What is the implication of bequeathing 'ten camels' (asharatun min ibil)?

General Chapter

Al-Mughni

Book of Bequests

Book 31 · Issue 3 · Bab 1

Open in Qurani

Primary text

If a person states 'ten of camels' (asharatun min ibil), it applies to both male and female camels collectively. Additionally, there is a potential linguistic interpretation: if the number ten is stated with the feminine marker (with 'ta marbuta' implied in pronunciation), it refers to males, and without it, it refers to females. This linguistic principle is supported by the Quranic verse stating the duration of punishment: {He subjected them for seven nights and eight days} [Al-Haqqah: 7], illustrating the grammatical distinction in number usage.