And for you a half of what your wives leave if they have no children; but if they have children then for you a fourth of what they leave after any bequest they may bequeath or any debt: a fourth of what you leave if you have no children; but if you have children then for them an eighth of what you leave after any bequest you may bequeath or any debt. If it be a man leaving an inheritance and not having a direct heir or it be a woman but it be that such has a brother or a sister then to each of the two a sixth; but if they be more than that then they share a third after any bequest to be bequeathed or any debt without prejudice; a charge from God. God is Knowing Forbearing. The subtle indication behind establishing inheritance for relatives by blood and marriage relates to the fact that the relative bears his grief when the individual dies. God compensates the heir for what he endures and soothes the ache in his heart with the inherited wealth. It is His way سبحانه to com- pensate for the suffering of the injured a generosity from Him-not an obligation on Him as some people imagine. All who were closest by blood or strongest by marital tie to the deceased are the most entitled to his inheritance. With regard to this meaning they have recited: No one remains possessed with cheerful largesse after the novelty is gone- except a youth still besotted.
