A Kafir's inheritance from a Muslim

Q 2: It is known that a Kafir (disbeliever) does not inherit from a Muslim nor a Muslim from a Kafir. What is the ruling if a Muslim father dies and leaves behind Kafir children who had declared their acceptance of Islam before their father's property was distributed; not out of fear to forfeit the right to inherit from their father but out of true conviction? Will they inherit from their father?


A: Scholars have disagreed over this matter. However, the most preferable view held by the vast majority of scholars is that they are not entitled to any shares of the property. This is based on the Hadith in which the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Neither a disbeliever inherits from a Muslim, nor a Muslim from a disbeliever.” Narrated by Ahmad, Al-Bukhari, Muslim and Ashab Al-Sunan (authors of Hadith compilations classified by jurisprudential themes) May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.


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