Wife, Son and Two Daughters

Question: Zaid owns properties and cash. His heirs include his wife a son and two daughters. How much will his heirs be entitled to during his lifetime and how much can he keep for himself?

Answer: Zaid's wealth is his own and he reserves the right to do with it he pleases. His children cannot dictate to him what he has to do. Zaid may however, distribute the wealth amongst them during his lifetime if he wishes to do so. Because this is nor inheritance, but gifts, it is necessary that male and females children receive equal shares. Therefore, his wife will receive an eighth of what he intends giving and the remaining amount needs to be distributed equally between his son and daughters. And Allaah knows best what is most correct.

Fatawa Rahimiyyah vol.3