Softness During Heritage Distribution

LESSON # 477 FROM HOLY QUR’AN

Softness During Heritage Distribution

Surah NISAAA’  (WOMEN) - Chapter - 4)

Verse – 8 of 176, Section –1/24 (Part – 4)

And when kinsfolk  and orphans and the needy are present at the division (of the heritage), bestow on them therefrom and speak kindly unto them.

Wa  ‘izaa  hazaral-qismata  ‘ulul-qurbaa   wal-yataamaa  wal-masaakiinu  far-zuquuhum-min-hu  wa  quuluu  lahum  qawlam-ma’-ruufaa.

Lesson

‘ulul-qurbaa – (kinsfolk), close relatives are called ‘ulul-qurbaa and kinsmen.

far-zuquuhum – {bestow on them (something)}, it has been originated from the word rizq, which means a grant.

qawlam-ma’-ruufaa – (kindly speaking, fair talk), well known and pleasing talk is called qawlam-ma’-ruufaa, that is to say; such correct saying, which has gotten a credential of a public assent.

If other people of the same kin are present at the time of division of the inheritance, either those persons out of them who do not merit the share from the heritage or the orphans and the needy, they should be returned after causing to drink and feed something. Even if anything is bestowed on them from the heritage, then it is also a good behavior. However, if there is no opportunity of causing to feed or give such people something from the property of inheritance, for instance, the orphans are owners of such property and the deceased person has not bequeathed to give those people something, then they should be seen off speaking them kindly. That is to say, it should be told them very softly that this property belongs to the orphans only and the deceased person has not even left by will for them. Therefore, we are helpless and sorry.

In the beginning of this Chapter (Surah), it was commanded, “Treat the entire kindred and close relatives very kindly, and show partiality with the orphans and the poor.” Therefore, something should be given to those people, and if they have no right of any share due to any reason, then at least they should be behaved in a well manner.

Islam has caused to draw attention repeatedly towards uniting the hearts in friendship. There is description about kinsfolk and close relatives along with the orphans and the poor in these verses. However, at other places, it has been emphasized about the rights of the guests, the neighbors and the strangers also.

When any person is unable to give something or his circumstances have compelled him to stop his hand, then in this form, it has been commanded to adopt the reasonableness in conversation and softness in his talking.  

Transliterated Holy Qur’an in Roman Script & Translated from Arabic to English by Marmaduke Pickthall, Published by Paak Company, 17-Urdu Bazar, Lahore, Lesson collected from Dars e Qur’an published By Idara Islah wa Tableegh, Lahore (translated Urdu to English  by Muhammad Sharif).