What is the inheritance share of a single full sister in Islam?

If a person dies without children or parents (Kalalah) and leaves one full sister, she inherits one-half (1/2) of the estate. This is explicitly stated in the Quran in Surah An-Nisa, verse 4:176, and confirmed by scholarly consensus.

What is 'Kalalah' in Islamic inheritance?

Kalalah refers to a person who dies leaving neither descendants (children, grandchildren) nor ascendants (parents, grandparents) as heirs. The rules for distributing their estate to siblings are detailed in Quran 4:12 (for uterine siblings) and 4:176 (for full and paternal siblings).

How is inheritance divided between full brothers and sisters?

When full brothers and sisters inherit together from a 'Kalalah' relative, they share the remaining estate as residuaries. The division follows the Quranic principle where a male receives twice the share of a female (a 2:1 ratio), as stated in Surah An-Nisa, 4:176.

What do two or more full sisters inherit?

If a 'Kalalah' person dies leaving two or more full sisters (and no full brothers), they collectively inherit two-thirds (2/3) of the estate, to be divided equally among them. This ruling is explicitly mentioned in the Quran, Surah An-Nisa, verse 4:176.

Full Siblings in Islamic Inheritance: Quranic Rulings of Kalalah

full siblings

Explore Verses Related to full siblings

🕌An-Nisa4:176

At a Glance

According to search-discovered classical Islamic scholarship, the inheritance rules for full siblings (al-ikhwah al-ashiqqa') are specifically legislated for the case of 'Kalalah'—a person who dies without leaving any descendants (children) or ascendants (parents). Surah An-Nisa, verse 4:176, which commentators like Ibn Kathir note was among the last verses revealed, provides the definitive ruling. Al-Qurtubi's analysis confirms that these rules apply to siblings who share both parents. The verse outlines three scenarios: a single full sister receives half (1/2) the estate; two or more sisters share two-thirds (2/3); and if both brothers and sisters are present, they inherit the remainder as residuaries with the male receiving a share double that of the female. This divine legislation replaced pre-Islamic customs and established a just, clear system for distributing wealth among horizontal relatives, ensuring family bonds are maintained through financial rights and responsibilities.

📖 Quranic Context

Crucial for establishing a just system of wealth distribution and preventing disputes after death, particularly for a person with no direct descendants or ascendants.

Establishes a divinely ordained financial right and responsibility, strengthening family bonds.

References: The rules for full siblings are primarily detailed in Surah An-Nisa, verse 4:176.

💭 Theological Perspective

Recognizes the close bond and mutual responsibility between siblings who share both parents.

Provides financial security and acknowledges the emotional and social support structure siblings provide.

A specific ruling revealed to address a common societal issue and ensure fairness, replacing pre-Islamic customs.

Fulfilling these inheritance laws is an act of obedience and trust in divine wisdom.

📜 Hadith Perspective

The context for the revelation of 4:176 is linked to a question posed by Jabir ibn Abdullah to the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) about his own inheritance, as he had sisters but no children.

The last verse revealed concerned Kalalah.
The importance of giving prescribed shares to their rightful owners.

Sunni jurists have a consensus on the interpretation of 4:176 regarding full siblings, based on the practice of the companions, particularly Abu Bakr.

💎 Deeper Insights

Search grounding reveals Quran 4:176 is known as the 'Summer Verse' (Ayat as-Sayf) because it was revealed to the Prophet in the summer. This historical detail, often mentioned in advanced tafsirs, emphasizes its status as one of the very last legal rulings revealed, signifying the completion of the Islamic legal framework for inheritance.

— Ibn Kathir, Al-Qurtubi

The principle of a full brother making his sisters 'Asabah' (residuaries) is a key dynamic in Islamic inheritance. This means a single brother can change the entire inheritance category of all his sisters from fixed-share heirs (potentially sharing 2/3) to variable residuary heirs. This isn't a loss, but a shift in legal status that ensures the paternal line is prioritized in residuary inheritance.

— Consensus of Jurists