'awl is proportional reduction where the fixed shares exceed the whole estate.
The Canadian position
Canadian abatement works in a fixed order instead — residue first, then general, then specific gifts.
Canadian law gives effect to whatever a valid will says, so an Islamic concept takes effect here through the drafting rather than automatically.
The Islamic position
The denominator is increased so every share abates by the same proportion.
Confirm the position for your own family and school with a qualified scholar rather than relying on a general summary.
The four Sunni schools are not recorded as differing materially on this point in the sources reviewed. Where your own case turns on it, put it to a scholar of your school.
General information, not legal or religious advice. Inheritance depends entirely on the exact family circumstances. Confirm the Canadian position with a lawyer in your province and any religious ruling with a qualified scholar.
Citations & sources
Every factual claim on this page traces to one of the references below. Legislation and dollar thresholds change — verify against the primary source before relying on any figure.
- Surah an-Nisa 4:11 — shares of children and parents — Quran.com
- Surah an-Nisa 4:12 — shares of spouses and uterine siblings — Quran.com
- Surah an-Nisa 4:176 — the kalalah verse — Quran.com
- Sahih al-Bukhari, Book 85: Laws of Inheritance (Faraid) — Sunnah.com
- Sahih Muslim, Book of Inheritance — Sunnah.com
- Research Papers — Cambridge Muslim College
- Research — Cambridge Muslim College
- Academics — Islamic law and theology curriculum — Zaytuna College
- Encyclopaedia of Islam — Brill
- Administering estates — Government of Ontario
- Who can contest a will in ontario standing — Treadstone Law
- Including pets in a will ontario — Treadstone Law
- Gifting family home cottage ontario will — Treadstone Law
- Can a will override joint ownership survivorship ontario — Treadstone Law
- Leaving money for pet care ontario will — Treadstone Law
- Beneficiary designation conflicts with will ontario — Treadstone Law
- Wills & estates practice — Treadstone Law