What happens to inheritance if some wives die after the ambiguous divorce but before lot drawing?
Chapter on Divorce by Calculation
Al-Mughni
Book of Divorce
Primary text
If some or all the wives die before lot drawing, lots are cast among all of them (including the deceased wives' shares). If the lot falls upon a deceased wife who died before the divorce was mentioned, her inheritance share is forfeited. If the lot falls upon a wife who died after the divorce was mentioned, her share is forfeited from the inheritance due to her heirs. The remaining living wives inherit from each other and from him. If the husband claims after a wife's death that she was the one he divorced, her inheritance share is forfeited because he is confirming a matter against himself. The remaining wives inherit from him whether his statement is believed or denied, as the knowledge of the divorce rests solely with him, and the default status is the continuation of the marriage bond against their claim of divorce, which requires proof.
Supporting text
There are two narrations regarding whether the husband should be required to swear an oath regarding his claim of divorce after a wife's death. If he refuses the oath (nakul), her inheritance share is forfeited due to his refusal, and he inherits from the others because he confirmed their divorce. If the deceased wife's heirs claim she was divorced and he denies it, the accepted position is that the statement of the deceased wife's heirs prevails regarding her rights, as the default status is the continuation of marriage, unless evidence proves otherwise.