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Doctrine
10 February 2026
10 min read

# How the Hanafi and Shafi’i Schools Differ on Inheritance

Both schools agree on Quranic shares, but differ significantly on residuary distribution, blocking rules, and radd treatment.

## Common Ground: The Quranic Fixed Shares

Both the Hanafi and Shafi'i schools derive their inheritance rules from the same Quranic verses — primarily Surah An-Nisa 4:11-12 and 4:176. The fixed shares (fard) are identical: a wife receives 1/8 when children exist and 1/4 when they don't; a husband receives 1/4 with children and 1/2 without; a daughter receives 1/2 as the sole child, and 2/3 when two or more daughters exist. These shares are unanimously agreed upon by all schools and form the foundation of Islamic inheritance.

## Key Difference 1: Residuary (Asaba) Distribution

Where the schools diverge is in the treatment of residuary heirs (asaba). In the Hanafi school, residuary distribution follows a strict patrilineal order: sons, then father, then full brothers, then half-paternal brothers. The Shafi'i school largely follows the same order but has nuanced differences in how distant male relatives are ranked and in the treatment of grandfather vs. siblings scenarios — the famous 'grandfather problem' (mas'ala al-jadd).

## Key Difference 2: The Grandfather-Siblings Question

The most significant doctrinal difference for Indian families is the treatment of the grandfather when siblings are present. In the Hanafi school, a grandfather completely blocks all siblings (full, half-paternal, and half-maternal). This is the position of Abu Hanifa based on the analogy that the grandfather stands in the position of the father. In the Shafi'i school, following Imam al-Shafi'i's preferred opinion, the grandfather shares with siblings through a process called muqasama (sharing). The grandfather takes the better of: 1/3 of the estate, 1/6 of the estate, or sharing equally with the siblings.

## Key Difference 3: Radd (Surplus Redistribution)

When total fixed shares amount to less than the full estate, the surplus must be redistributed. Both schools agree on radd in principle but differ on who benefits. In the Hanafi school, the surplus goes to all fixed-share heirs except the spouse. In the Shafi'i school, many classical scholars held that there is no radd at all — the surplus goes to the bait al-mal (public treasury). However, in the absence of a functioning bait al-mal (the common situation in India), Shafi'i jurists allow radd to all fixed-share heirs including, according to some scholars, the spouse.

## Key Difference 4: Zakat on Worn Jewelry

While not strictly an inheritance issue, this difference has a significant financial impact. The Hanafi school holds that all gold and silver — including worn personal jewelry — is subject to Zakat if it meets the nisab threshold. The Shafi'i school exempts personal-use jewelry from Zakat. For Indian Muslim families, where gold jewelry is a major component of family wealth, this difference can amount to thousands of rupees annually.

## Practical Guidance for Indian Families

For families in Karnataka, most follow the Hanafi school. For families in Kerala and parts of Tamil Nadu, the Shafi'i school is more prevalent. When using Wasiyat, selecting the correct school ensures that all calculations — from inheritance shares to Zakat obligations — follow the jurisprudence your family follows. If you're unsure, consult your local alim or imam. The platform's cross-doctrine comparison feature allows you to see how shares would differ under each school, providing transparency for family discussions.

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or religious advice. For guidance specific to your situation, consult a qualified Islamic scholar or attorney.

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