Title: Shares of Inheritance Question: Which ayat(s) in the Qur'an can explain how to determine inheritance for the following situation: deceased man has 2 daughters, wife and both parents surviving. Daughters get 2/3, parents get 1/3, wife 1/8. 2/3 + 1/3 + 1/8 = 1 1/8? Laila Roberts Answer: Before answering your question, I would like to clarify that my understanding of the Law of Inheritance of the Qur'an is different for the generally ascribed to opinion of the Muslims [1] . The specific Qur'anic verses that relate to the referred situation are Al-Nisaa 4: 11 - 12. According to these verses, the shares of each of the mentioned relations shall be as follows: Parents : 1/6 th each for father and mother respectively (Verse 11); Wife : 1/8 th (Verse 12); and 2 Daughters : 2/3 rd of the balance left after the distribution of the shares of parents and wife i.e.: 2/3{1-(1/6+1/6+1/8)} = 2/3{1-(11/24) = 2/3 x 13/24 = 13/36 Share of each Daughter : ½ of 13/36 = 13/72 After the distribution of these shares, you will be left with a balance of 13/36. This balance, in the absence of any bequest of the deceased (as well as any legislation passed by the state) shall be given to (or distributed among) the closest male relatives of the deceased. I hope this helps. Regards, Moiz Amjad September 17, 2001 [1] For my opinion on the subject, please refer to my article and responses on the subject, which you may access at: http://www.understanding-islam.com/related/showsubsubcategory.jsp?display=on&subcat=55&cat=15 .