What is the maximum number of inheriting grandmothers according to Ahmad's madhhab?
Chapter on the Roots of Inheritance Shares that Increase (Awl)
Al-Mughni
Book of Inheritance Shares (Farā'id)
Primary text
Ahmad's madhhab does not permit inheritance for more than three grandmothers. These three are the mother of the mother, the mother of the father, and their respective next lineage members according to the principle of equal degree.
Supporting text
The view of Al-Kharqi suggests that inheritance extends even if the number increases, meaning with every ascending degree, an additional grandmother inherits, with five in the fifth degree, six in the sixth, and seven in the seventh. However, the text suggests this might mean that even if they increase in number, only the three (one from the maternal side and two from the paternal side) inherit, provided no grandmother has a father between two mothers in her lineage.