Can someone enlighten me about the "Inheritance law" in Islam.? From my knowledge of the Qur'an, this law is really very limited and is applicable ONLY to those cases where the will/testament was not written--which would be violation of Allah's injunction anyway. The Qur'an makes it clear--not once--but at least four in two ayahs (4:11, 12) that this law is only applicable AFTER the will has been executed and the debts have been paid.
Of course, one can write the will as he/she wishes and deems fit for his family. The Qur'an fixes no shares there. It does give the authority to declare the will null and void if there is manifest injustice--like someone gave away all or most of his property to someone he loved as a friend or an old-time companion while his own family suffered. So what is all this fuss about? Irfan ----- Original Message ----- From: S A Hannan To: eGroup For Muslims Around The World Sent: Wednesday, April 16, 2008 11:47 AM Subject: Bismillah [IslamCity] Dhaka Clashes between police and people.- Asia Post, Dhaka, editorial dated 16.4.08 ----- Dhaka Clashes between police and people. We have seen clashes in Dhaka city between police and people around Baitul mukarram city center .The people were agitating against some parts of the recently announced women policy which has some parts which create confusion whether the policy violates the stipulation of the Quran with regard to inheritance. The confusion has been created because clause 9.3 of the policy says that new law will be made to establish equal right in all movable and immovable property.Any body can see that this new law will affect inheritance law in various ways.The drafting was indeed either foolish or very clever to deceive people.Islamic inheritance law is important for Muslims because it does justice keeping in view the liabilities of various parties. We are not mentioning the advantage for women in maintenance law of Islam and how it gives over-all edge to women when implemented .The policy has further created confusion by mentioning implementation of CEDAW without mentioning the reservations Bangladesh like many other countries has given to this document . In any case these are no justifications for lawlessness. Some elements in press, in left political front have over stressed the clashes .Some people are calling it prelude to civil war and repeatation of Lal Masjid of Islamabad.These are clearly motivated propaganda. There had been much more police-people clashes in all parts of Bangladesh , specially in Dhaka, even around Baitul Mukarram , during the last time of President Ershad , last days of Khalida Zia's government in 96 and 2006 , at the beginning of present caretaker government in october 2006.At that time , these people did not say about civil war . The present problem has been created by several quarters, not one section, first making a women policy which can affect some Quranic provisions, then govt's failure to amend the policy quickly. Continuation of movement by some Madrasah and political elements even after government's declaration that they will do nothing against Quranic commands and laws was also responsible.Then police excess in not allowing a delegation to submit a memo to the Chief Advisor , attack on police by some elements in Baitul Mukarram area, and provocative statement by Madam Rasheda Chowdury that this policy is in accord with the constitution without realizing that all rights are subject to law and basic principles of the constitution contributed to escalation of the problem. Some media and political people are trying to discredit Islamic elements only, they are trying to blame main Islamic party who are not involved in these clashes at all ( as stated by them in press statements).This part of the press has never been fair in news generally , particularly about Islamic elements. We ask the government to quickly review the policy and also ask the agitating public to stop unlawful agitation.
