Under what conditions does the mother inherit one-sixth (Suds) of the estate?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Inheritance Shares (Farā'id)
Primary text
The mother inherits one-sixth when the two conditions for receiving one-third are not met; specifically, if the deceased has a child, a child's child, or two or more siblings (brothers and sisters). This is the opinion of the majority of jurists. The evidence supporting this is derived from Quran 4:11, which stipulates the mother receives one-sixth if there are siblings.
Supporting text
Ibn Abbas and Mu'adh held that siblings only prevent the mother from taking one-third to one-sixth if there are three or more siblings, arguing from the expression 'if he has brothers' (Ikhwah) in Quran 4:11, where the minimum plural in Arabic is often understood as three. Uthman upheld the ruling requiring only two siblings to reduce the mother's share, indicating a prior consensus based on established practice.