Muhammadiyah's Perspective on Islamic Inheritance Jurisprudence
Dividing an inheritance often turns the atmosphere at home tense. Not a few sibling relationships that were previously perfectly fine become strained over the division of a parent’s estate. As a female student, I view the issue of inheritance not merely as a question of who receives a larger or smaller share, but of how we understand the justice established in Islamic teaching.
In Indonesia, inheritance matters are still frequently settled according to family custom. Some divide everything equally among all children, whilst others hand everything over to the eldest child. Such decisions are often taken simply to avoid conflict, without considering the rules set out in the Qur’an. As a result, feelings of injustice emerge that later trigger discord.
Muhammadiyah, as one of the largest modernist Islamic organisations in Indonesia, holds that the distribution of inheritance should follow the provisions of Islamic law as explained in the Qur’an, particularly Surah An-Nisa verses 11, 12 and 176. These provisions are studied in the science of faraidh, which determines who is entitled to inherit and the size of each share. This principle shows that the division of inheritance is not merely the product of human agreement, but part of Allah’s law, aimed at upholding justice.
Many wonder why, in certain circumstances, a son receives twice the share of a daughter. Viewed in numbers alone, this provision indeed appears unequal. However, according to Muhammadiyah’s view, justice in Islam does not always mean equal shares. Islam takes into account the responsibilities borne by each party. Men are obliged to provide for their wives, children and, in certain circumstances, other family members, whereas property received by women becomes entirely their personal right, with no obligation to support the family.
As a student studying various perspectives in social life, I understand that gender equality issues often give rise to criticism of Islamic inheritance law. Nevertheless, I also see that a rule cannot be judged from one side alone. Islamic law comes as a system in which rights and duties complement one another. Where a man’s economic responsibilities within the family are greater, a different division of inheritance is not a form of discrimination, but part of a balance of responsibilities.
Even so, I am aware that society today is undergoing much change. Many women have become the breadwinners of their families, even earning more than their brothers. Such circumstances often raise new questions about the relevance of inheritance shares. Muhammadiyah maintains that the portions of inheritance remain governed by syariah. However, the spirit of mutual assistance, deliberation, gifts made whilst the testator is still alive, and the distribution of assets through a will compliant with Islamic law can serve as solutions to safeguard the family’s welfare without altering the inheritance law already established.
In my view, the greatest problem lies not in the rules of distribution but in the public’s limited understanding. Many families only discuss inheritance after their parents have passed away, so emotional circumstances often influence the division process. In fact, education on inheritance law should be given early, so that every family member understands their rights and obligations. In this way, decisions are based not on emotion but on knowledge and deliberation.
In addition, transparency in the recording of family assets is also important. Many conflicts arise because heirs are unclear about the total assets left behind or the debts that must first be settled. Islam teaches that before assets are announced to the heirs, obligations such as funeral costs, debt repayment and the execution of a syariah-compliant will must be settled first. Understanding these stages will help reduce misunderstanding within the family.
As the young generation, I believe we have a responsibility to study Islamic law in its entirety, including inheritance. We must not rely on fragments of opinion on social media without grasping the legal foundations. Universities, student organisations and religious institutions all play an important role in providing education so that society increasingly understands that inheritance law is not merely about dividing property, but a form of protection for the rights of every heir.
Ultimately, the division of inheritance according to Muhammadiyah is not only about numbers and percentages, but about fulfilling Allah’s trust with honesty and responsibility. When every family member understands that these rules aim to deliver justice in accordance with syariah, the likelihood of conflict diminishes. An inheritance should be a means of preserving family ties, not a reason for severed relations. As a female student, I hope more young people will study faraidh so that the values of Islamic justice can be understood in full and applied wisely in social life.