Faraid

Faraid is a group of rules that outline the principles of inheritance in Islamic law. The term "faraid" is derived from the Arabic word for "obligation" or "duty." These rules are intended to provide a fair and equitable system for distributing an individual's assets upon their death.

According to faraid, an individual's estate is distributed among their heirs based on a predetermined ratio. This ratio varies depending on the relationship between the individual and their heirs. For example, a parent leaves behind two or more children, the estate is divided equally among all offspring. However, if there are no children or other heirs standing in a specific familial relationship, the estate passes to more distant relatives, such as siblings or spouses of siblings.

The principles of faraid are outlined in various Islamic legal sources, including the Quran and the Hadith. The rules were also codified in various classical Islamic texts, including the works of jurists such as Imam Shafi'i and Imam Hanafa. Over time, there have been various interpretations and modifications of faraid, reflecting the diverse and complex nature of Islamic law.

In practice, faraid serves to ensure that individuals are not prejudiced by accidents of birth or marriage. By providing a clear and well-documented system for inheritance, faraid offers a measure of security and predictability in times of family change or loss.