Inheritance Rights of a Stillborn Child: Islamic Perspective and Ruling

Does a Stillborn Child Have a Share in Inheritance? Understanding the Islamic Ruling

Question: There is a hadith in Tirmidhi and Ibn Majah that says when a child shows signs of life at birth, their funeral prayer is performed, and they are entitled to inheritance. Does this apply to a child who is over four months (120 days) in the womb? For example, if the child is 130, 140, or 150 days old and is stillborn, would they have a share in the inheritance?

Answer: For inheritance, the condition is that the child must be born alive. Only if the child is born alive will they be entitled to inheritance. If the child is stillborn, they are not entitled to any share in the inheritance, regardless of whether the child’s development in the womb was complete.

Respondent: Sheikh Maqbool Ahmed Salafi Hafizahullah 

Jeddah Dawah Center, Saudi Arabia  

Interpreter: Hasan Fuzail

Author: IslamicHelper

IslamicHelper

Recent Articles

The Role of Muslim Women in Reforming Society

Discover how Muslim women’s faith and obedience can transform society. Learn key Islamic teachings from the Quran and Hadith Read More

2 days ago

Unveiling the Truth: Hind bint Utbah and Hamza’s Martyrdom

Explore the authentic Sahih al-Bukhari narration refuting claims that Hind bint Utbah ordered Hamza's death Read More

2 days ago

Fajr Prayer: Key to Success in This Life and Hereafter

Explore the profound significance of Fajr prayer in Islam, its immense rewards, and why it's a crucial test of faith Read More

2 days ago

The Forgotten Third: Companions Who Abstained from Fitnah

Explore the often-overlooked third group of Companions who chose to abstain from internal fighting during a tumultuous period in Islamic… Read More

2 days ago

Ibn Hajar on Love and Hatred in Islam

Learn about love, hatred, and hypocrisy in Islam through hadiths and Ibn Hajar's insights Read More

2 days ago

Ruling on Calling a Wife ‘Sister’ in Islam

A husband called his wife 'sister.' Does this break the marriage? This article explains the Islamic concept of Zihar, its… Read More

2 weeks ago