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

Critique of Syed Abul A’la Maududi’s Beliefs

An in-depth scholarly evaluation of Maulana Abul A'la Maududi's beliefs, examining his controversial views on the Prophets, the noble Companions,… Read More

2 weeks ago

Ahl-e-Sunnah Stance on Yazid & Sahaba

Explore the historical Ahl-e-Sunnah perspective on Yazid bin Muawiyah. Discover why prominent Sahaba, Ahl-e-Bayt, and scholars chose silence over rebellion. Read More

2 months ago

Second Jamaat in Mosque: Permissible? Hadith Evidence

Is performing a second congregational prayer (Jam'at-e-Thani) in the mosque after the first one allowed? Detailed analysis with authentic Hadith… Read More

2 months ago

Imam Ahmad on Yazid: Fabricated “Love Yazid” Quote

A detailed analysis proving that the famous quote attributed to Imam Ahmad bin Hanbal — “Can a believer love Yazid?”… Read More

2 months ago

Shia Quran Alteration Belief: Rawafidh Tahrif Exposed

A detailed examination of classical Shia scholarly consensus on the alteration (Tahrif) of the Quran, backed by quotes from major… Read More

2 months ago

Importance of Studying Seerah of Prophet ﷺ Today

In an age of rising blasphemy against the Prophet ﷺ, studying his Seerah is not just recommended but essential. This… Read More

2 months ago