SECTION ON INHERITANCE · 2 – THE INHERITANCE OF THE KALĀLA (ONE WHO HAS NEITHER FATHER NOR CHILD)
2886 – It is narrated from Jābir (may Allah be pleased with him) as follows: I had fallen ill, and the Messenger of God (peace and blessings be upon him) and Abū Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) came to visit me on foot. I lost consciousness. I was unable to speak with the Messenger of God (peace and blessings be upon him). The Messenger of God (peace and blessings be upon him) performed ablution and sprinkled some of the ablution water over me. Thereupon, I regained consciousness. (When I saw the Messenger of God at my side) I said, “O Messenger of God, I have sisters (but no children); how should I dispose of my wealth?” Thereupon, the verse concerning inheritances (Sūrat al-Nisāʾ, verse 176) was revealed: “They ask you for a legal verdict. Say: Allah directs (thus) about al-kalāla (one who has neither father nor child).” [591]
EXPLANATION
Kalāla: This term refers to a person who leaves behind siblings as heirs, having neither father nor child. The entirety of verse 176 of Sūrat al-Nisāʾ, which was revealed concerning the kalāla, is as follows: “They ask you for a legal verdict. Say: Allah gives you a ruling concerning al-kalāla (one who has neither father nor child). If a man dies, leaving no child but (only) a sister, she shall have half of what he leaves. And he (the brother) will inherit from her if she (the sister) has no child. But if there are two sisters, they shall have two-thirds of what he leaves. If there are brothers and sisters, the male will have the share of two females. Allah makes clear to you (His law), lest you go astray. And Allah is Knowing of all things.”