he cited, warning Muslims against using other methods of sharing inheritance.

Aside the fact that following Islamic guidance in distributing the deceased’s property strengthens family inter-relationship and engender good social relationship, Shaykh Tirmidhi added that the bitter rivalry and acrimony that usually trail the death of loved ones would have been nipped in the bud.

Discussing the theme of the seminar, he observed that the knowledge of inheritance sharing is very scarce among Muslims despite the prophetic exhortation for them to seek it.

He, therefore, called on Muslims to seek the knowledge of Islamic Inheritance Law as this will go a long way in reducing the problems associated with distribution of deceased property.

Shaykh Tirmidhi, who is the proprietor, Nasrullahi Schools, highlighted some practices that are common among the people but fall under ignorance that must be discontinued.

“Majority of Muslims populace in the modern time still exhibit some ignoramous practices. These include one; some will not distribute the property at all but rather invest the property or collect rent and share the profits among the heirs yearly or occasionally, unnecessary delay in distribution of the property, elderly among the heirs sitting on the whole estate, embezzlement, declaring entire estate as sadaqa and misconception about the Will of the deceased,” he explained.

Discussing ‘Wills Law Under Common Law and Practice’ the Principal Partner, Amoo & Associates Noble Breed Solicitors, Barr. Abdul Wasiu Amoo, educated the audience on various aspects of Wills law and the meeting point with the Islamic Inheritance Law.

Represented by Barr. Abdul Jeleel Olayinka, Amoo emphasized the need for Muslims to indicate explicitly in their wills the fact that they want their property to be shared according to the Islamic Sharia after their demise.

This, he said, would remove any ambiguities or discrepancies that may arise regarding how inheritances should be distributed among family members.

The discourses at the seminar generated a lot of questions from participants, to which the resource persons provided answers.

Some of the personalities that graced the event were the Chairman, Alimosho Local Government, Hon. Jelili Sulaimon; Chairman, Nigerian Institution of Environmental Engineers (NIIE), Lagos State, Engr. Yusuf Majolagbe, Chairman, Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, ICAN Alimosho and District Society, Mr. Alli Olanrewaju Dauda; Senior Legislative Aide to the Deputy Senate President, Mr. Teslim Folorunso among others.