Proportional reduction when the fixed shares add up to more than the whole estate.
In Islamic law
Some combinations of heirs produce fractions summing to more than one. Under 'awl the denominator is increased so every fixed share abates proportionally — the reverse situation to radd.
In Canadian law
No analogue. Where a Canadian estate is insufficient, the shortfall falls on beneficiaries by the law of abatement, which follows a different order (residue first, then general, then specific gifts).
Across the madhahib
The four Sunni schools accept 'awl, following the practice attributed to 'Umar ibn al-Khattab. It is among the points where Sunni and Ja'fari (Twelver Shi'i) inheritance law diverge.
Canadian legal detail
Treadstone Law, an Ontario firm with a wills and estates practice, covers the Canadian side of this in more depth:
- Cost of contesting a will in ontario
- How many witnesses does a will need ontario
- Locating will and assets after death ontario
This entry is general information, not legal or religious advice. Inheritance turns on the exact family circumstances. Confirm Canadian law with a lawyer in your province, and any religious ruling with a qualified scholar.