Islam: Peace or Otherwise

Lately, I've been scrolling through lots of news about Islamic Law, especially; Death for a Sudanese woman who apparently converted to Christianity. The comments I read are like 'Islam is cruel', 'Freedom of religion', 'the judge need to be on death sentence first', and 'God didn't say to kill when one converted to another religion'. The risk of defending my own religion without being bash terribly is super low. Some even find faults in the Quran.

In my personal point of view, when one wants to "bash" another religion, he needs to learn deeply about it. Learning about a religion doesn't mean that you will be converting into that religion. If you have faith towards your religion, why would you be shaken up by another religion? I know my university-mates who studies about other religion (because their major is religion and theology) and they are Muslim. And in addition, I haven't witness any of them "bashing" another religion because of a mistake done by an individual from a particular religion.

Currently, I am reading a book known as "World Without Islam". It is written by an Ex-CIA officer. Its a fresh new input that I've been receiving through the book.

To me, when you want to know about a religion, read their holy book, because from there, that is what their mindset has been "set" since they were kids or maybe adult. And from there we could grasp on the idea and concept on what is the difference between their past religion and current ones. But I won't say atheist is a religion, it is more of a choice. It's weird that you just don't trust in the existence of God.

I have friends from various religion, Islam, Hindu, Christian, Catholic, and Atheist. And ALL OF THEM are passionate about their religion. Why would I come up to them and sum up about their religion because of (let say) their leaders raped a girl and wasn't convicted? Its unfair and I don't see how that works in this current world.

To be safe, read up, open up and don't assume.

p/s: This is a very short entry because I feel that Islam has been approached and portrayed in a wrong manner. If you want to comment, bash and show negativity or positivity about this post, you are welcome to do so. I've been learning Islamic Law for the past 17 years, and I know its not a wrong religion that I CHOOSE.

It's the Weekend and it's time to E.A.T.

It is Good Friday (according to Non-Muslims) this weekend. & It's a 3 days holiday in Singapore. I bet there are numbers of Singaporean who would want to come to KL and enjoy the weekend. Some will question; "Isn't Singapore and KL are quite similar? I mean, they also have Chinatown (Petaling Street), Little India (Brickfields) and Orchard Road (Bukit Bintang or The Golden Triangle)?" Well, I'd agree to that with a big BUT the foods are slightly different.

What do they have in KL that Singapore doesn't?

a. Burger Bakar Abg Burn; those who travels to KL frequently might heard of it or even indulge in it. They are located in various location of KL. What do they serve? BURGER la abeh! But their burgers are HUGE! I have to share it with another. & it is filling bruh! U request the number of stacks you want, 1, 2 or 3 or more or tower or whatever, u name it, they have it.

b. Nasi Kerabu; or better known for its blue rice. YES! the rice is blue! It is originated from Kelantan. But the Kelantanese 'imported' and bring over their Nasi Kerabu for the whole Malaysia to know about it. Well, you can go to Masjid Jamek where there is a stall specifically that sells Nasi Kerabu. It is located among the 'Pasar Malam' street stretch.

 

c. DipnDip; Singapore have Max Brenner. But this DipnDip is MY FAVOURITE. Once u step your foot in the shop, the chocolate aroma fill the air. And they have white chocolate, milk chocolate and dark chocolate fountains for you to lay your eyes on. Their menus are to die for! I love the every each of them. I have to go there at least once a month. I'm sorry diet, you don't exist when it comes to chocolate. and, if you arrive after 8.30pm, please be patient and Q up. =)

d. Nasi Lemak B**I; if you know what b*** means, than, you are not wrong for what you have read. But, it is not what it sounds like. It is known for its deliciousness and because it is located next to a Bak Kut Teh stall. It is run by Indians. so, if you're up for it, and you don't have any doubt....INDULGE! p/s: they only serve NASI LEMAK. & don't say it out loud that you want Nasi Lemak B***.

 

e. Murni SS2: This is THE place for you to stuff yourself in for an interesting dinner with your friends. Why? They have it all. Yes, you want rice, noodle, soup, western, mamak, etc etc etc. its fusion. The prices are reasonable. The service is magnificent. The crowd is CRAZY. The foods are dying for.

f. The Apartment: It serves fusion/contemporary foods and it is actually a restaurant/bar kind of place. Its a bit pricy. But its worth it. It is undeniably mouth-watering. I went there for lunch twice and ordered the same dish, the taste doesn't change. its AWESOME! Because its outside view faces the esplanade of KLCC, thus people would go there, sit, chill, talk, have some drink and enjoy their time.

These are my own top 6 places that I would go over the weekend. Thus, enjoy and bon apetite tout le monde =)

Fasting: Yay or Nay

 

Peace be upon all readers ^_^

 

As usual, I bumped into an article that is interesting for me to write about. Fasting.

 

Some love it. Some don't.

 

Well, the article that I found out is in BBC News . And surprisingly, they state that "fasting for one day each week may make us healthier, happier and longer lived." Wow! This is amazing. Why? Because many people that I met says that fasting harms life; 'No consumption of anything for long hours thus it disturbs your digestion and all', or 'I have to drink a lot of water, I need fluid more than anyone else'. Well, logically, who have the time to exercise when you have to work from 0800 to 1700 everyday and once you're home, your chores are waiting and your day ends once your daily routine ends, and tomorrow will be the same again.

 

Let's discuss it in two ways; Scientifically [Yay & Nay] and Spiritually (Religion concern).

 

Scientifically; [Yay] 

1) As what I stated above, that would be one of the point.

 

2) Chef Paul Wenner (creator of the Gardenburger and founder of Wholesome & Hearty Foods, Inc.) states that

"Fasting allows the digestive system to rest and heal itself"

"Many people report striking clarifications, new and clearer ways of seeing things: breakthroughs in resolving difficulties and coming to resolutions in their lives"

The body eliminates toxins

It gives the body a rest: it "does not have to process the food it would otherwise be exposed to. There is a lot of scientific data showing that the most likely way to extend life is to restrict calories."

 

3) To support the highlighted statement;

Will Carol stated that;

- A slower metabolic rate, more efficient protein production, an improved immune system, and the increased production of hormones contributes to this long-term benefit of fasting.

- In addition to the Human Growth Hormone that is released more frequently during a fast, an anti-aging hormone is also produced more efficiently.

- The only reliable way to extend the lifespan of a mammal is under-nutrition without malnutrition.

* A study was performed on earthworms that demonstrated the extension of life due to fasting. The experiment was performed in the 1930s by isolating one worm and putting it on a cycle of fasting and feeding. The isolated worm outlasted its relatives by 19 generations, while still maintaining its youthful physiological traits. The worm was able to survive on its own tissue for months. Once the size of the worm began to decrease, the scientists would resume feeding it at which point it showed great vigor and energy.

- The life-span extension of these worms was the equivalent of keeping a man alive for 600 to 700 years.

 

4) Research cardiologists at the Intermountain Medical Center Heart Institute are reporting that fasting not only lowers one's risk of coronary artery disease and diabetes, but also causes significant changes in a person's blood cholesterol levels. Both diabetes and elevated cholesterol are known risk factors for coronary heart disease. Fasting causes hunger or stress. In response, the body releases more cholesterol, allowing it to utilize fat as a source of fuel, instead of glucose. This decreases the number of fat cells in the body," says Dr. Horne. "This is important because the fewer fat cells a body has, the less likely it will experience insulin resistance, or diabetes."

 

[Nay]

1) A lot of people regard fasting as good for the soul, noted Dr. Vash, "but it certainly isn't good for the body. Going from food to fast shocks the system." Fasting lowers glucose "by 50 percent after 24 hours, and that's a lot of stress on the system," adds Robert Rakowski, clinic director of Natural Medical Center, Clear Lake, Texas.

 

2) On the other hand, "I'm not totally opposed to fasting," said diet counselor Gail Sommerfeld, RD, who happens to be Dr. DeMeao's colleague at Loyola's nutrition clinic. "Twenty-four hours without solids is okay now and then -- provided that one takes in adequate water and eats a well-balanced, nutritious variety of foods throughout the week."

 

3) Dr. Rakowski, despite his misgivings about stressing the body, is not totally opposed, either. Fasting "one day a week, and/or a weekend a month clears the digestive system." But a better choice, he said, is to "cut calories by 50 percent by eating nutrient dense, plant-source foods" regularly, as an ongoing lifestyle.

 

4) After fasting only ten to 12 hours, the body starts using stored glucose, then begins to break down protein, said Dr. Mark DeMeao, assistant professor of medicine and associate director of nutrition at Loyola University Medical Center. "I don't know of any positive effects of fasting. I don't recommend it."

 

Spiritually;

 Fasting is an integral part of many of the major religions including Islam, Judaism, Christianity and Hinduism.

 

1) Hinduism: Fasting in Hinduism indicates the denial of the physical needs of the body for the sake of spiritual gains. According to the scriptures, fasting helps create an attunement with the Absolute by establishing a harmonious relationship between the body and the soul. This is thought to be imperative for the well being of a human being as it nourishes both his/her physical and spiritual demands. Hindus believe it is not easy to unceasingly pursue the path of spirituality in one's daily life. We are harangued by a lot of considerations, and worldly indulgences do not allow us to concentrate on spiritual attainment. Therefore a worshipper must strive to impose restrains on himself/herself to get his mind focused. And one form of restraint is fasting.

 

2) Christianity: Fasting, broadly speaking, is the voluntary avoidance of something that is good. When Catholics talk about fasting, we normally mean restricting the food that we eat. We can fast between meals, by not eating snacks, or we can engage in a complete fast by abstaining from all food. The English word breakfast, in fact, means the meal that breaks the fast. While fasting takes the form of refraining from eating, it is primarily a spiritual discipline designed to tame the body so that we can concentrate on higher things.

 

3) Judaism: In Judaism, the purpose of a fast is to lower the volume on our physical pursuits in order to focus more acutely on our spiritual selves. This facilitates the process of "teshuva" - literally "return." We return to G-d, and to our essential state of purity.  In the Book of Esther (4:16), Esther agreed to see the King uninvited, and asked the Jewish people to fast for three days beforehand. Esther called for a fast, knowing that through soul- searching the Jews would forge a spiritual connection necessary to make her mission successful. And it paid off, for indeed the Almighty sees and hears everyone at their time of need.

 

4) Islam: Islam is known for its 'one-month fasting period' which is Ramadhan. And along with that, the Muslims are encouraged to fast either every middle of the month, or every Monday and Thursday, or once every two days, or with some other reasons and purposes. Muslims are only expected to fast if they are healthy adults. Sick people, whether suffering from temporary or chronic disease, are exempt. Many scholars of Islamic sharia law say fasting is prohibited if it is harmful. The Prophet Muhammad is quoted as saying: "Fast so as to be healthy". All adult Muslims must give up the following things during the hours of daylight: Food or drink of any sort, Smoking, including passive smoking, Sexual activity. If an adult does not fast for the reasons above they should try to make up the fast at a later date, or make a donation to the poor instead. Muslims do not only abstain from physical things during Ramadan. They are also expected to do their best to avoid evil thoughts and deeds as well. There are many good reasons for this fast, including:

• Obeying God
• Learning self-discipline
• Becoming spiritually stronger
• Appreciating God's gifts to us
• Sharing the sufferings of the poor and developing sympathy for them
• Realising the value of charity and generosity
• Giving thanks for the Holy Qur'an, which was first revealed in the month of Ramadan
• Sharing fellowship with other Muslims

Islam is based on five principles; fasting in Ramadhan is one of them. In the Quran, we are commanded to fast. “Fasting is prescribed to you… that you may (learn) self-restraint” (Al-Baqarah, 02:183).


# So, I've laid down 4 Yays & 4 Nays as well as 4 Religions which encourage fasting for its followers. You decide what's good.

For me, it's a yay. why? Besides it is spiritually a must in Islam, I feel enlightened everytime I fast. After all, everything we do depends on our sole intention. Is it for God or is it for slimming down. =)

For more information;
Fitwise
Serendip Studio
Science Daily
BBC



 

Clash of the Titans: Islamic Law for will writing in a secular country? Is it even logical?

Peace be upon all of u =)
p/s: this is really a long post. Bare with me okay =)
 
Recently, the British legal system incorporated Islamic Law, but it only focuses on Wills. This was a very recent update and the guidelines were dated on 13th March 2014 (exactly 13 days ago). The full guidelines is available in Law Society website. And the guidelines is given out are for those who wants their solicitor to prepare their wills in accordance with the Islamic Law, which means, it is OPTIONAL.

News available at: (1) digital journal (2) telegraph
 
The very first point made in the guideline is Solicitors dealing with clients where Sharia (Muslim) succession rules may be relevant. So, non-Muslims shouldn't be afraid that it is applicable to them, because it does not. At all (Unless if you revert to Islam, than it is an option that you might want to consider in order for you to write your will according to it).
 
The issue that can be seen is WHY does the LAW SOCIETY in Britain decided to implement such guidelines knowing the fact that "The U.K. has the most comprehensive equality laws in the world" which was stated by Keith Porteous Wood (The Executive Director of the National Secular Society). And Baroness Cox stated that it is "a policy which is inherently gender discriminatory."
 
I was personally taken aback seeing comments as the above. But here, I will try my best to explain on why I think the Law Society decided to draft out the Sharia-Compliance wills guidelines.
 
First of all, Islam is a religion. Islamic law is a set of rules that runs the Muslims in their daily life (from the moment they were born till after their death). It is not what the world knows it as being harsh, discriminates, and not equal for the human being today. To understand Islamic Law, YOU NEED TO understands Islam. I'm not asking you to revert, but I am only asking you to understand the point of life according to a Muslim which is in accordance with the al-Quran send down by Allah via the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him [p.b.u.h]).
 
Secondly, will, what is the difference between Islamic Law and Civil Law? In general, your will lets you decide what happens to your money, property and possessions after your death.
 
Focusing in the United Kingdom [England & Wales], there is an Act; Wills Act 1837; which allow an individual above 18 to write up their own will. And ALL property may be disposed of by will. And without the will, the law will say who gets what. And in UK, there is a website that helps you to get to know who inherits if you die without a will; it is like a quiz, where you answer questions.
 

So the questions are:

 

[set A]

(1) Where did the deceased live? [England and wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland]

(2) Is there a living husband, wife or civil partner? [Yes]

(3) Is the estate likely to be worth more than GBP250000 [No]

* The highlighter words for No1-3 are my answers;

# So the website (ie THE LAW) concluded that the husband, wife or civil partner gets all of the estate.

 

[Set Ai]

(1) Where did the deceased live? [England and wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland]

(2) Is there a living husband, wife or civil partner? [Yes]

(3) Is the estate likely to be worth more than GBP250000 [Yes]

(4) Are there any living children, grandchildren, or other direct descendants (eg great-grandchildren)? [Children include legally-adopted sons or daughters, but not stepchildren] [Yes]

# The husband, wife or civil partner keeps all the assets (including property), up to GBP250,000, and all the personal possessions, whatever their value.
- The remainder of the estate will be shared equally between: (1) the husband, wife or civil partner. (2) any surviving children.
- If a son or daughter has already died, their children will inherit in their parent's place.

 

[Set Aii]

(1) Where did the deceased live? [England and wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland]

(2) Is there a living husband, wife or civil partner? [Yes]

(3) Is the estate likely to be worth more than GBP250000 [Yes]

(4) Are there any living children, grandchildren, or other direct descendants (eg great-grandchildren)? [Children include legally-adopted sons or daughters, but not stepchildren] [No]

(5) Are there any living parents? [No]

# The husband, wife, or civil partner gets all of the estate.

 

[Set Aiii]

(1) Where did the deceased live? [England and wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland]

(2) Is there a living husband, wife or civil partner? [Yes]

(3) Is the estate likely to be worth more than GBP250000 [Yes]

(4) Are there any living children, grandchildren, or other direct descendants (eg great-grandchildren)? [Children include legally-adopted sons or daughters, but not stepchildren] [No]

(5) Are there any living parents? [Yes]

(6) Did the deceased have any brothers or sisters? [Yes]

# The husband, wife or civil partner keeps all the assets (including property) up to GBP450,000, and all the personal possessions, whatever their value.
-They also get half of the amount left over.
- The remainder is divided between any brothers or sisters.
- If a brother or sister has already died, their children (deceased's nieces and nephews) inherit.

  

[Set Aiv]

(1) Where did the deceased live? [England and wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland]

(2) Is there a living husband, wife or civil partner? [Yes]

(3) Is the estate likely to be worth more than GBP250000 [Yes]

(4) Are there any living children, grandchildren, or other direct descendants (eg great-grandchildren)? [Children include legally-adopted sons or daughters, but not stepchildren] [No]

(5) Are there any living parents? [Yes]

(6) Did the deceased have any brothers or sisters? [No]

# The husband, wife or civil partner keeps all the assets (including property) up to GBP450,000, and all the personal possessions, whatever their value.
-They also get half of the amount left over.
- The remainder goes to the parent or parents.

 

 

[Set B]

(1) Where did the deceased live? [England and wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland]

(2) Is there a living husband, wife or civil partner? [No]

(3) Are there any living children, grandchildren or other direct descendants (eg great-grandchildren)? [Yes]

# The estate is shared equally between the children or their descendants.
- If a son or daughter has already died, their children (the grandchildren of the deceased) inherit in their parent's place.

 

[Set Bi]

(1) Where did the deceased live? [England and wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland]

(2) Is there a living husband, wife or civil partner? [No]

(3) Are there any living children, grandchildren or other direct descendants (eg great-grandchildren)? [No]

(4) Are there any living parents? [Yes]

# The estate is shared equally between the parents. They may have to pay Inheritance Tax.

 

[Set Bii]

(1) Where did the deceased live? [England and wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland]

(2) Is there a living husband, wife or civil partner? [No]

(3) Are there any living children, grandchildren or other direct descendants (eg great-grandchildren)? [No]

(3) Are there any living parents? [No]

(4) Did the deceased have any brothers or sisters? [Yes]

# The estate is shared equally between the brothers or sisters.
-If a brother or sister has already died, their children (nieces and nephews of the deceased) inherit in their place.

 

[Set Biii]

(1) Where did the deceased live? [England and wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland]

(2) Is there a living husband, wife or civil partner? [No]

(3) Are there any living children, grandchildren or other direct descendants (eg great-grandchildren)? [No]

(3) Are there any living parents? [No]

(4) Did the deceased have any brothers or sisters? [No]

(5) Did the deceased have any half-brothers or half-sisters? [Yes]

#  The estate is shared equally between the half-brothers or half-sisters.
- If they already died, their children will inherit in their place.

 

[Set Biv]

(1) Where did the deceased live? [England and wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland]

(2) Is there a living husband, wife or civil partner? [No]

(3) Are there any living children, grandchildren or other direct descendants (eg great-grandchildren)? [No]

(3) Are there any living parents? [No]

(4) Did the deceased have any brothers or sisters? [No]

(5) Did the deceased have any half-brothers or half-sisters? [No]

(6) Are there any living grandparents? [Yes]

# The estate is shared equally between the grandparent(s)
- They may have to pay Inheritance Tax.

 

[Set Bv]

(1) Where did the deceased live? [England and wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland]

(2) Is there a living husband, wife or civil partner? [No]

(3) Are there any living children, grandchildren or other direct descendants (eg great-grandchildren)? [No]

(3) Are there any living parents? [No]

(4) Did the deceased have any brothers or sisters? [No]

(5) Did the deceased have any half-brothers or half-sisters? [No]

(6) Are there any living grandparents? [No]

(7) Did the deceased have any aunts or uncles? [Yes]

# The estate is shared equally between the aunts or uncles.
- if an aunt or uncle has already died, their children (the cousins of the deceased) inherit in their place.

 

[Set Bvi] 

(1) Where did the deceased live? [England and wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland]

(2) Is there a living husband, wife or civil partner? [No]

(3) Are there any living children, grandchildren or other direct descendants (eg great-grandchildren)? [No]

(3) Are there any living parents? [No]

(4) Did the deceased have any brothers or sisters? [No]

(5) Did the deceased have any half-brothers or half-sisters? [No]

(6) Are there any living grandparents? [No]

(7) Did the deceased have any aunts or uncles? [No]

(8) Did the deceased have any half-aunts or half-uncles? [Yes]

# The estate is shared equally between the half-aunts or half-uncles.
- if an aunt or uncle has already died, their children (the cousins of the deceased) inherit in their place.

 

[Set Bvii]

(1) Where did the deceased live? [England and wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland]

(2) Is there a living husband, wife or civil partner? [No]

(3) Are there any living children, grandchildren or other direct descendants (eg great-grandchildren)? [Yes]

(3) Are there any living parents? [No]

(4) Did the deceased have any brothers or sisters? [No]

(5) Did the deceased have any half-brothers or half-sisters? [No]

(6) Are there any living grandparents? [No]

(7) Did the deceased have any aunts or uncles? [No]

(8) Did the deceased have any half-aunts or half-uncles? [No]

#The whole estate goes to the Crown.

 After looking at the questions above [a long one], I saw that the son or daughter of deceased is not one of the main inheritance according to Civil Law in UK (except only when the husband, wife or civil partner is dead). As well as it purely sees the amount of money that the deceased have before giving it away to the right ones.
 
_____________________________________________________________________________


Question: What about Islamic Law? Is there any difference? The women get less than the men don't they?
 
Answer: There is a lot of difference.

When a Muslim dies there are four duties which need to be performed. These are:

1. payment of funeral expenses
2. payment of his/her debts
3. execution his/her will [or known as al-wasiyya; and it is usually 1/3 of her total wealth]
4. distribution of the remaining estate amongst the heirs according to Sharia [also known as the method of Faraidh]

The importance of the Islamic will (wasiyya) is clear from the following two hadith [collection of the Prophet Muhammad's statements during his lifetime]:

"It is the duty of a Muslim who has anything to bequest not to let two nights pass without writing a will about it." (Sahih al-Bukhari [one of the popular scholars who memorize the hadith]) 

"A man may do good deeds for seventy years but if he acts unjustly when he leaves his last testament, the wickedness of his deed will be sealed upon him, and he will enter the Fire. If, (on the other hand), a man acts wickedly for seventy years but is just in his last will and testament, the goodness of his deed will be sealed upon him, and he will enter the Garden." (Ahmad and Ibn Majah [among the popular scholars who memorize the hadith])

The will gives the testator an opportunity to help someone (e.g. a relative need such as an orphaned grandchild or a Christian widow) who is not entitled to inherit from him. The will can be used to clarify the nature of joint accounts, those living in commensality, appointment of guardian for one’s children and so on. In countries where the intestate succession law is different from Islamic law it becomes absolutely necessary to write a will.

 

The wasiyya is executed after payment of debts and funeral expenses. the majority view is that debts to Allah (SWT) such as zakh; obligatory expiation etc. should be paid whether mentioned in the will or not.

 

So, when a Muslim writes a will, the will is meant for non-heirs who he intends to help. Thus, the heirs are entitled to a specific fraction which is stated in the Quran. The fraction stated in the Quran are as follows:

 

Surah An-Nisa

 

Allah chargeth you concerning (the provision for) your children: to the male the equivalent of the portion of two females, and if there be women more than two, then theirs is two-thirds of the inheritance, and if there be one (only) then the half. And to of his parents a sixth of the inheritance, if he have a son; and if he have no son and his parents are his heirs, then to his mother appertaineth the third; and if he have brethren, then to his mother appertaineth the sixth, after any legacy he may have bequeathed, or debt (hath been paid). Your parents or your children: Ye know not which of them is nearer unto you in usefulness. It is an injunction from Allah. Lo! Allah is Knower, Wise. (11) And unto you belongeth a half of that which your wives leave, if they have no child; but if they have a child then unto you the fourth of that which they leave, after any legacy they may have bequeathed, or debt (they may have contracted, hath been paid). And unto them belongeth the fourth of that which ye leave if ye have no child, but if ye have a child then the eighth of that which ye leave, after any legacy ye may have bequeathed, or debt (ye may have contracted, hath been paid). And if a man or a woman have a distant heir (having left neither parent nor child), and he (or she) have a brother or a sister (only on the mother's side) then to each of them twain (the brother and the sister) the sixth, and if they be more than two, then they shall be sharers in the third, after any legacy that may have been bequeathed or debt (contracted) not injuring (the heirs by willing away more than a third of the heritage) hath been paid. A commandment from Allah. Allah is Knower, Indulgent. (12)

 

They ask thee for a pronouncement. Say: Allah hath pronounced for you concerning distant kindred. If a man die childless and he have a sister, hers is half the heritage, and he would have inherited from her had she died childless. And if there be two sisters, then theirs are two-thirds of the heritage, and if they be brethren, men and women, unto the male is the equivalent of the share of two females. Allah expoundeth unto you, so that ye err not. Allah is Knower of all things. (176)

There are 25 groups of people who deserve the legacy of someone who has died, 15 male and 10 female. The discussion below is basically the interpretation to the contents of Surah An-Nisa verse 7-14 above. But there is one thing to remember, not all of the 25 who have rights over the estate when it will be distributed, there are certain conditions that give  a rise to the priorities of some people who may cancel the right of the heir to another. The 25 groups are:

1. Male heirs

• Sons.

• Grandsons (sons of the sons, as well as in this case all descendants who are still in the male line (paternal)- great-grandsons, his sons, and so on down).

• Father.

• Grandfather from the side of Father (father of father), and continue upwards from the blood ties are from the father (up to the great-grandfather, for instance, if they are still alive).

• True Brothers (one mother and father).

• Brothers from father descendant; the same father (but different mother).

• Brothers from mother descendant ; the same mother (but different father).

• The sons of the true brothers (nephews).

• The sons of the brother from father descendants.

• The true brothers of father (uncle).

• Father's brothers (uncle) from father descendant.

• The sons of uncle (the true brother of father) or in the other terms the cousin from father family.

• The sons of uncle (brother of father from father descendant).

• Husband.

• The Men who have liberated (freed) the corpse (if he used to be a slave when he was alive).

 

If the 15 people mentioned above are all still alive, then the entitled ones to inherited the heritage left by the corpse only 3 (three):

1. The Father of the dead.

2. His Sons.

3. Husband.

 

2. Female heirs

• Daughters.

• The daughters of the sons and so on down, in condition that still in ties with the dead on the line of men. For example, the daughters of grandsons, or the daughters of great-grandsons; came down  from the original line of men.

• Mother.

• The Mother of  Father.

• The mother of mother, and continue upwards in maternal line and may not be broken by the male line (for example mother of grandmother, grandmother of grandmother, and so on).

• True sisters (one mother and father).

• The sisters from father descendants; the same father but different mother.

• The sisters from mother descendants; the same mother but different father.

• Wife(s).

• The Women who have liberated (freed) the corpse (if she / he used to be a slave when she/he was alive).

 

If the 10 people mention above are all still alive, then the ones who have rights to inherit the corpse’s heritage are only 5 (five);

1. Wife.

2. Daughters.

3. The daughters of the sons.

4. Mother.

5. The true sisters (one mother and father).

 

Furthermore, if the 25 parties above are still alive or have been found, then the rights of the inheritance are only for:

1. Husband / wife.

2. Mother and father.

3. Sons and daughters.

 

There is no age limit to get a ration of inheritance in Islam, even if there is a child born when the death occurred - the baby is entitled to the inheritance.

For this thing, The Prophet (p.b.u.h) said, "If there is cry of a newborn child, he get a heritage." (Narrated by Abu Dawud).

 

There are even scholars who argue, not only newborns, even fetuses which are still inside their mother's womb is to be entitled to the inheritance in which they are entitled.

 

If I could have a super big whiteboard, it would be easy. But I'll use the some situation as the above and let us see how are the divisions going to be like according to Islamic Law.

 

The fractions according to the Quran are:

1/2; Husband/Daughter/Granddaughter

1/3; mother/2 or more sisters or brother from mother's descendant.

1/4; Husband/Wife

1/6; Mother/Father/Grandmother/Grandfather/Granddaughters/sisters or brother from mother's descendant/sister from brother descendant.

1/8; Wife

2/3; 2 or more daughters

Balance; son and some other heirs

 

NOTE: THE FRACTIONS ARE GIVEN ACCORDING TO THE HEIRS AVAILABLE AND CLOSEST TO THE DECEASED.

 

Please take note:

(1) No matter where you live, your faraidh is the same in Islam.

(2) We don't give away your wealth according to the amount of your money.

(3) We don't exercise civil partner in our law.

(4) Legally adopted children as well as stepchildren will be written in the will (it is totally up to the deceased).

 

Example - Deceased is a Husband, he leaves:

[situation 1]

Wife: 1/8

Son(s): Balance

Granddaughter: Not applicable

 

[situation 2]

Wife: 1/8

1 son: 2 parts from 7/8

1 daughter: 1 part from 7/8

Sister: Not applicable

Grandson: Not applicable

 

[situation 3]

Wife: 1/8

1 son: 2 parts from 7/8

2 or more daughter: share 1 part from 7/8

Sister from mother descendent: Not applicable

 

For online calculator of FARAIDH, You can google it. Or else, you can go to online in English calculator or  in Bahasa Malaysia's calculator. Because we have our own counting rules and methods. Once the calculations are completed, then only the total balance wealth from all the paid up debts and death expenses are to be divided according to the calculation made earlier on.

 

Thus, both law serves for different purpose in order to cater different groups of people.

 

IN Civil Law;

(1) without the will, the law will decide upon the wealth.

(2) Division depends on the amount of money.

(3) Further taxes need to be paid if the receiver is not considered as a direct relative according to the law.

 

IN Islamic Law;

(1) with or without the will, the faraidh is applicable.

(2) Division depends on the fraction given and not the amount of money.

(3) Eligible heirs will receive according to the chart and fractioned amount.

(4) No taxes need to be paid if the receiver is considered as a distant relative to the deceased.

(5) It is only applicable to a Muslim deceased as well as his/her Muslim family members.

(6) Non-Muslim are still eligible when it is being stated in the will by the deceased during his lifetime.

 

So, is it even logical for the British Legal Officers to be implementing such wills in their society? Well, it is not as if they are removing the current wills system that are in practice. WHY? Because the Sharia-compliance wills are meant for Muslim (just emphasizing =))

 

Hope this benefits you & me.

 

# for more information on Faraid.

5 reasons to study abroad

A very good day to all readers.

 

This very first post of mine on this new page; after so long of not writing a blog; will be on studying abroad. The reason I am writing it is simple: I am experiencing it and I saw an article earlier this morning on The Straits Times (Malaysia) regarding it.

 

Well, the author stated that when you study abroad, you will experience new things. UNDENIABLE. I am not bashing any students currently doing local. But the experience you get from studying abroad is way better. Why do I say so? Here are my 5 humble-straight forward reasons, let's check it out:

 

1) FREEDOM!

It is. You get to do whatever you want. You get to go wherever you wish. You get to experience the indescribable feelings of it. However, being in a freedom state doesn't mean you are totally free from being restricted (well, for some people yes). And doesn't mean you can go all wild (it happens. trust me). But what you got to do and experience abroad with the 'freedom' you have will shape who you will be. Wiser or not. Smarter or not. Emotional or not. etc.

 

Thus, if you are in Malaysia - Go out for Cuti-cuti Malaysia.

If you're in UK, GO TO EUROPE!

If you're in Australia - Go on wet & dry.

If you're in NZ - Go and see all the cows and drink up extreme fresh milk.

If you're in Egypt - Go for pilgrimage.

 

These kind of things would be like what? double or triple the price to experience it if you're not studying abroad. Because the cost to fly over, transit, finding a hotel or motel, shopping for yourself and for souvenirs, bla bla bla. It does sum up to an amount that it is far worth it to study abroad.

 

2) FOOD!

I love to eat! I do. I can't deny that. And every human being alive that I know LOVES to eat. So, even if you say that "oh! I don't have to go to Italy to eat Pasta" well dude, you're wrong. The experience of eating Pasta in Italy is what I want. And, I want to order my Pasta by speaking Italy. (I know nuts on how to speak Italy). or maybe eating macaroon in France while taking a tour in the Eiffel Tower (Le Tour de Eifel). and so on and so forth.

 

Because, you might not get all the local cuisine from France, Egypt, Damascus, Malaysia, Singapore, India, Australia and many other parts of the world in your own country. As for me, I will not be able to get Nasi Kerabu in Singapore.

 

3) MEET VARIOUS KINDS OF PEOPLE.

"Well hello there. Bonjour. Marhaban. Hola. Hallo. Ciao."

You don't hear alien languages in your country (Besides the other local languages that your countrymate speaks). By meeting various kind of people, trying to get to know them generally and you decided to choose a few close friends thus you get to know them closer. Dude, you go overseas, don't just stick to your countrymate. You should be opening up to people. Even if you can't speak their native language, I believe everyone on Earth speaks at least English or/& Arabic or/& French.

 

4) INDEPENDENCY.

When you are abroad, your parents don't wash your clothes nor wash your plates nor cook for you. It's time for you to totally have control of yourself. If you're lazy, you are lazy. Your housemates can't cook for you like he is your father. Your housemates can't wash your clothes like she is your mother. You have the POWER to take control on how you want to organize your life properly. Studying + Cleaning; trust me, most students can't do both properly at the same time. Its either studying too much or cleaning too much (but I've never seen any of my friends who clean too much when they're abroad - but I know people who just stack everything up and study and just go through their stacks of clothes when they need it. pfft!)

 

In addition, you have the power to decide about YOUR LIFE. What you want to do and how you're going to do it. Independency all the way. all the way.

 

5) EXPERIENCE

Local students experiences DIFFERS from abroad students experiences. I heard a Doctor who is doing her MA said that; you're still young, go abroad. Study abroad. Don't cramp yourself with being in your own hometown. Well, I must say that I agree to that. Because if I am not studying abroad, I won't know any Doctors personally (despite my own family doctor - that doesn't count). Nor would I mingle with experience lawyers (that would be my cousin's friends. I love them). Nor would I be mingle with experienced people. Some says that I might end up abroad - working and settling down. I would want to say yes to that.

 

One of my friend got sick of her own hometown within 2 months of coming back. hahaha! why? Because she is so used to all of the above experience. I am going to say that I agree because I FELT THAT WAY. Being abroad makes you appreciate life more. But not many would understand the feeling that you're having. If we talk among the abroad students, we will surely suggest for you to go out and be free.

 

The most important thing, talk it out to your parents. Plan wisely. Choose wisely. If you love seeing other places and experiencing new stuffs, go on and go ahead.

 

I wouldn't stop my children if they want to go out for years.