LIBRARY OF THE THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY PRINCETON, N. J. Division kj.\— \ \ ~*J ...BIB \5 Sec Hon V.JL •tiTfi&tf^V r A z €/ JZJU^/ t / DIGEST OF IOOHUMMUDAN LAW ON THE SUBJECTS TO WHICH IT IS USUALLY APPLIED W^ BRITISH COURTS OF JUSTICE IN INDIA, g$i of mm COMPILED AND TRANSLATED FROM AUTHORITIES IN THE ORIGINAL ARABIC. PART SECOND, CONTAINING THE DOCTRINES OF THE IMAMEEA CODE OF JURISPRUDENCE ON THE MOST IMPORTANT OF THE SAME SUBJECTS. By NEIL B. E. BAILLIE, M.R.A.S. SECOND EDITION. LONDON: SMITH, ELDER, & CO., 15 WATERLOO PLACE. 1887. A 7 TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE JOHN LORD EOMILLY, MASTEK OF THE ROLLS, PRESIDENT. OF THE INDIAN LAW COMMISSION, G MAKKIAGE. Unlawful to marry a woman during her iddut. Paternity of a child born in such circum- stances. already married to a slave, the contract would be lawful, but the free woman, if ignorant of the existing connection, would have an option with regard to herself. And if a free woman and a slave are married by one contract, the contract as to the free woman is valid, but not so as to the slave. Fourth. When a man has had sexual intercourse with a girl under the age of nine years, and has ruptured the parts, 46 it is unlawful for him to have further connection with her, but she is not released from her ties, if connected with him by marriage or slavery. If no rupture has taken place, the prohibition is not incurred according to the most valid opinion. The second class of cases, or those that relate to women who are specially prohibited for causes applicable to their particular condition, are six in number, and as follows : — First. When a man has married a woman in her iddut, with knowledge of the fact, she is for ever unlawful to him. And even though he were ignorant of the fact, or of the unlawfulness of marriage in such circumstances, yet if consummation has followed, the prohibition of all future connection with her is in like manner incurred. If coition has not take place, the existing contract only is void, and he is not prohibited from entering into another with her, de 7io vo. Second. When a man has married a woman in her iddut, and pregnancy has ensued, the child of which she may be delivered is to be affiliated to him, if he were ignorant of its mother being in iddut at the time of her marriage to him, or of the unlawfulness of marriage in such circumstances, provided that the child is born at six months or more from the time of consummation. The parties are nevertheless to be separated, and the husband is liable for the dower mentioned in the contract, while the woman must complete her iddut for the first marriage, and then enter on another on account of the second. 46 Afzaha. Literally, " has widened her." The legal acceptation of the term in this place is utrumque meatum natures in altera coalescere faciens impetu congressus. Im. D. Note, p. "2'27 . This case more properly belongs to the next class. UNLAWFUL MARRIAGES. 27 Third. When a man lias had illicit intercourse with a a man is woman, he is not thereby prevented from marrying her, j™* ?! ohl " even though she is notoriously profligate. And, in like marrying manner, if a man's wife should commit adultery, and even a woman persist in such courses, she does not become unlawful to whom he him, according to the most valid doctrine. But if a man j^ 5 ^ 8 ^. should commit adultery with a woman who has a husband, tercourse. or is in her iddut for a revocable divorce, she is rendered Unless she perpetually unlawful to him according to the common or wife or in generally received opinion. 47 iddut of Fourth. A man who has done wickedly with a youth, cannot lawfully contract marriage with his mother, sister or daughter ; but none of these to whom he may have been previously contracted is thereby rendered unlawful to him. Fifth. When a moohrim 48 has entered into a contract ^moohrim of marriage with a woman, knowing that it is not lawful cannot for him so to do, she is for ever unlawful to him. But if marriage, he were not aware of the illegality, though that contract is vitiated, the woman herself is not prohibited to him, that is, he may lawfully enter into another contract with her. Sixth. A woman who has a husband is not lawful to The wife another man till after her separation from him and the of one 1 man can- completion of her iddut if she be liable to observe one. not law- fully marry Fourth Cause of Prohibition. another. Completion of Number. By number is here to be understood, — First, the num- ber of wives to which a man is restricted, and, second, the number of repudiations which render a woman unlawful to her repudiator. First, as to the number of wives. — When a free man No man has filled up the number of four wives by permanent con- ^ re *kan tract, any in excess of that number is prohibited to him ; four wives 47 This important doctrine does not seem to be recognized by the other sect. 48 A pilgrim after he has come within the sacred territory, and put on the ihram or pilgrim's dress. He is not prevented from marrying by the other sect. D., p. 20. 28 MARRIAGE. by perma- nent con- tract at the same time. But no limit by- temporary contract or right of propei ty. After re- pudiating one of the four re- vocably, he cannot marry an- other till expiration of her iddut ; nor two others by one contract. A thrice repudi- ated woman cannot be re- mar- ried till intermedi- ately mar- ried to another ; nor a wife nine times divorced be re- married at all. and it is not lawful for him to have more than two slaves by contract out of the four. When a slave has filled up the number of four wives who are slaves, or two who are free women, 49 or three, one of whom is free and the others are slaves, any in excess of these is prohibited to him. But each of the parties, that is, either the free man or the slave, may marry by temporary contracts as many as he pleases. So, also, he may retain them by virtue of bond- age or right of property. When a man has repudiated one of his four wives, he cannot lawfully enter into another marriage until she has completed her iddut, if the repudiation were revocable. But if it was absolute or irrevocable, he may immediately enter into a contract with another woman. And the rule is the same as to marriage with the sister of his wife. Further, it is abominable to separate from a woman for the purpose of marrying her sister. When a man has repudiated one of his four wives irre- vocably, and married two others, one before the other, the contract with the first is to be sustained ; but if the con- tracts were simultaneous both are void. There is one tradition, however, that he has a right of choice between the two, but it is weak or unsufficiently authenticated. Second, as to the number of repudiations. — When a free woman has filled up the number of three repudiations she is unlawful to the repudiated until she has been married to another husband, 50 whether she were the wife of a free man or a slave. And when a bondswoman has filled up the number of two repudiations she is unlawful to her repudiator until she has been married to another hus- band, even though she were the wife of a free man. When a repudiated woman has filled up the number of nine re- pudiations for the iddut, being intermediately married to two other men, she is prohibited to the repudiator for ever. 49 This is the case referred to in page 24. By the other sect a slave is prohibited from having more than two wives at one time, whether they be free or not. D., p. 30. 50 According to the other sect, marriage is not sufficient without consummation. D., p. 44. And see posf, p. 124. UNLAWFUL MARRIAGES. 29 Fifth Cause of Prohibition. Lidn or Imprecation. 51 This is a cause of perpetual prohibition of the impre- cated woman to her imprecator. And such slanders of a deaf or dumb woman as would occasion lidn with regard to one not so afflicted, has the same effect though the lidn does not actually take place. Sixth Cause of Prohibition. Infidelity. It is not lawful for a Mooslim to marry any woman A Mooslim who is not a Jcitabeeah; 62 and so far all are agreed. With cannot . ° marry any regard, again, to a kitabeeah who is a Jewess or a Christian, but a kita- there are two traditions, and, according to the most noto- ° eeah '> rious or generally received of these, a permanent marriage nor any with either of them is forbidden to him, but a temporary *j" fc a marriage, or one by right of property, is lawful. 53 And Ivmah by the rule is the same with regard to a Mujooseah or fire- a per " . worshipper. contract. If one of two spouses should apostatize from the Mus- Marriage sulman faith before connubial intercourse has taken place, cancelled their marriage is cancelled on the instant, and the wife stasy. has no right to dower if the apostasy be on her side ; but if it is on the side of the husband she is entitled to half the dower. If the apostasy does not take place till after connubial intercourse, the cancellation of the marriage is suspended till the expiration of the iddut, whether the husband or the wife be the apostate, and no part of the dower abates, because the right to it has been fully established by consummation. There is an exception, however, if the husband were born in the faith, for in 51 This subject is further discussed post, p. 152. It is not included among the causes of prohibition by the Hanifite sect. 52 Fern, of Mtabee, relative noun, from kitab, a book ; applied to all who are supposed to have divine revelation, but generally used to the exclusion of Mooslims. 53 No such restriction recognized by the other sect. — D., p. 40. 30 MARRIAGE. Effect of conver- sion to the faith of Islam on the mar- riage of Kitabees. Its effect on the marriage of others than Kitabees. A zimmee having more than the legal number of wives, must, on conver- sion, be that case the marriage is cancelled immediately, though it should have been followed by connubial intercourse, because a return to the faith is not allowed. When the husband of a kitabeeah is converted to the Mussulman faith his marriage is unaffected by the con- version, whether it take place before or after consumma- tion. But if the wife of a kitabee should embrace the faith of Islam before her marriage has been consummated, it is immediately cancelled, and she has no right to dower. If, again, her conversion does not take place till after connubial intercourse, the cancellation of the contract is suspended till the expiration of her iddut. It is, however, maintained by some of our doctors that if the husband be a zimmee or infidel subject, the marriage remains as before, except that he is prohibited from approaching her at night, or being in retirement with her by day. But the first opinion is more agreeable to the general principles of law. 54 With regard to unbelievers who are not kitabees, their marriage is cancelled by the conversion of either of them to the faith of Islam ; immediately if the conversion is before connubial intercourse, but not till the expiration of the iddut if such intercourse has taken place. If the wife of a zimmee or infidel subject should go into any other form of infidelity than her own religion, cancella- tion would also take effect immediately, even though she should return to her original faith; because no change of religion is tolerated to one in her condition, except a changre to Islam. 55 When a zimmee or infidel subject who has more than four wives embraces the faith of Islam, his marriage is sustained as to four of them who are free, or two who are free and two who are slaves, that is, if he is himself free ; and if he is a slave, it is sustained as to two free women and two slaves. If he has no more than the legal number 54 It is obvious from this that a Mussulman woman cannot be legally married to any one who is not of that faith ; by a permanent, any more than by a temporary contract. See post, p. 40. 55 This distinction does not seem to prevail among the Hanifites, with whom all forms of unbelief are alike. UNLAWFUL MARRIAGES. 31 of wives his marriage is sustained as to all ; but from any separated excess above the legal number he must at once be separated. f r £ m a !} He has, however, a right of selection, which may be ex- number; ercised in any form of words that is sufficiently demon- but ; he has strative of his intention to retain a particular wife, as, for choice ° example, by his saying to one of them, " I have chosen which thee," or " I have held to thee," or the like. When the exercised choice has been duly made, the marriage of the four first b ^ word '■> (in whose favour it has been exercised) is established, and the remaining wives are discarded. If he should say to any above the legal number, " I have elected to be separated from you," that would be a rejection, and the marriage of the others would be established. So also, if he were to repudiate four, all the remaining ones would be rejected, while the marriage of those whom he had repudiated would first be confirmed, and they would then be divorced ; for repudiation is inapplicable to any but wives, since it is an appointed means of dissolving the marriage tie. But Eela and Zihar are no evidence of election, 56 because they are sometimes applied to other persons than wives. The election may also be made by deed, as, for instance, by or by deed. connubial intercourse, which is plainly an evidence of choice. So that if a man should have such intercourse with four of his wives, the contracts with these would be confirmed, and all the rest would be rejected. With regard, again, to kissing, or touching with desire, these also may be said to be exercises of the right of choice, as they amount to revocation in the case of a repudiated wife, and may fairly be assumed to have the like effect in the present instance. 57 58 If one of the wives should die after their con- Though __^ one of the 56 As to these, see post, pp. 138, 147. 57 Throughout the whole of this case, it is implied that the zimmee is a kitabee, and his wives kitabeeahs ; otherwise his marriage would be cancelled by his conversion to the Mussulman faith. — (P. 30.) 58 This case will be found at page 277 of the original, being one of several cases relating to zimmees, most of which have been omitted as of little practical utility in India. S9 MARRIAGE. wives should die before he has made his elec- tion, he may still elect her, and is en- titled to inherit from her. Until he lias made his elec- tion all the wives are enti- tled to main- tenance. version to the faith before he has made his election among them, his right to elect her is not cancelled, and if he should make her his choice, he would be entitled to par- ticipate in her inheritance. So also if the whole of them should die, he would still have his right of choice as to four among them, and would participate in the inheritance of those whom he might elect ; for election is not the renewal of a contract, but only the means of determining who among the subjects of valid contracts shall retain their condition of wives. But if the husband as well as the wives should die, then it is maintained by some that the right of choice is cancelled. It seems, however, to be more agreeable to principle that in such a case recourse should be had to lots, as among the women there are some who might be heirs to the husband, and some from whom he mip-ht have inherited. If the husband should die before all the wives, they must all. keep iddut, as it must be incumbent upon some of them ; and as there are no means of distinguishing between them, the longest of the two prescribed periods 59 should be observed by way of caution, when there is a possibility of each of them being the widow ; and when that is not possible, 60 any among them who is pregnant must keep the iddut of death, and also of delivery ; and the hail (or one who is not so), the largest of the two appointed for death and repudiation. 6i When the man and the women embrace the faith of Islam, it is incumbent upon him to maintain the whole of them until he has made his choice of four, after which the right of the remainder to maintenance is cancelled ; for up to the time of making his election they are all in the condition of wives. And the rule is the same in the event of the wives, or some of them, embracing the faith, and he remaining in infidelity. If he should fail to give them their maintenance they may sue him for what is presently due, as also for the past, or what is in arrear ; 59 That is, of the iddut for repudiation, and the iddut for death. 80 As, for instance, if any of them should have remained in infidelity. 61 This follows immediately after the last case in the original. UNLAWFUL MARRIAGES. 33 and that whether he embrace the faith or remain in infidelity. But he is under no obligation to maintain them if he is converted without them, because of the obstruction to connubial enjoyment. 62 A change of religion is a cancellation of mar- A change riage, not a tuldk, or divorce. If the change is on the ° ^nce" side of the wife, and it takes place before consummation, lation of she has no right to any dower; while if it is on the ^, t T^.' side of the husband, she is entitled to half the dower, vorce. according to the generally received doctrine. If the change occurs after consummation, the woman's right, having been once established, is not affected by the supervening event. If the dower mentioned in the contract is invalid, the proper dower is substituted for it after consummation, and also before it, when half of the proper dower becomes due, if the cause of cancellation be on the part of the husband. If no dower whatever has been assigned by the contract, a present only is incumbent on the husband when he has given cause for the cancellation, though on that point there is some difference of opinion. 63 "When a Mooslim has apostatized after consumma- Connubial tion of his marriage, he is prohibited from connubial inter " . L . course intercourse with his Mussulman wife, and the marriage, prohibited as already mentioned, is in suspense until the expiration ^ twe . en a of the icldut. If, notwithstanding the prohibition, he who has should have such intercourse under a semblance of right, fP osta " & ' tized and and continue in his infidelity till the expiration of her his wife iddut, the Sheikh 6 * has said that he is liable for two ££ gthe dowers, one being the dower originally specified in the contract, and another on account of the intercourse under a semblance of right. But on this point there is some reason for doubt, since she is still in the condition of a wife, provided that he was not born in the faith. 65 66 A Mooslim cannot compel his zimmeeah wife to What re- wash after ceremonial pollutions, because that is not ne- ^avbe cessary for the purpose of connubial enjoyment. But if imposed 62 Page 276 of the original. 65 See ante, foot of p. 29. ,i3 Ibid. 66 Page 275 of the original. 64 See ante, p. 24. PART II. D 34 MARRIAGE. by a Moos- she persists in what is a hindrance to such enjoyment, zimmcealb sucu as ^ XG use °*" ** e ^ odours, or keeping her nails of an wife. extreme and formidable length, he may oblige her to refrain. He can also prevent her from going to Christian churches or Jewish synagogues, as indeed he may prevent her from going out of his house. So also he can restrain her from drinking wine or eating pork, or the practice of any uncleanness. Equality in respect of Islam, a condi- tion in marriage ; but appa- rently not in respect of eeman. Nor is it necessary that a hus- band should be able to maintain his wife. Respects in which equality is not requir- ed. Section Fourth. Things connected with the Contract. These are seven in number. First. Equality is a condition in marriage, that is, in respect of Islam, 67 or the general profession of the Mussul- man religion. Whether it is also a condition in respect of eeman, or true belief, 68 is a question on which there are two traditions ; but, according to the most notorious or generally received of these, equality in respect of Islam is all that is required. In regard to the husband's ability to maintain his wife, there is a difference of opinion ; some insisting that it is also a condition of the contract, while others deny this position, and their opinion is more in accordance with the general principles of the law. It is also a question on which there are opposing traditions, whether a supervenient disability on the part of the husband to maintain his wife confers on her the power of cancelling the marriage. According to the most noto- rious or generally received of these traditions, she has no such power. It is lawful for a free woman to marry a slave, or an Arabian woman to marry a Persian, or a woman of the tribe of Hashem to marry a man of another tribe, and vice versa, or the reverse is also lawful. In like manner, men 07 According to the Hanifites, it is Islam of paternal ancestry that is particularly meant. — (D., p. 63.) The same is probably intended here. 08 The term is restricted by the Sheeahs to themselves, as dis- tinguished from other sects. See Im. D., p. 426, note. UNLAWFUL MARRIAGES. 35 engaged in worldly trades may lawfully enter into the contract of marriage with women possessed of property, in debts owing to them and in houses. If a moomiri, 69 or true believer, competent to maintain A true a wife, should pay his addresses to a woman, it is in- ^ois* cumbent on her to accept him, though he be her inferior competent in respect of nusub, or ancestry ; and it would be sinful ^j™^ 1 1_ in a guardian to forbid the marriage. According to some wife, and of our doctors, if a man, who professed himself to be of a woman one tribe, should prove to belong to another, his wife should be would be at liberty to cancel the marriage. But this is denied by others, whose opinion is more in conformity with the general principles of the law. It is abominable for a woman to marry a profligate ; Connec- and the abomination is aggravated by his being a con- tl< ? I ? s . &t3 J ° which are firmed wine-drinker. So also it is abominable for a accounted woman who is a true believer to marry a mookhalif, or a b ? mm " opposer ; 70 but there is no objection to her marrying a mooshizif, or one weak in his belief, who does not know the grounds of controversy. Second. Where a man has married a woman, and Marriage afterwards discovers that she had been previously guilty ^^g^ of fornication, he has no right to cancel the marriage, onaccount nor has he anv claim against her guardian to refund the °. pre " •> & & VIOUS dower. There is one tradition in favour of his having a fornica- right of recourse against the guardian, and one that the _Jj^° e woman is entitled only to such a sudak, or dower, as may be a sufficient compensation for the enjoyment of her person. But the tradition is not generally received. Third. It is not lawful to court a woman during her Not lawful iddut for a revocable repudiation, for she is still the wife woman of another man; but a woman who has been repudiated during her three times may be lawfully courted during the iddut, revoca bi e ' either by the repudiating husband or by another man, repudia- though by neither should it be done in direct terms. With regard, again, to a woman who has been repudiated 69 Participle, from the increased infinitive eeman. 70 Of any general usage, according to Freytay, but here probably meant for some particular sect. d 2 tion 36 MARRIAGE. nine times, with two intermediate marriages to other men, it is not lawful for the repudiating husband again to pay his addresses to her, but another may lawfully do so, though not directly during her iddut for the first husband or for either of the two others. A moodtuddah, or woman in iddut, for an absolute separation from her husband, either by Jchoold 71 or by cancellation, may lawfully be courted by the husband or by another man, and in express terms by the husband, but not so by the other. The in- direct way of addressing a woman is to say, " I greatly Yet if love " or " desire thee," or the like ; and the direct way, done, that he should speak to her in langnaofe that will admit and the r . . woman is of no other construction than marriage, as, for example, married ]-,„ savm pr " When your iddut is over, I will marry you." on expira- J J °' J ' . tion of the If one should make an express proposal to a woman in ■iddut, she c i rcum stances that render it unlawful, and should after- is not , ' thereby wards marry the woman on the expiration of the iddut, prohibited gne wou i,j U0 \ 1 fo e prohibited to him by reason of the toherhus- L J band. irregularity. A woman Fourth. When proposals of marriage have been made is not £ a W oman, and she has accepted them, it is maintained bound by ' , . . accepting by some of our doctors that it is unlawful for another to a mere p a „ ^-g addresses to her ; yet, if she should marry the proposal L J . of mar- other, the contract would be valid. nage. Fifth. When a thrice repudiated woman enters into a entered^ 6 contract of marriage, and stipulates that, as soon as the into by a husband has legalized her to her former husband, there pudiated" shall be no marriage between them, such a contract is woman on void. It is sometimes maintained, however, that the con- f it s dition is surplusage, and that if a woman should expressly being void stipulate for repudiation, the marriage would be valid, and has been the condition void ; and that if consummation should take legalized place, she would be entitled to her proper dower. If there to her f , . . . , .... first hus- is no express condition in the contract, and it is merely the band, is intention of the parties, or of the wife, or her guardian, not valid. ,•,„•,. ^ , -,■-,■, • that she shall be immediately repudiated, the contract is not invalidated. In every case in which it is said that the 71 See post, p. 129. UNLAWFUL MARRIAGES. 37 contract is valid, the woman is rendered lawful by coition to the first repudiator, that is, after she has been legally separated from the second husband, and her iddut has expired ; and in every case in which it is said that the contract is invalid, she is not rendered lawful to the first repudiator ; for coition with another man is not alone sufficient for that purpose, without a valid contract. Sixth. A shighar marriage is void. That is, when two A shighar women are married to two men with a condition that the ™^ r . iage marriage of each is to be the dower of the other, both what it is. marriages are void. 72 But if each of two guardians should Cases . winch re- marry his ward to the other, and they should stipulate for se mble it, their respective wards a known dower, the marriages would wliere the contracts be valid. And if one of the guardians should marry his ward are valid. to the other, and stipulate that the other should reciprocate by marrying his ward to him for a known dower, both con- tracts would be valid ; but the dower would be void, because with it there is a stipulation for marrying, which is not bind- ing on the party, and marriage does not admit of an option. The woman is, therefore, entitled to her proper dower. Upon this point, however, there is room for some doubt or hesitation. So also, if one of the guardians should marry his ward to the other, and stipulate that the husband should marry such an one to him, without any mention of dower, the contracts would be lawful, and the woman entitled to her proper dower. Further, if one person should say to another, " I have Con- married my daughter to thee, on condition that thou shalt marry thy daughter to me, so that the marriage of my daughter shall be the dower of thine," the marriage of his daughter would be valid, but that of the other's daughter would be void. But if he should say, " on condition that the marriage of thy daughter shall be the dower of mine," the marriage of the speaker's daughter would be void, and that of the other's daughter valid. 72 According to the Hanifites, the contracts are effected, but the condition is void, and each woman is entitled to her own proper dower. — Z)., p. 94. 38 MARRIAGE. abornin able Some Seventh. It is abominable for a man to enter into a ttiatTi? 8 contract of marriage with a nurse who has brought him accounted U p, and with her daughter ; or to marry his son to the daughter of his wife by another husband, whom she has borne after her separation from himself. But there is no objection to such a contract if the daughter were the fruit of a marriage previous to his own. It is also abomi- nable for a man to marry a woman who was co-wife with his mother, previous to her marriage to his father, or a woman who has been guilty of fornication without repent- ance for her fault. 73 73 Property, or one of the parties being the slave of the other, is not expressly mentioned by the author of the Shurmja among the causes of prohibition in marriage ; but it seems to be assumed. For it ia stated at p. 48 post that, " if a person should marry a female the property of several owners, and should purchase the share of one of them in his wife, that would cancel the marriage ; " and the author had already said, in the Book of Tijarut (p. 177), " that, when one of two spouses becomes the proprietor of the other, the right of pro- perty is confirmed ; but the zoiqjeeut, or relation of husband and wife, is not confirmed." Moreover it is expressly stated in the Imameea Digest (p. 131), on the authority of the Tuhreer, that, "if a husband purchase his own wife, or a wife acquire her husband in property, it is valid ; but their marriage is thereby annulled." It would seem, therefore, that there is no difference between the Sheeas and the Hanifites on the point in question. — See D., p. 42. ( 39 ) CHAPTER II. OF TEMPORARY MARRIAGE. Temporary marriages are permitted by the Mussulman religion, because they were authorized by lawful authority, and there is nothing to show that the permission was ever abrogated. 1 The subject requires an explanation of the pillars and the laws of the contract. Section First. The Pillars of the Contract. These are four in number, — the Form, the Subject, the Period, and the Dower. First. With regard to the Form of the contract, or the Form, words appropriated by law to the declaration and acceptance by which it is constituted. The proper words for the decla- Words re- ration are zuwwujtohu, muttudtohu, and a/rikuhtoku, any of ^sTonsti- which is sufficient for the purpose ; and by none other can tution. the contract be effected, as, for instance, by the words tumleek (transfer), heba (gift), or ijamh (lease). The acceptance may be expressed by any words indicative of assent to the declaration, as "I have accepted the nikdh" or "the mootd." Or it may be shortened by merely saying, " I am content." If a commencement be made with the accept- ance, by the man's saying, " tuzuwwwjtolri" and the woman's saying, " zuwwujtoku" 2 there would be a valid contract. It is, however, a necessary condition that both the declaration and the acceptance should be expressed in The Hanifites differ on this point. — D., p. 18, note See ante, p. 3, note 10 . Vimah or a Mtabeeah. 40 MARRIAGE. Must be in the past tense; for if the man were to say " akbulo" or tense aSt " arza " which mean, " I do or will accept," or " I am or will be content," 3 there would be no contract, even though he used the words intending that they should be under- stood in an initiatory sense. It has been said, however, that if he were to use the word atuzuwwujtoM ("I do or will take thee to wife ") 4 for such a period, at such a dower, with an initiatory intention, and she should say " zuivwuj- tohu" there would be a valid marriage. So also, if she were merely to say, " Yes." Subject of Second. With regard to the Subject of the contract, it the con- - g a necegsar y condition that the wife be a Mooslimah or tract must J . _,_ . i be a Moos- a Kitabeeah, by which is meant a Jewess or a Uhnstian, or even a Majooseeah, according to the most common or generally received of two traditions ; 5 and the husband should restrain her from drinking wine and other unlawful practices. And a A Mussulman woman cannot enter into a mootd con- Moodimah tract w ith anv other than one of her owu religion. Nor is cannot •> . . . enter into it lawful for a Mooslim to enter into the contract with an ^b" than idolatress ; nor for one who is erect or straight in his own a Mooslim. belief to contract with one of a sect who is notorious for enmity, such as the Kharijites ; nor for a slave to be taken in mootd by one who is already married to a free woman, except with her consent, and such a contract entered into without her consent would be void. So also, if a man should marry by mootd his wife's niece, whether the daughter of her brother or her sister, without the consent of his wife, the contract would be void. Other re It is proper, though not necessary as a condition of quisites validity, that the woman who is the subject of the contract though not should be a Moomin, or true believer, 6 and chaste; and that a >soiu e y ^ ue j n q U i r i es \y e ma( J e m to her conduct, if liable to suspicion. in the sub- If the woman is actually a zaneeah, or addicted to fornica- ject of the contract. — — 3 The original words are in the aorist tense, which is employed in the Arabic language for both present and future. 4 See ante, p. 3. 5 See ante, p. 29. See ante, p. 34, note 68 . TEMPORARY MARRIAGE. 41 tion, it is abominable to enter into the contract with her ; and if she has ever been guilty of anything of the kind, she should be strictly prohibited from a repetition of such con- duct. Further, it is accounted abominable to enter into a contract of this kind with a virgin who has no father ; and if one should do so, he ought to refrain from connubial in- tercourse with her. Still that is not actually prohibited. 7 Third. With regard to Dower. It is an essential con- Some dition of this contract, and peculiar to it, that some dower must be should be specified, so that if there is a failure in this specified; respect, the contract is void. It is also a condition that the dower be something that is actually owned and possessed, and is known by measure, weight, inspection, or descrip- tion. Its quantity is left to be determined by the mutual agreement of the parties, whether it be much or little, even so little as a handful of wheat ; and it becomes binding on the husband by virtue of the contract. So that if he were and is due to make the woman a gift of the term, that is, waive his l^g j^,. right to her altogether, before coition, he would still be tract, liable for half the dower ; and if coition should have taken place, she is entitled to the whole dower, on condition of her keeping the term, or adhering to him till its comple- tion ; but if it is not completed, he is entitled to deduct a proportionate part of the dower. If, again, it should prove that there was an inherent defect in the contract, either by its appearing that she was the wife of another man, or the sister or mother of his own wife, or anything similar, that would be a sufficient ground of cancellation ; then, if no coition has taken place, she has no right whatever to dower, and must return any part of it that she may have received. But if the causes of cancellation do not transpire till after connection has taken place, she is entitled to retain whatever she may have actually received, though he is under no obligation to deliver the remainder. Yet, even in this case, it were perhaps better to say that it is only in 7 Three cases in the original, illustrative of the effect in a moot a marriage of the conversion to Islam of one of the spouses, are omitted, as being sufficiently obvious, and substantially the same as those mentioned in page 30. 42 MARRIAGE. There must also be a fixed period, longer or shorter as may be agreed upon by the par- ties. the event of her having been ignorant of the existence of the cause of cancellation that she is entitled to retain whatever portion of the dower she may have received, and that if she were cognizant of the defect in the contract, she is bound to refund. Fourth. The Period. This is also an essential con- dition of the mootd contract ; and if there is no mention of any time, the contract becomes permanent. The extent of the period is left entirely to the parties, who may prolong or shorten it to a year, a month, or a day; only some limit must be distinctly specified, so as to guard the period from any extension or diminution. Even if the time were fixed at part of a day, the contract would be lawful, provided that its limit is distinctly ascertained ; as, for example, by the declining or setting of the sun. It is also lawful to specify a month to commence immediately after the contract, or at some interval from it. If mentioned generally, the month next to the contract is to be under- stood. If he should abstain from her until a part of the specified time has expired, that is to be deducted from the contract, but she is entitled to her full dower notwith- standing. If he should say " once " or " twice " without fixing a time, the contract would not be valid as a mootd, but would be permanent. There is, however, one tradi- tion in favour of the legality of such a compact, subject to this condition — that he is not to look upon her after the occurrence of the specified act. But this tradition has been rejected as insufficiently authenticated ; and if a con- tract were made in the terms above specified, it would be held to be permanent ; while if the acts were brought within the compass of a particular time, the contract would be valid as a mootd, or temporary one. Section Second. The Laivs of the Contract. These are eight in number. First. When the term and the dower have been men- and if there is a failure in The term must both tioned the contract is valid TEMPORARY MARRIAGE. 43 respect of the dower while the term is mentioned, the be men- contract is altogether void ; but if there is a failure in loned - respect of the term while the dower is mentioned, the contract, though void as a mootd, is valid as a permanent marriage. Second. Every condition stipulated for in this contract No stipu- must be mentioned at the time of the declaration and latl .o n valid acceptance ; and no effect whatever can be given to any unless previous stipulation unless it be repeated at that time, nor ™^ ^ e to any condition made after it. With regard, again, to a of the condition that has been mentioned in the contract, there is con iac ' no necessity for its repetition after it ; though some of our doctors are of opinion that the condition should be repeated after the contract. This, however, is far from being cor- rect. Third. An adult and discreet female may enter into a Discreet mootd contract : and her guardian has no right to object, female . . ° may con- whether she be a virgin or not. tract Fourth. It is lawful to stipulate with the woman that herself - she shall come by night or by day ; and also to stipulate ^J^ asto for once or twice within the specified period. inter - Fifth. The practice of izl 8 is lawful with a mootd wife, , • _. L ., . . . tp i i i i Tne prac- and is not dependent on her permission. It sne should t i ce f i z i become pregnant notwithstanding the izl, the child is the lawful, temporary husband's, on account of the possibility of some of the seed remaining contrary to his intention. But if he should deny the child, the denial is to be sustained, appa- rently without any necessity for Lidn. Sixth. This form of marriage does not admit of repu- Does not diation ; but the parties become absolutely separated on ad ™^°f expiration of the period. Nor does it admit of Eela or tion; Lidn, according to the prevalent doctrine. With regard to the operation of Zihar in such a case, there is some differ- ence of opinion. According to that which is best founded on traditional authority, it may be exercised under this form of marriage. 9 8 Extrahere ante emissionem seminis. 9 See post, p. 140. 44 MARRIAGE. nor confer Seventh. By this contract no rights of inheritance are of inherit- established in favour of the parties, whether there be an ance. express condition to that effect, or the contract is left in general terms, without any stipulation in either way. If there is an express condition for mutual rights of inherit- ance, or for such a right in favour of one of the parties, some of our doctors are of opinion that effect must be given to the stipulation. Others, again, insist that the condition is not binding, because inheritance is not esta- blished except by the law, and the stipulation would be in favour of persons who are not heirs, and therefore the same as if it were made in favour of absolute strangers. The first opinion, however, is most generally approved. An iddut Eighth. After the expiration of the period, if there has kept at ex- ^ Gen an ^ connubial intercourse between the parties, the piration of woman must observe an iddut of two returns of her courses. m ' According to one tradition, indeed, a single occurrence of them is sufficient ; but this tradition is rejected. If the woman has never had them yet does not despair, the iddut is forty-five days. For the death of her husband the woman must observe an iddut of four months and ten days if she is not pregnant, even though connubial intercourse has not taken place ; and if she is pregnant the iddut must continue till the more distant of two events, that is, the completion of four months and ten days, or delivery. If the woman be a slave her iddut, supposing that she is not pregnant, is two months and five days. ( 45 ) CHAPTER III. OF THE MARRIAGE OF FEMALE SLAVES. This marriage may be either by contract, or by right of property. Section First. Marriage of Female Slaves by Contract. The contract may be either permanent or temporary, as May be in the case of free women ; and many of the rules applic- P erma ~ 1 J x L nent or able to both have been already set forth. To those the tempo- following are now added : — rary> First. It is not lawful for slaves, whether male or Marriage female, to contract themselves in marriage without the ° t lawful permission of their masters. If either of them should do without so without such permission, the contract is dependent on ^ g ?^" the master's assent. Some of our doctors maintain that or subse- the assent is as a new contract, while others insist that Assent of the contract in both cases, that is, whether the slave be master, male or female, is absolutely void, and the subsequent renc i ers assent therefore surplusage and of no use. There is a him liable fourth opinion that would restrict the effect of the master's w if e ' s assent to a contract entered into by a male slave, exclusively dower and of one by a female. But of all these opinions the first is ance> that which is best supported by traditional authority. So and enti " . . . rr . . i • , . tlesbimto that, when the master has given his assent, the contract t, a ]- e t i ie is valid, and he becomes liable for the dower incumbent dower of a on his male slave, together with the maintenance of the s i a v'e. slave's wife, while he is entitled to the dower of his female slave. The rule is the same whether each of the slaves W hen there are belongs to a single master, or to several masters ; and in several 46 MAKRIAGE. masters, all must concur. When both the parents are slaves their child is also a slave- When either is free, the child be- longs to the free parent. A freeman marrying a slave without her master's permis- sion, is guilty of zhia, and the fruit of their inter- course be- longs to the mo- ther's owner, unless the father were igno- rant of the illegality, in which case, the child is free. the latter case, though one of them should consent to the marriage of their slave, the contract would not be lawful without the consent of the others, or their subsequent allowance of it, according to the most approved doctrine. Second. When both the parents of a child are slaves, the child is also a slave, and if they belong to one owner the child is his exclusive property. If the parents belong- to different owners, the child is their joint property in equal shares. If there was a stipulation that the child should be the property of one of them, or that the share of one of them in the child should be greater than that of the other, effect must be given to the condition. When one of the spouses is free, the child is to be affiliated to him or her, whether the free parent be the father or the mother, 1 unless the master of the other had stipulated that the child should be a slave, in which case effect must be given to the condition according to the most approved doctrine. Third. When a freeman has married a slave without the permission of her master, and, before obtaining his approval of the contract, has connubial intercourse with her, knowing the illegality of the connection, he is a zanee or fornicator, and a liable to the hudd or punishment specially appointed for the offence. If the slave were also aware of the illegality she has no right to dower, and any child' of which she may be delivered is the slave of her owner. If, on the other hand, the freeman were ignorant of the unlawfulness of the contract, or there is any semblance of right in the case, he is not subject to the hudd, but is liable for dower, and the child is free, though his father is bound to make good to the owner of its mother the value of the child as of the day on which it was born alive. So also if a freeman should enter into a con- tract of marriage with a slave on the faith of her own allega- tion that she is free, he would in like manner be liable for her dower, though some of our doctors are of opinion 1 According to the Hanifites, the child follows in all cases the condition of its mother. — D., p. 363. THE MARRIAGE OF FEMALE SLAVES. 47 that the liability is only for a tenth of the dower if she is a virgin, and half a tenth if she is not so ; and her children by him are slaves, but it is incumbent on him to ransom them by paying their value, which the master is bound to accept, and to surrender them to him on these terms. If the husband has no property he may work out their ransom by emancipatory labour ; but whether, if he refuse to do so, it is incumbent on the Imam? to ransom them, is a question on which there are different opinions, some maintaining the affirmative, in reliance on a weak or insufficiently authenticated tradition, while others insist that the ransom is by no means iucumbent on the Imam, because the father is liable for the value of the children. Fourth. When a man has married his male to his A master female slave, some are of opinion that it is incumbent on man T in g him to give her something by way of portion, while others to his maintain that it is not so ; and it were, perhaps, more in f ^™ ale accordance with the general principles of law to say, that not bound it is proper and becoming in him to make her some allow- a^thin^ ance on the occasion of her marriage, but by no means an by way of incumbent duty. If he should die, his heirs have the P ortlon - option of either allowing or cancelling the contract. 3 But ^t^his the slave herself has no option in the matter. heirs may Fifth. When a slave has married a free woman, with marriage. 6 knowledge on her part that it was without the permission a free wo- of his master, she has no right to dower, nor even to man mar " maintenance, if she were also aware of the unlawfulness of slave such an union, and her children are slaves ; but if she without ' . „. .. permis- were ignorant or its illegality, they are free, without any sion of liability on her part for their value. If connubial inter- !" s master i i 1S not course has taken place, she is also entitled to dower as entitled against the slave, for which he may be sued if he should to dower - ever obtain his freedom. Sixth. When a male slave has married a female slave The issue belonging to another than his own master, the children of °. f a mar " ria°"e the marriage belong to the masters jointly, whether they between 2 Head of the Mussulman community. 3 Even, it would seem, though the marriage had been sanctioned by him. — See post, p. 50, as to purchaser's power to cancel. 48 MARRIAGE. slaves be- longing to different masters is their joint pro- perty. A person who mar- ries a slave belonging to two owners, and pur- chases the share of one of them, is prohibited from con- nubial in- tercourse with her. Because a woman cannot be lawfully enjoyed by virtue of two dis- tinct rights. both allow or refuse their assent to the marriage. But if one only assents, the children belong exclusively to the other. So, also, if a male slave should have illicit inter- course with a female the property of another, the child would belong to the master of the latter. Seventh. If a person should marry a female the pro- perty of several owners, and should purchase the share of one of them in his wife, that would cancel the marriage, and it would be no longer lawful for him to have connubial intercourse with her. Even though the other partner should allow the marriage subsequently to the purchase, that would not remove the prohibition. Some, however, are of opinion that sexual intercourse with her would thereby be rendered lawful, but the opinion is not well supported. If he were merely to legalize her to him, 4 that, according to others, would render their intercourse lawful, and there is a report to that effect. But this has also been denied, because the cause which renders sexual intercourse lawful does not admit of division. In like manner, if one were the owner of half a partially eman- cipated woman, it would be unlawful for him to have such intercourse with her, either by virtue of his right of pro- perty or of a permanent contract. Some, however, have said that it would be lawful if the contract were by mootd restricted to a particular time, and there is a report to that effect ; but the doctrine is still open to doubt and difficulty for the reason just mentioned. A female slave when emanci- pated has an option, and may cancel her marriage. As adjuncts to the marriage of slaves, it is necessary to consider the effects of Emancipation, Sale, and Divorce. I. As to the effect of Emancipation on the marriage of slaves. When a female slave is emancipated, she may cancel her marriage, whether the husband be free or a slave. Some of our doctors have made a distinction between the two cases, which seems more agreeable to the general principles. of law. 5 The option thus allowed to her must, 4 See post, p. 54. 5 That is, that she has the option only when he is a slave, as is apparent from what follows. THE MARRIAGE OF FEMALE SLAVES. 49 however, be exercised immediately. When a male slave But a is emancipated, neither he nor his master has any option, j^ 6 ,,^ 70 nor has his wife, whether she be free or a slave ; for, as such she was satisfied with her husband when he was a slave, p much more should she be so now that he is free. But if they were both the slaves of one master, who emancipates them both, she has her option, notwithstanding the eman- cipation of her husband. And the result would be the same if they were the property of different owners, who concurred in emancipating them at the same time. The emancipation of a female slave may be lawfully Theeman- made the subject of her own dower, and the contract may "fg^ 1 of be established against her by making the word of contract slave may- precede that of emancipation, as, for example, by the ^ * ^ man's saying, " I have married thee, and emancipated dower, thee, and made thy emancipation thy dower ; " for if the emancipation were placed first, she would have a choice being free, and might either accept or reject the proposal. But it has been said that this is not necessary, for phrases joined together are but one sentence ; and this is correct. It has been further maintained by some that the word of emancipation should have the precedence, for the woman is already lawful to her master, and there can be no neces- sity for a contract when the right of enjoyment is already established by virtue of the right of property. The first opinion, however, is the most common or generally received. An oom-i-wulud, or mother of a child, is not emanci- An oom-i- pated till after the death of her master, and then only out wu '" - 1 ? i " emanci- of the child's share in his estate. 6 If the share is insuffi- pated at cient to make up her value, she must herself perform te e r 1 > s m emancipatory labour for the excess, her child being in death, out nowise liable to work on that account. Some of our c bjiiliLy of our doctors have denied both these propositions. for nalf When a man has sold his female slave, and claims as anc i a i, s0 ' his the child of which she is pregnant, while the purchaser on tbe affi - ...... . „ ii • liation of refuses to recognize his claim, the assertion of the seller is t i, e ^-^ not to be received in cancellation of the sale, but is to be of whuh a received as regards the affiliation of the child, because it pregnant, is an acknowledgment which does not injure anybody. 9 when mi . . claimed Ihe point, however, is subject to some doubt. by the seller. III. As to the Power to divorce, and its Effects on the The mas- marria g e of slaves. male sfave 9 A. foetus in the womb is not included in the sale of the mother. — Im. B., p. 133. e 2 52 MARRIAGE. power to repudiate his wife ; unless the wife is his own slave. How the power may be exercised. Effect of its exer- cise when without the use of the word tuldk. When a male slave, with the permission of his master, has married a free woman, or the slave of another, he can neither be compelled to repudiate her, nor can he be pre- vented from doing so. When, again, a man has married his male to his female slave, though the contract is a real marriage, and not the mere legalizing of sexual intercourse, still the power to separate them is in the hands of the master, 10 and he may exercise it without the use of the word tuldk, or repudiation, as, for example, by saying, " I have cancelled your contract," or by ordering one of them to withdraw from the other. But whether such an expres- sion would have all the effect of a tuldk is a question on which there is a difference of opinion, some answering it in the affirmative — so that, according to them, if it were repeated twice, with an intervening revocation, the woman would be prohibited to her husband until she were first married to another — while others maintain that the ex- pression would be a cancellation of the marriage, and this opinion seems to be more in accordance with the general principles of the law. If her husband should repudiate her, and she is then sold by her master, she must complete the iddut of repudiation. But must the seller subject her to any further purification than this iddut ? This is a question that has been answered both in the affirmative and the negative, but the latter answer is most correct, because she has been already purified by the iddut, which is sufficient. Of two kinds. 1. Where the right is to the person. Section Second. Servile Marriage, or the Marriage of Female Slaves by Right of Property. This is of two kinds, according as the right is to the person or to the usufruct of the slave. I. When the right is in the person. There is no limit to the number of women with whom a man may lawfully have sexual intercourse by virtue of this right. He may also be the owner at the same time of a woman code. He does not seem to have any such powers under the Hanifeea SERVILE MARRIAGE. 53 and her mother ; but, when he has once had intercourse with either of them, the other is prohibited to him. Further, he may be the owner of a woman and her sister at the same time ; but, when he has once had intercourse with either of them, the other is prohibited to him until he parts with his property in the first. When he has done this, the second is lawful to him. So, also, it is lawful for a son to be the owner of a slave who has been enjoyed by his father, or for a father to be the owner of a slave who has been enjoyed by his son ; but neither can lawfully have sexual intercourse with one who has ever been enjoyed by the other. When a master has given his female slave in marriage, a married she is prohibited to him until a legal separation has been femal ? 1 o i slave is made between her and her husband, and she has fulfilled prohibited her iddut, if liable to observe one. Nor can the master to f r ,.,, » _ master till cancel her marriage, otherwise than by selling her, which lawfully he is at liberty to do, when the seller will have an option, f homier and may cancel it if he please. In like manner, it is husband. unlawful for him to look at any part of her person that may not be seen by others as well as a proprietor. Further, it is unlawful for a man to have sexual inter- So also is course, by virtue of a right of property, with any woman f^Jewho whom he holds in joint ownership with another. is only It is not lawful for the purchaser of a female slave to |^ r n ~ r . have connection with her until she has undergone the an( j t0 a usual purification. 11 And if the slave is married, and he purchaser has once given his sanction to the marriage, he has no hasunder- power after that to cancel it. So, also, if he were aware g° ne P uri " 1 . . ...... rieation. of her bemsr married, and made no obiection, he is pre- _, " <> *■ _!Nor can eluded from cancelling the marriage, or having connection the pur- with the woman, until she has been regularly separated ^^ a from her husband, and has completed her iddut, if liable marriage to observe one. But if he does not allow the marriage, basonce* there is no necessity for an iddut, and purification is sane- sufficient to legalize his connection with her. 11 That is, till after one of her monthly courses, or the lapse of forty-five days from the date of the purchase, provided she has arrived at puberty. — Im. I)., p. 136. tioned. 54 MARRIAGE. Married It is lawful to purchase from enemies their married ma'vbe women, and also their daughters, and from schismaticks 12 purchased whatever they may have captured from enemies. mies Gne " Every one who has become the proprietor of a female Purifica- slave, in any of the ways by which property may be tlon acquired, is prohibited from having sexual intercourse with necessary l ' L D after every her until she has been purified by an occurrence of her acquisi- courses. And if there is any delay in their appearance, female when the woman is of the proper age, she must observe an iddut of forty-five days. But there is no necessity for this if, at the time of his acquiring the right to her, the courses were actually on her, further than that he must wait for their completion. So, also, if she belonged to a just person, who informed him that she was purified, or if she belonged to a woman, or is an ayessah, that is, one who has despaired of offspring, or is pregnant, none of the precautions would be necessary, except that in the last case their omission is accounted abominable. When it is When a man who is the owner of a female slave after a emancipates her, he may lawfully enter into a contract of contract marriage with her, and proceed to connubial intercourse riasreiire- w ^ n ner ' without subjecting her to any purification, though ceded by in this case also it were better to do so. But if a man tion DCipa " should emancipate a female slave after he has had connec- tion with her, it is not lawful for another to enter into a contract of marriage with her until she has observed an iddut, which, in this case, is three months, unless the emancipation were preceded by some toohrs or intermenstrual periods. Where the II. Where the right is to the usufruct of the woman, the usu- This involves a consideration of its form, or how the right fruct. may be conferred ; and its laws, or the rules by which How the its exercise is regulated. And first as to its form or how maVbe * ne r ^ht is conferred. This is done by saying, " I have conferred, made it lawful for you to have connection with her," or " I have given you the legal right to have connection with her " 13 — and the right cannot be conferred by the word areeut or commodate loan. But whether the word ibahut, 12 Literally, people of error. 13 Both expressions contain inflections of the word huW>. SERVILE MARRIAGE. 55 which signifies to permit, is sufficient, is a question on which there are different opinions — of which, however, the opinion which is in favour of its legal sufficiency is that which is best supported by traditional authority. With regard, again, to the words wuhubtoku (I have given to thee), to have connection with her, suwwughtoku (I have authorised thee), and mulluMoku (I have conferred on thee), those who think that the word Halt id or permission is sufficient maintain the sufficiency of these also. But this is denied by those who insist that no form of expression can be lawfully employed for the purpose except some inflection of the word tuhleel. 14 Whether the expressions by which this right is con- Doubt as stituted are in the nature of a contract, or of a transfer of *™ ^^ e usufruct, is a question on which there is a difference of right — opinion among our doctors, founded on a respect for female ^a^ 1 ". 1 chastity arising from an idea that sexual enjoyment is tract or a unlawful under any other conditions than contract or a fgyf ru ° t right of property ; but perhaps the more correct of the two opinions is the last, or that which makes it a transfer of usufruct. Whether, again, a female slave can be legalized to a male slave, is also a point on which there are two traditions. According to one of these, which is supported by the consideration that the legalization is a kind of grant or transfer, of which a slave can hardly be the recipient, it is forbidden ; while according to the other, which is sup- ported by the consideration that it is only a permission, of which a slave is quite capable, it is lawful when a particular female is indicated. Moreover, the last of the two traditions seems to be most agreeable to the general principles of the law. A moodubburah 15 and an oom-i-wulud 16 may be legal- A moodmb- , , , hurnh and ized like an absolute slave. But when a man is only the an oom .- t . partial owner of a slave, and she surrenders or legalizes wufad-na.j be the suli- herself as to the other part, the transaction is not lawful ; jectofthis transac- 14 An increased infinitive of hullu. tlcm - 15 A female slave with whom her master has entered into an agreement of tudbeer, or emancipation at bis death. 1U Mother of a child to her master. 56 MAKRIAGK. Laws or rules. The right is strictly limited by the mean- ing of the language in which it is con- ferred The child of a wo- man duly legalized is free. Inter- course not subject to the same restraint as under a contract. though if she were the joint property of several owners, and they all combined in legalizing her, it has been said that the transaction would be quite lawful. The difference between the two cases is that a woman cannot legalize herself. Next as to the laws or rules by which the exercise of the right is regulated. First. The right is limited to what is strictly within the meaning of the language in which the permission is granted, or what the circumstances of the case demon- strate was clearly intended to be included. Thus, if the permission was to kiss, the licence is confined to kissing. So, also, if the permission is to touch, sexual intercourse is not included ; but a permission of the latter compre- hends all other kinds of dalliance. If the permission is to employ the woman in service, she cannot be used for sexual enjoyment ; and if the permission be for sexual enjoyment, she cannot be employed in service. If she is enjoyed without having been duly legalized, the man who has had intercourse with her is a sinner, and is bound to make compensation to her owner, and any child which may be the fruit of such intercourse is a slave and such owner's property. Second. The child of a female slave who has been duly legalized is free ; and if freedom is expressly stipulated for when the word ibahut or permission is employed, the child is free in that case also, without any manner of doubt, and there is no way of proceeding against the father; but in the absence of any such condition it has been said that the father is bound to ransom the child by paying its value. It is, however, maintained, on the other hand, that he is under no such obligation, and this is the better founded of the two opinions. Third. There is no objection to sexual intercourse with a slave though there is another person in the same apart- ment with her ; nor to the sleeping between two slaves, though this is abominable in the case of free women. It is also abominable to have connection with a fajirah, or woman of bad character, or with one who was born of fornication. servile marriage. 57 Section Third. 17 Of Isteelad}* This requires the explanation of two matters. First, how it is constituted ; and, second, the laws relating to the oom-i-wulud, or mother of a child. I. Isteelad is constituted by a female slave bearing a Constitu- child to her master while she is his property ; for if a man , b £ a 11 J ' slave bear- should beget a child on the slave of another, she would not ingachild become his oom-i-wulud, though he should afterwards be- f r ' ° _ master come her proprietor. If a man should beget a child on while his a free woman, and subsequently become her proprietor, P ro P ert y- she would be his oom-i-wulud, according to the Sheikh ; but not so according to a report of Elm-i-Warid. But if a man should have connection with a slave impledged to him, and she should become pregnant in consequence, she would be his oom-i-wulud, and the result would be the same if a zimmee, or infidel subject, should have connec- tion with his female slave, and pregnancy should ensue ; but here, if the slave be converted to the Mussulman reli- gion, the master would be obliged to consent to her sale. II. The laws relating to an oom-i-wulud. First. An oom-i-ivulud is a slave, and is not enfran- Oom-i-wu- chised by the death of her master, but out of the share of fran" hised her child in his estate. 19 The master, however, is not at by mere liberty to sell her so long as her child survives, except only ^ mas- on account of her own price, when he has bought her on ter ; credit, and has no other means of defraying the debt. But if the child should die, the mother returns to a state of absolute slavery, and may be lawfully sold, or otherwise disposed of at the pleasure of her master. 17 This short section lias been introduced here from p. 368 of the original. 18 The word means literally to claim a child {D., p. 377), but here it is employed in a somewhat different sense. 19 According to the Ilanifites she becomes absolutely free at the death of her master. — I),, p. 378. 58 MARRIAGE. but is Second. When her master has died, leaving her child liei°chikrs surviving, she is entitled to emancipation out of the share share in of the child in the master's property, and if the share be ' insufficient, she is to be emancipated pro tanto, or as far as the share will go, and to work out the remainder of her value by emancipatory labour. A bequest Third. When the master has made a bequest to his ^wuludbv oom-i-widud, though some of our doctors maintain that her mas- the legacy is to be paid to her, and she is still to be eman- appiied to °ip a ted out of the portion of the child, the better opinion her en- seems to be that the legacy is to be first applied to her ment emancipation, and that it is only the balance, if the legacy before should be insufficient for the purpose, that can be taken the share ou * °f the portion of the child, of her Fourth. When an oom-i-widud has committed an offence, the fine or compensation due on account of it attaches to her person, which her master is obliged to pensation ransom, but to wbat amount is a question on which there fences i s a difference of opinion, some saying that it is the less of commit- two sums, viz. the irish, or established compensation of ted by her, , . ... attaches ' ^ ue offence, and her value, while others maintain, with to her more appearance of truth, that it is the irish, whatever that may be. He may, however, surrender the slave herself, if he please, to the person against whom the offence has been committed. And it is reported as from Abee Abdoollah, on whom be peace, that the master is personally liable for trespasses by her on the rights of individuals, but that if it be against a jumaut, or collection of persons, he has an option, and may either ransom her or surrender her to the persons injured, or their heirs, in proportion to the extent of the offence. The fine or com- ( 59 ) CHAPTER IV. of causes for which marriage may be cancelled. Section First. Personal Blemishes in Man and Woman. The personal blemishes of a man are three in number : Blemishes Insanity, Eunuchism and Impotence. m a man - The Insanity of a husband empowers his wife to cancel Insanity, their marriage, whether the insanity be continued or occa- sional, and so also when it is supervenient or occurs after the contract, and whether before or subsequent to connubial intercourse. With regard to supervenient insanity, it has sometimes been made a condition of its being a cause for the cancellation of marriage, that the man should not have understanding sufficient to recognize the stated times of prayer, but the soundness of this opinion is at least liable to doubt. Eunuchism is the loss of both the testicles, and in- Eunuch- eludes in its meaning their actual destruction by castration. ism ' This is a cause for the cancellation of marriage when it has occurred before the contract ; and even when it is supervenient to it, according to some of our doctors ; but this opinion is not to be relied on. Impotence 1 is a cause for the cancellation of marriage, Jmpo- though it should not occur till after the contract, provided, tence - however, in this case, that the man has had no sexual inter- 1 Iiiin. A definition of the term is given in the text, which may he dispensed with, as its meaning is sufficiently expressed by the English word. 60 MARRIAGE. Blemishes in a wo- man. Insanity. Juozam. Burs. Kurn. Ifzao. Urj. course either with his wife or another woman ; for if this has occurred, though only once with his wife, or if, while impotent with regard to her, he has had connection with another woman, the wife has no option according to the most approved doctrine. So, also, if he has had connec- tion with his wife against nature, 2 though impotent in the natural way, she has no power to cancel their marriage. Whether, again, jub or the removal of the penis only be a sufficient cause for cancellation, is a point on which there is a difference of opinion ; but, according to the opinion which is the more agreeable to the general principles of the law, it does enable the wife to cancel her marriage, provided, however, that so much of the stump has not been left as is sufficient for coition. A man cannot be rejected for any other cause than one of these above mentioned. The blemishes of a woman are seven in number : in- sanity, joozam, burs, kurn, ifzao, blindness, and urj. Insanity is a total derangement of the intellect, and an option is not established by slight aberrations which easily subside, or by stupors, though of frequent occurrence. But if these are confirmed or permanent the option is established. Joozam 3 is a disorder in which there is a drying up, or withering of the members, and a falling away of the flesh. Burs 3 is a whiteness which appears on the surface of the body from an excess of the humours ; but if there is any room for doubt as to the symptoms, this does not give the power of cancellation. Kurn is sometimes described as a fleshy protuberance, and some- times as a bone growing in the womb, which prevents coition. Ifzao is the two passages of nature becoming one. 4 With regard to Urj there is some doubt; but it seems more agreeable to traditional authority to include it among female blemishes when it amounts to actual lameness. 2 There are two traditions with regard to this practice, and though according to the more generally received of these it is not unlawful, yet it is deemed to be utterly abominable. — Shuraya, p. 260. 3 Black and white leprosy according to Im. D., p. 82. 4 See ante, note, p. 26. CAUSES FOR WHICH MARRIAGE MAY BE CANCELLED. 61 RutuJc 5 has been placed by some among the blemishes of RutuJc. a woman which give a right to cancel marriage, and when it has prevented coition from the beginning, there seems to be ground for this opinion, on account of the privation of sexual enjoyment, — that is, when it cannot be removed or has resisted the usual remedies. A woman cannot be rejected for any other than the seven blemishes above mentioned. Section Second. Laws relating to Blemishes. First. Blemishes in a woman that existed before the A blemish contract afford a cause for the cancellation of marriasre : ln a wo ", . inn man, to be but it cannot be cancelled on account of any that occur a ground after the contract and connubial intercourse. With regard, f°r. cancel_ again, to those that occur after the contract but before must have such intercourse, there is room for doubt ; but, according to ^efti* 3 at the opinion that is best supported by traditional authority, of the they are not a sufficient cause for cancellation, and this is contract - corroborated by the consideration that at the time of the contract it was free from objection. Second. The option of cancellation must in all cases be The right exercised immediately, for if a blemish be known to man to cancel or woman, and they do not hasten to cancel the contract, exercised it becomes binding upon them. And the rule is the same immecli - in the case of option on account of tudlees or deception. Third. Cancellation on account of a blemish is not Cancella- tuldk or repudiation. Hence, it does not give occasion for H 011 -\,% halving the dower, 6 and is not reckoned in making up the not repu- number of three repudiations. diation ; Fourth. A man may lawfully exercise his right of and does cancellation without the intervention of a iudere. And a n °t re " , . , quire the woman may do so also. Irue, that in establishing im- interven- potence a judge is required to fix the period allowed to * 10 ?° f a the man in such cases to test his inability. But on the except in ______ the case of 5 Female organs so narrow as only to allow a passage for the ™P°" urine. — Johnson's Arab. Diet. 6 That is, in case of cancellation before coition. 62 MARRIAGE. In dis- putes as to blem- ish, de- nier's word pre- ferred. How the right to dower is to be de- termined on cancel- lation of a marriage. Special rules for the esta- blishment of impo- tence. expiration of the prescribed period, she can cancel the marriage of herself when no connubial intercourse has taken place. 7 Fifth. When there is a difference between the parties as to the existence of the blemish, the word of the denier is to be received in the absence of proof. Sixtlt. When a husband has cancelled his marriage for one of the blemishes before described, and this is done before consummation, the wife has no right to dower; but if it is not done till after consummation, she is entitled to the full amount specified in her contract ; for the right being once established by coition, is so completely confirmed that it cannot be extinguished by cancellation. The husband, however, has a right of recourse against the person by whom he was deceived. In like manner, if a wife should cancel her marriage before consummation, she has no right to dower, except in the single case of impotence ; while if she does not cancel it till after consummation, she is entitled to the full sum specified in the contract. So, also, where the blemish for which the marriage has been can- celled is the husband being an eunuch, the wife is equally entitled to her full dower if coition has taken place. Seventh. Impotence is not established without the husband's acknowledgment before the judge, or proof of a previous acknowledgment by him, or by his refusal to swear. If there is none of these, and the wife prefers a claim on the ground of impotence, the word of the husband is to be received when confirmed by his oath. Some, however, contend that he should be placed standing in cold water, and that if there is a contraction of the parts, judgment should be given according to his assertion, while if they remain relaxed, judgment should be given in favour of the woman. But no reliance is to be placed on this experiment as any test. If impotence has been established against the husband, and he subsequently alleges con- nubial intercourse with his wife, credit is to be given to his assertion when confirmed by his oath. And if he alleges 7 According to the Hanirites, a decree of separation by the judge seems to be necessary. — D., p. 347. CAUSES FOR WHICH MARRIAGE MAY BE CANCELLED. 63 that lie has had connection with other women, his word is still to be received if accompanied by his oath. But judgment should be given against him if he refuse to swear. Some, however, maintain that in this case the oath is to be tendered to the wife, and the opinion is recom- mended by the usual course of procedure in cases of refusal . Eighth. When impotence has been established, and Course to the wife is patient, or declines to proceed in the matter, be fo |" nothing further is to be said ; but if she insists on bringing fore the it before the judge, the case is to be postponed for a year 3 ud & e - from the day of her appeal to him, and if, in the interval, connubial intercourse takes place, or the husband has had connection with another woman, the wife has no option ; but if nothing of the kind has happened, she has a right to cancel her marriage, and has a right to half the dower. Section Third. Tudlees* or Deception. Where a man has married a woman on condition of a man her being free, and she proves to be a slave, he has a right ^ko mar- to cancel the marriage, even though connubial intercourse woman on should have taken place. Some go further and say, that c ° ndltion . t i r> ... of her be- the marriage is void ; but the first opinion is better ing free, founded on traditional authority. If the marriage is m ^y can- cancelled before coition, the woman has no right to dower ; marriage but if the cancellation does not take place till after it has lf she . r _ proves to occurred, her right to dower is fully established. Some be a slave, say, however, that the dower named in the contract is extinguished, and that her master can claim only the tenth if she were a virgin, and half the tenth if she were not so ; but the first opinion seems to be more agreeable to the general principles of the law. And the husband has a right of recourse for a refund of whatever he may be obliged to pay, against the person who practised the decep- tion upon him. If that person were the master of the 8 Literally, " concealment of faults." 64 MARRIAGE. And a woman has the like power in similar circum- stances. A man who con- tracts with ano- ther for his daugh- ter on condition of her being the child of a free wo- man, may cancel the marriage if she proves to be the child of a slave. Every per- son to whom another woman has been brought instead of his wife, slave, some of our doctors are of opinion that the marriage is valid, and the wife made free by virtue of his declaration, if the words of which he made use were such as can fairly be construed to imply emancipation, while if they cannot bear that construction, she is not emancipated, but has no right to dower. If the woman herself were the deceiver her master is entitled to compensation for the enjoyment of her person ; but the husband is entitled to a refund of it as against the woman herself if she should ever be emanci- pated ; and if he has actually paid her the dower, he may immediately recover whatever of it may be still in her hands, and proceed against her for the remainder when she has obtained her freedom. When a woman has married a man on condition of his being free, and he proves to be a slave, she has power to cancel her marriage before or after connubial intercourse ; but if the marriage is cancelled before it, she has no right to dower, while her right to it is fully established if the cancellation does not take place till after coition. When a man has contracted with another for his daughter on condition of her being the child of a free woman, and it proves that her mother was a slave, some of our doctors maintain that he has a right to cancel the marriage ; and it would seem that he has such an option when there was an express stipulation to that effect ; but not so, if the contract were in general terms. If he should avail himself of his option, and cancel the marriage before coition, the woman has no right to dower ; but if the cancellation does not take place till after coition, her right to dower is fully established, the husband having at the same time a right of recourse against the deceiver for a refund of it, whether he be the father of the damsel or another person. If a man should marry his daughter to another as the child of a free woman, and should send him, instead of her, his daughter by a slave, the husband may return her to her father ; but if coition has taken place, he is liable for her proper dower ; for which, however, he is entitled to a refund from the father, who must also restore to him the CAUSES FOR WHICH MARRIAGE MAY BE CANCELLED. Go daughter whom he had actually married. So also may may re- every one act to whom another than his own wife has been i,"'/',,"' 1 ' brought, whom he supposes to be his wife, whether the liable fur woman be higher or lower in degree than the person whom dower°jj ' he has married. coition When a man has married a woman stipulating for her p] ace . being a virgin, and finds that she is not so, he has no Amanwho power to cancel the marriage, because the marks of virginity marries a i -i-i -it ii woman on may have been destroyed by some concealed cause other than condition coition. But he is entitled to a deduction from the dower ? f .^ er being a equivalent to the difference between the dower of a virgin virgin, has and one who is not so. Some, however, maintain that the non gktto m ' ' m cancel the amount to be deducted is a sixth of the dower, but this is marriage erroneous. _ JJSSsto When a man has taken a woman in mootd, or by tern- be other- porary marriage, and finds that she is a Kitabeeah, he * J fa . , . . , . . i • A tempo- has no power to cancel the marriage, without giving up his rary mar . right to her during the time or period for which the marriage ria £f- can " has been contracted ; nor can he deduct any part of the cancelled dower. And even though the contract were a permanent because ° t r the woman one, the result would be the same according to one of two i s not a opinions on the subject. If, indeed, there were a positive m0O ^j- condition that the woman should be a Mooslimah, there is absence of no doubt that he would have the power of cancelling the ^ n ^ ^ s marriage should she prove to be of a different religion. When two men have married two different women, and Case of the wife of each has been brought to the other, and he has having the had connection with her, each of the women is entitled to wives of her proper dower as against the man who has had such brought to connection with her, and must be restored to her own them on husband, who is liable to her for the dower specified in her uf ,,„.[,. contract ; but it is unlawful for him to have connubial marriage. intercourse with her until the expiration of her iddut on account of the first connection. If both the women should die during the iddut, or the husbands should die, each of the men would inherit to his own wife, and each of the women inherit to her own husband. In every place in which we have judged the contract to Whenever be void, the wife is entitled, when connubial intercourse ig VO idaJ PART II. P 66 MARRIAGE. initio, the wife is entitled to the proper dower ; and wher- ever it is valid, but cancelled, she is en- titled to the dower specified in it. has taken place, to her proper dower, and not to the dower appointed for her by the contract ; and in every place in which we have judged the contract to be valid, the wife is entitled, on cancellation of her marriage, to the full dower specified. It is maintained by some of our doctors that if the marriage is cancelled on account of a blemish ante- cedent to coition, the proper dower is due, whether the blemish were in existence before the contract, or did not occur till after it ; but the first opinion is more agreeable to the general principles of the law. ( 67 ) CHAPTER V. Of Muhr or Dower. Section First. Valid Dower. Anything whatever which is capable of being legally Anything acquired, whether it be substance or usufruct, is a valid be^^ 11 subject of dower ; and marriage may be lawfully contracted fully ap- for the usufruct of a freeman, that is, for service to be maybethe rendered by him in the teaching of a trade or instruction subject of in a chapter of the Koran, or any other lawful business, or even for the personal service of the husband himself for a stated period, although some of our doctors have prohibited the latter on the authority of a report, which, however, is but weakly authenticated, and further, falls short of the prohibitive sense which these doctors have put upon it. If two zimmees, or infidel subjects, should contract Things marriage together for wine, or a hog, the contract would toMussiiL- be valid, because these are things which may be lawfully mans may acquired by them. But if both or either of them should subject of embrace the faith before possession has been taken of the dower dower, the husband must deliver its value, as the thing ~|,,,^ 1 ,','.' itself is incapable of being the property of a believer. And it makes no difference whether the subject of the dower were specific, or engaged for in general terms, and left on the responsibility of the husband. If both of the parties to a contract in which wine or a hog is the dower, be Mooslims, or professors of the faith, or the husband only be a Mooslim, some doctors have pronounced such a con- tract to be null, and others have supported its validity, F 2 68 MARRIAGE. The amount of dower is dependent on the will of the parties. If the subject of dower be seen, its amount need not be ascer- tained. When a slave or house is assigned in general terms, one of medium value must be delivered. Dower of the soonwif is 500 dir- h i ■ins. decreeing tlie midir-ul-mithl, 1 or proper dower to the wife, in the event of coition. According to a third opinion, she is to receive the estimated value of the wine or hog ; but the second opinion is most generally approved. There are no bounds to the quantity or value of the dower, which is left entirely to the will of the husband and wife, so long as it is capable of appreciation, that is, not totally destitute of value, like a single grain of wheat, for example. 2 Some of our doctors have declared that a dower cannot legally exceed the muhr-ul-soonnut, or the dower bestowed by the Prophet on his wives, and have declared that any excess over that amount must be returned to the husband ; but this opinion is not to be relied upon. It is sufficient in the assignment of dower that the article which is the subject of it be seen, if produced, although of unknown measure or weight, like a heap of grain, for instance, or a bit of gold ; and it is lawful to marry two or more women for one dower, which must in that case, according to some of our doctors, be divided equally among them, or, according to others, in proportion to their proper dowers, — which latter opinion is more agreeable to the general principles of law. If a man should marry a woman for a servant or slave, in general terms, without his being seen or described, a slave of medium value must be delivered to her ; and the same rule applies to a beyt, or house, stipulated for in general terms, founded on a report by Aly Ebn Ally Humzah ; as also to a dar, or mansion, as recorded by Ben Aby Ameer from some of our doctors, quoting the authority of Aby at Husn, 3 on whom be peace. If a man should marry a woman " according to the Book of God, and the soonnut, or traditions, of his Prophet," without any specification of dower, she is to receive, in that case, five hundred dirhems. If, again, a dower is specified for the woman, and also something for 1 Usually pronounced muhr-i-misl in India. 2 According to the Hanifites, the lowest amount of dower is ten dirhems. — D., p. 92. 3 The Imam Mousey Jieza. DOWER. 69 her father, the husband is legally bound only for the first, and the stipulation in favour of the father is of no avail. It is otherwise where a husband endows his wife with a dower, and stipulates that something is to be given out of it to her father ; for in that case both the dower and the stipulation are valid, in opposition to the former example. It is indispensable in marriage contracts that the The dower dower be specified in such a manner as to remove all 1^™^° doubt and uncertainty. Thus, if the dower agreed upon as to re- be instruction in a chapter of the Koran, the chapter must ™cev- be specified ; and if it is left in general terms the dower tainty. mentioned is invalid, and the woman must receive her proper dower in the event of consummation. Whether, also, the mode of reading 4 must be specified, is a question which some have answered in the affirmative, and others maintain that it is not necessary, but that the husband must instruct her in a manner that is lawful,— which last opinion appears to be the best founded. Should the wife direct him to instruct another in her room, this is not incumbent upon him, as not included in the stipulation. If a husband should assign as the dower of his wife If a thing the teaching her a business in which he is not expert, or ^hidf" 6 a chapter of the Koran of which he is ignorant, such dower proves to is nevertheless valid, for the engagement is established on ful or no £ the husband's responsibility ; and if he is unable to perform the pro- it himself, he is bound to pay the hire of such instruction. ^j ie ^ us . If, again, he assign to her as dower a vessel said to contain band, its vinegar, and it afterwards appears that the contents are must be wine, some of our doctors have maintained that she is given in- entitled to have the value of the wine as if it were lawful, and others a similar quantity of vinegar, which latter appears to be the better opinion. In like manner, should he assign a particular slave, and if it afterwards appears that the person is free, or the property of another, the 4 This case has a reference to the seven different modes or tones prescribed for reading the Koran in the science of reading the sacred book, which is considered, in Arabia, a most important branch of study. 70 MARRIAGE. Case of a private and public assign- ment of dower. The hus- band is respon- sible for the dower unblem- ished. woman is to receive a slave of like value as the person mentioned. And if lie should marry her for one dower privately and another openly and in public, the first is her dower. 5 The husband is responsible for the dower. If, then, it should perish before delivery, he must make good its value at the time of its loss, according to the most com- monly received doctrine among us ; and if it is found to be blemished, the wife may return it on account of the defect. But if it should be blemished after the contract, it has been said that she has an option, and may take either the thing itself, blemished as it is, or its value. It were better, however, to say that she has no title to claim its value, and can only take the thing itself, with a com- pensation for the blemish. A woman may refuse to surrender her person till she has received delivery of her dower, whether the husband be wealthy or in straitened circumstances. But whether she can do so after the marriage has been consummated, is a question that has been answered both in the affirmative and the negative. The latter opinion, however, is the more conformable to the general principles of law, because fruition is a right in the husband to which he is entitled by the contract. Moderation in the amount of the dower is commend- able ; and to exceed the muhr-ul-soonmd, or dower of the traditions (five hundred dirliems), is abominable. As it is, also, for a husband to have connubial intercourse with his wife till he has first paid her the dower, or at least some part of it, or has given her something else as a present or gift. Section Second. Tufweez, or Gratuitous Surrender . Tufweez This is of two kinds, Tufweez-ool-Boozd, or surrender kinds. °f t ,ne person, 6 and Tufweez-ool-muhr, or surrender of the 5 See Digest, note on p. 118. " Literally, arvum genitale mulieris. A wife may re- fuse to surrender herself till her dower is paid. Modera- tion in the amount of dower laudable. DOWER. 7 1 dower. By the first is to be understood a contract, in 1. when which no mention whatever is made of dower, as if an n .° m . en " ' tion is agent should say, " 1 have married thee to such an one," made of or the woman herself should sav, "I have contracted myself °P WBT m J* J the con- in marriage to thee," the man saying, " I have consented." tract. This species of contract includes the following cases : — First. The mention of dower is by no means a con- A present dition of validity in a contract of marriage. If, therefore, ™^ t ® a person should marry a woman without any mention of the wo- dower, or with an express condition that there shall be forced none, the contract would be valid. And if he should before divorce her before consummation, she would have no right her proper to dower, though entitled to a mootdt, or present, whether dower if she be free or a slave. But if divorced after consumma- divorced tion, she must receive her proper dower, having no claim after it. to a present in that case. Further, should one of the parties die previous to coition and before settlement of the dower, neither dower nor a present can be claimed in such a case ; and it is to be observed that the proper dower is not established in any case by virtue of the con- tract alone, but is determined by its consummation. Second. The muhr mithl? or proper dower of a woman, How the is regulated by the nobility of her birth, the beauty of her ^^gj and person, aud the custom of her female relatives, provided present that it does not exceed the dower of the soonnut or five- ^1^°^ hundred dirhems. And the mootdt or present is regulated by the condition and circumstances of the husband. Thus a rich man is to present his wife with a quadruped, a rich dress, or ten deenars ; a man of the middle class with five deenars, or a dress of middling value ; and a poor man with one deenar, a ring, or the like. Further, no woman is entitled to a present except a woman for whom no dower has been assigned, and who has been divorced before consummation. Third. If the parties agree, subsequent to their con- Dower tract of marriage, upon the settlement of a dower, it set |ied is legal and valid, for the right is with them, whether after mar- & ' & riage. 7 Usually pronounced misl in India. 72 MARRIAGE. Marriage with a slave in- validated by her discreet. the amount agreed upon is equivalent to the proper dower, or is more or less than it, and whether the parties, or one of them, be acquainted with the proper dower or ignorant thereof, for the settlement of the dower rested with them at the first, and it is equally lawful to the end. Fourth. If a man marry a slave and then purchase her, the marriage is invalidated, 8 and she has no right either to dower or a present, husband's purchasing her, and she has no right to dower. Tufweez Fifth. Tufweez, or voluntary surrender, is established tothe^ase only on the part of a woman who is adult and discreet, and of women is not valid if made by a child or even a full-grown woman afohfand tuat is of a weak or iacile disposition. If, again, a guardian should contract his ward in marriage for less than her proper dower, or without any mention of dower, though the contract would be valid the woman would be entitled to her proper dower in virtue of the contract alone. But this decision is liable to doubt on the principle that a guardian is vested with powers to act as he thinks best for his ward, and may therefore be trusted with the tufweez or surrender of her person, in confidence that it is for her benefit in the particular instance ; and this decision appears to be the most proper. Supposing, however, the first to be correct, and that the husband divorces his wife previous to coition, she would on that supposition be entitled to half her proper dower ; whilst, according to the doctrine that we prefer she would be entitled to no more than a present. Further, it is lawful for a master to surrender his slave without any mention of dower, as he has an exclusive right to the dower. Sixth. When a master has contracted his slave in marriage without any mention of dower, and has sub- sequently sold her, the future settlement of dower rests in that case with the husband and the second master, should he ratify the marriage, and he alone is entitled to 8 According to the Hanifites, marriage is invalidated by either party becoming the proprietor of the other. — D., p. 203, and see ante, p. 38. Case of a female slave being married without specifica- tion of dower, and being then sold. DOWER. 73 the dower without any participation of the first. But if her first master should emancipate her previous to the consummation of her marriage, and she should approve or be content to abide by the contract, she would herself alone be entitled to the dower. With regard to the second kind of surrender, or that Second of the dower, which is that kind of contract in which the ^ /(7r% dower is mentioned in general terms and the amount left where the to be fixed by one of the spouses. When the husband is left to be the appointed judge, he is not restricted on the side of subse- either more or less, and may lawfully fix anything that he nxe d. pleases ; but when the amount is left to the judgment of the wife, though she is in nowise restricted on the side of less she is limited on the side of more, and cannot lawfully exceed the dower of the soonnut, or five hundred dwhems. Should the husband divorce his wife before coition, and also before the settlement of the dower, the person to whose judgment the matter was left must immediately fix the amount, and the wife is entitled to the half of it ; provided that when the wife is the party invested with the power, whatever she awards must not exceed the dower of the soonnut. If the judge or referee should die before fixing the amount, and previous to coition, some of our doctors have said that the dower is cancelled, and the wife entitled only to a mooted or present, while others insist that she has no right to either ; but the first opinion is supported by express tradition. Section Third. The Laws of Bower. These are comprehended in the following cases : — Right to . -ill- dower not First. When a marriage has been consummated before cancelled deliverv of the dower, the right to it is by no means can- b y con " J jo • i i • surama- celled by the consummation, but remains a debt against t i 0D( but the husband, for which he is responsible, however long or husband ' L -i l i • i always re- short may be the delay in its payment, and whether it be sponsible demanded or not. There is indeed a report the other way, £o ^*j tai but that has been set aside or abandoned. payment. 74 MARRIAGE. Consum- It is to be observed that by consummation, as a means what; 0n ' °f establishing a right to dower, is to be understood actual coition, either naturally or against nature, 9 and the right is by no means established by mere retirement, as some of our doctors have maintained, 10 the first opinion being better supported by traditional authority. When no Second. When no dower has been named in the con- dower has tract, k u £ tj ie husband has given something to his wife, been spe- ' ... cified, a and then consummates the marriage, it has been said that gift before ^ thing so given previous to coition is to be accounted consurjD- o o x mation the dower, and that the wife has no right to demand assumed anything more after the coition, unless it was previously to be the stipulated that the dower should consist of something else, unless' This is founded on an analogical exposition of a report, and otherwise is supported by the well-known opinion of our doctors. s p a e . Third. When a man has divorced his wife before con- titled to summation of their marriage she is entitled to half the half the stipulated dower, and if the whole were paid in advance, divorced be is entitled to a refund of half of it if still in existence, before coi- or j ia ]f f a giniilar to it if the thing itself have perished, the whole or half of its value if a similar cannot be procured. If has been there should be any difference between its value at the paid, must . . . . return time of contract and at the time of taking possession, the half, or its Wl f e lS bound only for the lowest of the two values. If, value. ... . . . again, the identical substance remain in her possession, but it has become injured in some of its qualities, as, for instance, if the dower were an animal which has become blind of an eye, or a slave who has forgotten the trade in which he was instructed, the husband is in this case entitled to half the value, and cannot be compelled to take the thing itself, although this decision is liable to some doubt. If, however, the diminution of value should arise merely from a change in the price, he is entitled to no more than half of the article itself, as he is also, on the other hand, entitled to the half of it if an increase in its value should take place from a rise in the market price, because See ante, note, p. GO. And as is the doctrine of the Hanifite sect. — I)., p. 9G. DOWER. 75 no reference can be made to value so long as the actual substance remains unchanged. Where, again, an essential increase of the substance has taken place, as by natural growth in the case of a young animal, or by an addition of fat in the case of a lean one, he is entitled only to half of the original value without the increase, and the wife cannot be compelled to make over half of the thing in its improved condition, according to the best founded opinion. Further, any produce of the original dower, such as the milk or young of an animal, is the exclusive property of the wife, and the husband is entitled to no more than half of what was specified in the contract. But if he had endowed her with a pregnant animal as her dower, half of both the animal and its offspring would be his ; while if instruction in a trade were the dower, and he had divorced her before consummation, she would be entitled to half the hire of instruction, and if he had already instructed her previous to the divorce, he would be entitled to a refund of half the hire. Fourth. If a woman exonerate her husband from the Effect of dower, and he then divorces her before consummation, he an exone_ ' ' ration by has a claim against her for half the dower; and in like wife of the manner if he should enter into a Jchoola with her, or ower > bargain for release from the marriage tie, in exchange for the whole dower, he would be entitled to have recourse against her for a refund of half of it, if he should divorce her before consummation. Fifth. Where a man has given his wife in exchange or a com- for her dower a fugitive slave, and something besides, and of the then divorces her previous to coition, he has a claim dower for against her for a refund of half the original dower specified j. lst , in the contract, and not of that subsequently exchanged for it. In like manner, if he should commute it for any other article, either moveable or immoveable, restitution, in the event of divorce, takes place only in the original dower, and not in the article exchanged for it. Sixth. When a moodubburah has been assigned as dower, and the wife is divorced (before consummation), the rah beinj slave becomes their joint property in equal shares, and !,7,h,\y ( 'r. Case of a inoodiilihil- 76 MARRIAGE. Unlawful stipula- tions in marriage are void, and leave the dower unaf- fected. E fleet of stipula- tion for an increase of dower if the wife is taken from her own city. A woman entitled to a second must be set free on the husband's death. But some insist that the tudbeer 11 is cancelled by the assignment of the slave as dower, in the same way as a legacy, which, like it, takes effect only on the death of the testator, is cancelled by any disposal of its subject during his life ; and this seems more agreeable to the general principles of law. Seventh. When anything is stipulated for in a contract of marriage which is contrary to law, as, for example, that the husband shall not marry another wife during the life- time of the party with whom the contract is made, nor privately entertain a woman as his concubine, the condition is void, and the contract valid together with the dower. In like manner, if the husband should stipulate for the payment of the dower at a certain term, and that in the event of failure the contract shall be null, both contract and dower are binding and the condition void. If, on the other hand, it is stipulated that he shall not deprive her of her virginity, the condition is valid and binding, and should the wife afterwards consent to connubial inter- course, that also would be lawful on account of the general terms of the tradition. Some doctors have limited the obligation of fulfilling this condition to cases of temporary marriage alone, but the doctrine appears to be totally groundless. Eighth. If it be stipulated in a contract of marriage that the husband shall not take away his wife from her own city, it has been said that such a condition is binding, and there is a tradition to that effect. Should he further stipulate a certain amount of dower in the event of his taking her away to his own country, and somewhat less if she does not accompany him, and if after this he attempts to carry her away to an infidel city, she is not bound to comply, and is nevertheless entitled to the higher amount of dower. If, on the other hand, the removal is to a Mussulman city, the condition of the contract is bind- ing on her ; though this is liable to some doubt. Ninth. If a person divorces his wife, and remarries 11 See ante, note, p. 55. DOWER. 77 her during the iddut, and again divorces her before coition, dower if she is entitled to half the dower. remarried. Tenth. If a woman makes a gift to her husband of half ] ialf dower the dower diffusively, and he then divorces her before; tohus- coition, he becomes thereby proprietor of the whole, but titles him has no further claim of recourse against her, whether the *° wlaole dower was a debt, or something specific ; because the gift divorced comprehends all that she had any title to. before 'Eleventh. If a husband should assign two slaves as his Twoskives wife's dower, and one of them should die, he has a right of assigned recourse against her for half the surviving slave, and half an( j one ' the value of the dead one. of them Twelfth. If an option is stipulated for in marriage, the n t'° ' contract is void. 12 But there is a difference of opinion upon marriage the point from a consideration, on the one hand, that the except marriage is fully established, because all the legal requisites when re- exist, and, on the other, that it is annulled by the option, thedower. which is evidence of the absence of that complete satisfac- tion which is essential to the constitution of marriage. But if the stipulation for an option is restricted to the dower, then the contract, the dower, and the condition are all valid. Thirteenth. The dower becomes the property of the Thedower wife by the mere contract, and she may therefore legally IfJ^if* " use and dispose of it, according to the most common or the wife generally received of two reports, before taking possession m ^ re e con _ of it. But should the husband divorce her before coition, tract; half of it reverts to him, the other half only remaining 1 her but half of it reverts property; and if she should forgive him what belongs to to the lms- her, the whole would be his. So also, if the person who b , and lf ... she is has power to contract the woman in marriage, that is, her divorced guardian, as her father or paternal grandfather, should be *°re forgive the husband the portion of the dower to which the wife is entitled, the whole would revert to him ; 13 and some 12 See ante, p. 5. 13 Vide Sale's Koran, cap. ii. p. 43 : — " But if ye divorce them before ye have touched them, and have settled a dower, they shall have half what ye settle, unless they release or he release in whose hands the contract of marriage is." 78 MARRIAGE. A wife cannot deny her- self to the embraces of her hus- band when the dower is deferred. Where the dower is a piece of silver which has been manufac- tured, and the wife is divorced before co- ition, she of our doctors have alleged that this power belongs to every person who has authority to contract a woman in marriage. The father and paternal grandfather may forgive the hus- band a part of the dower, but neither of them can give up the whole. The husband's guardian, however, has no legal power to give up his ward's right to half the dower in the event of a divorce previous to consummation, for he is appointed to take care of the interests of his ward, who can have no possible benefit from the abandonment of his right. Further, when either the wife has forgiven her half or the husband has forgiven his half, in neither case does the right of property pass out of the person foregoing the right, by the mere act of forgiveness, for that is only a gift which is not completed without possession. If, indeed, the dower were a debt against the husband, or if it should happen to perish in the hands of the wife, mere forgiveness of the responsibility would be quite sufficient, because it would be a release which does not require even acceptance. It is otherwise in the case of ma!, or tangible property, for which a person is liable, for that cannot be transferred by mere forgiveness, or anything short of actual delivery. Fourteenth. If the dower is moowujjul, or deferred, the wife cannot deny herself to the embraces of her husband ; and if she has contrived to withhold herself till the arrival of the stipulated period, a question may arise whether she can then lawfully deny herself till the dower is paid. To this question some of our doctors have answered in the affirm- ative, but others in the negative, with better reason, be- cause she was already bound to surrender herself before the arrival of the period agreed upon for payment of the dower. Fifteenth. If the husband should assign as the dower a piece of silver bullion, which the wife has converted into a vessel, and he divorces her previous to coition, she has an option, and may deliver half the identical article or its value in money ; for it is not incumbent upon her to give up the price of the manufacture. If, on the other hand, the dower were a piece of cloth which she has sewed up into a shift, the husband is not obliged to take it, and may demand half DOWER. 79 the value, because silver does not lose its identity by being may re- manufactured, whereas it is otherwise with cloth. its value £ Sixteenth. If the dower be instruction in a chapter of When the the Koran, the husband is bound to make his wife capable ?°Y er 1S ; l lnstruc- of reading the chapter by herself, and it is not sufficient tion in a that she merely follow him in repeating his words. True, J a ^ er , of if rendered capable of independently reading one verse, he she must then teaches her another and she forgets the preceding, he t e au f-t is not bound to go over it again ; but if she require the by her- assistance of, or be instructed by any other person than her se ' husband, she is entitled to receive from him the hire of such instruction, in the same way as if he had assigned something as the dower which he is unable to deliver up. Seventeenth. It is lawful to combine marriage and sale Sale and in one contract, and the whole consideration must be divided m^bf c in the proportion of the wife's proper dower and the market joined in price of the article. But if a woman, holding a deenar in tract a ^d her hand, should say, " I have contracted myself to thee the con .- in marriage, and sold this deenar to thee for a deenar" the j g to be sale would be void on the ground of usury, and the dower divided invalidated, the marriage, however, being valid. If, again, tion to the the articles were of different kinds, as if, for instance, a P ro P er dower garment were substituted for the first deenar, she should an d the say, " I have sold you this garment and contracted myself m ^ rket p . . jo j price or m marriage to thee for one deenar" the whole would be the thing valid. sold - Branches from the Preceding. First. If a husband should assign as his wife's dower a Case of a slave whom she emancipates, and the wife is then divorced be - ng before coition, she is liable for half his value. If, again, assigned she should have made the slave a moodubbur, it is said wli0 is that she has an option and may either revoke H or abide after- wirds by the tudbeer. Should she adopt the latter course, the emanc j_ husband has half the slave, but if she decline this exercise pated by . t.lic wife of the option she cannot be compelled, and is only liable D r made'a for half the value. Further, if she should pay that amount moodub- 7 x Our. 11 Tudbeer is like a legacy, and may be lawfully revoked. — Shuraya, p. 358. 80 MARRIAGE. and then revoke the tudbeer, it is said that the husband may renew his claim to half the slave, having accepted the valne merely from the intervention of the tudbeer. But this decision is liable to doubt, from a consideration that by payment of the value the woman's right of property in the slave was once fully established. Though a Second. If a guardian contract his female ward in g hi ld an carriage for a smaller sum than her proper dower, some contract doctors have alleged that the dower is null, and that she is fr less entitled to the proper dower. Others have asserted that than her the appointed dower is valid, and this doctrine is the most proper -■ dower, approved. it is valid. Third. If a person marry a woman, assigning as her Cases dower some property pointed out, but of unknown weight, exonera- which perishes before delivery, and the wife releases him tionbythe f rom ^ this is valid. As also, where he has assigned her her dower a dower that is invalid, and the wife being in consequence is valid, entitled to her proper dower releases him from it in whole it is not. or in part, such acquittal is, in like manner, valid, although the amount is yet unascertained, because this is merely the cancelling a right which in law is not affected by io-norance of the amount. If, however, a wife should exonerate her husband of the proper dower before coition, such acquittal is invalid, because her right to it is not yet established. 15 A father Fourth. If one should contract his infant son in mar- contract- r j[ ao , e anc i the child has independent means of his own, he intcliisson & ' . f . in-mar- is liable for the dower. If the child is poor the obligation riage is t entirely on the father, and, in the event of his death, liable tor •> . the dower must be discharged out of the whole of his property, whether unless the ^ c ] n ^ c i gh^uld arrive at maturity and become wealthy, or son iicis means of die before it. If, therefore, the father should have paid his own. j.j ie c ] owerj an d the youth should come to maturity and then divorce his wife before coition, the son and not the father has a right to reclaim half the dower, the payment by the father being considered, in the light of the law, as a gift to the son. 15 It is only by coition that the right to the proper dower can be established. — Ante, p. 71. DOWER. 81 Fifth. If a father should gratuitously pay the dower on Adult son account of his adult son, and the son should divorce his ^"^^.^ ... <<> Ins wife wife before coition, he is entitled to revert to her for half for half the dower, and the father cannot object to his doing so, !£ ed0 j7 er notwithstanding what we have just said in the case of an given by infant child. But in both cases there is room for doubt. lls father - Section Fourth. Disputes regarding Dower. First. If the dispute is upon the fact whether a dower Word of was assigned or not, the word of the husband is to be banolTbe preferred ; without any difficulty if the dispute has arisen preferred previous to consummation, because a contract of marriage te is .)*" without specification of dower is common and probable, to the fact And though the dispute should have arisen after consum- ^ower mation, here also the word of the husband is to be pre- having ferred, as supporting the original and radical conclusion s io- ne d of freedom from obligation until the contrary is proved. Further, there is no difficulty in assigning the preference to the husband's assertion if he fix an amount of dower, how- ever trifling, down to a grain of rice, 16 because here the probability is established, and the excess alleged being contrary to the probable conclusion and unknown, must be supported by proof. If the difference between the parties Or its is as to the amount or quality of the dower specified, here va i ue _ still the word of the husband is to be preferred. Whereas, But the if he acknowledge the dower claimed by his wife, and ™ord of ° J ' the wife allege his delivery of it, but fails to adduce any proof of must be his assertion, credit must in this case be given to the word j 3 /^"^. and oath of the woman. Where, however, there has been p U te is an actual delivery of the dower, but the wife alleges that Jj^jj^jj what was given was intended as a gift, here, again, the dower. word of the husband is to be preferred, as he must neces- * sarily be best acquainted with his own intention. Second. If the husband and wife should have retired Where the parties together, and the wife alleges that carnal intercourse took h aV e re- 16 Or it may mean the weight in money of a single grain. PART II. O 82 MARRIAGE. tired to- gether, and the dispute is as to coi- tion, the word of the hus- band is preferred In dispute as to in- struction wife's word pre- ferred. Where there have been two separate contracts, and the man al- leges that the second was only a repetition of the first, the word of the wife is preferred. place between them, then, if the case admits of proof on the part of the husband, as where the wife was a virgin at the time of the marriage, and asserts coition in the natural way, the decision is obvious. Where, again, she was not a virgin at the time of the marriage, or alleges coition unnatur- ally, 17 the husband's declaration on oath must be credited, because the original condition is an absence of coition, and he denies what she alleges, which therefore requires to be established by proof. Some doctors, however, are of opinion that her assertion upon oath must be received as supported by the natural conclusion to be drawn from a man and woman in good health retiring together when no obstruction to the carnal act is alleged. But the first doctrine is the most approved. Third. When the dower is instruction in a chapter of the Koran, or in a trade, and the wife alleges she has been taught something else, her word is to be preferred, for she is a denier of what he claims. Fourth. If a woman should adduce evidence to prove that her husband married her at two different times by two separate contracts, as founding a claim to two dowers, and he should insist that what she supposed to be two con- tracts was merely a repetition of the one contract, her word is to be preferred, because appearances are in her favour. Whether he is liable for the two dowers is a question which has been answered in the affirmative, in reliance on the fact of there having been two separate acts of contract ; but it has also been said that he is only liable for a dower and a half. The first opinion, however, is the most approved. 17 See note on page 60. ( 83 ) CHAPTER VI. of kism, nushooz, and shekak. Section First. Kism, or Partition. Each of the spouses possesses certain rights which it is Mutual incumbent on the other to respect ; and, as a husband is f ^ bound to maintain his wife by providing her with raiment parties. and food and a place to reside in, so also it is incumbent on the wife to submit herself to his embraces, and to avoid everything that may render her repulsive or disagreeable to him. Kismut, or a partition of his time amongst his wives, is Equal par- a duty which is incumbent on a husband, whether he be *! tlon of free or a slave, and even though he should be impotent or among an eunuch ; as also though he„ be insane, but in that case j^J^^ the partition should be regulated by his guardian. bent on a Some of our doctors are of opinion that partition is not incumbent on a husband until he has once begun to cohabit till it has with his wives ; and this doctrine is the most approved, been once • • /• i com- though others have maintained its necessity from the menced. beginning of the married state. If a man be married to one wife she has a right to one Where he night out of every four, and the other three are at his own n e w jf e disposal to sleep where he pleases. If he has two wives tnree • it • i -i ■c^ i ,i ,i nights are they are entitled to two nights, and if he has three they are at i,j s own entitled to three, while he has a right to dispose of the disposal, ii T » i i and so on excess in each case up to four, as he pleases. It he has where he the full complement of four wives, each one of them has a has only . two or right to a night in her turn, and he cannot absent himself three o 2 84 MARRIAGE. The pe- riods, as one or two nights with each, to be de- termined with their consent. Partition limited to spending his time equally with his A free woman en- titled to twice the time of a slave, and a mooslim- ah to twice the time of a Jdtabeeah. The time to which each wife is entitled may be spent with her in her own apart- ment, or by calling her to his. Seven nights al- lowed for consum- mation from the proper partner of that night without a just pretext, or being on a journey, or her permission. Whether the husband can lawfully regulate the partition by giving more than one night to each wife, is a question that has been answered in the affirmative, but it would seem that he cannot do so without their consent. And if he should marry four wives at once, the order of cohabita- tion should, be determined by lot. Some, however, have said that he may begin with any one of them at his pleasure, and so on till he has gone through the whole, after which he is bound to equality in the same order, and this opinion is the most generally approved. What is incumbent on a man in respect of partition is merely to spend his time with the wife to whom it is due, and does not extend to coition. It is also confined to the night, to the exclusion of the day. But some say that he should not only remain with her during her night, but should prolong his stay for the morning, and there is a tradition to that effect. If a person be married to a slave and a free woman, or several free women, each of them is entitled to two nights for one to the slave, and a zimmeeah or infidel subject is in respect of partition on the same footing as a slave ; so that if a man be married, to a mooslimah and a Mtabeeah, the former is entitled to two nights for one night to the latter ; while if he has a mooslimah who is a slave, and a hitabeeah who is free, they are both to be treated exactly alike in respect of partition. A woman enjoyed by right of property has no title to partition, whether she be single or there be several in that predicament. And a man is at liberty to go the round of his wives in their own houses or apartments, or to call them to his own apartment. He may also practise the one course with some of them, and the other course with others, impartiality in this respect not being required. A man should remain seven nights with a virgin for consummation of his nuptials, and three nights with a woman who has lost her virginity, such times being spe- cially appointed by law for these respectively, and he is KISM, OR PARTITION. 85 not obliged to make up to his other wives for the deficiency, of mar- If two or more wives are conducted to a man in one nio-ht, ria ? e ) vlth . a virgin, he may commence, according to some, with whichever of and three them he pleases, while, according to others, he ought to ™ ltn a cast lots ; but the first opinion is most generally approved, though the latter would perhaps be better. The duty of partition abates on a journey. Some, Right to however, have said that if the journey be only a migration abatesTn from place to place, with intermediate residences at places a journey, on the way, he ought to make up for it to his other wives on his return, and that it is only with regard to distant journeys that the right abates. When he intends that any of his wives should accompany him on a journey, he should cast lots between them. Whether he may pass by the person on whom the lot has fallen, is a question that has been an- swered in the negative, because she has been in a manner appointed for the purpose, though the point is open to doubt. The right of a slave to partition is not dependent on Slave's the permission of her master, because this is a matter in p^ t *° n which he has no portion. not de- Equality among wives should be observed in respect of ^master. maintenance, general behaviour, and coition. 1 A husband Equality ought also to remain in the morning with the wife who is should be entitled to the preceding night. Further, he should allow in main . his wife to visit her father and mother on the approach of tenance o ... n and gene- death, though it is in his power to forbid her visiting them ral be ] ja . or her other relatives, or going out of his home except on vlour - necessary occasions. Partition is a connubial right common to both husband A wife and wife, or one in which both are partners, because they "p her" both participate in its fruit or advantages ; and if a wife night to should release her husband from the duty to her, he has b ^ dj ^ an option and may accept or decline availing himself of it. her co- She may also bestow her right as a gift upon her husband no^ th . or any other of his wives with his consent ; and if the gift out his is to her husband he may spend the night wherever he 1 That is, it is proper, though not an incuniljent duty. See ante, p. 84. 86 MARRIAGE. A gift by a wife of her time to a co- wife may be re- tracted, Man not bound to keep pro- mise to give an exchange for wife's time. Infants or mad wo- men not entitled to partition. A husband cannot visit any of his wives dur- ing the night of another. pleases ; but if she bestows it upon his other wives, he must divide it between them ; while if she should give it to one of them in particular, it must be devoted specially to the donee. In like manner, if three of them should give up their nights to the fourth, it is incumbent on him to remain with her constantly and exclusively. When a wife has bestowed her right on another with the husband's consent the gift is valid, and she may retract the gift, but not so as to give the retraction a retrospective effect. The husband, therefore, is not bound to make up to her for the past, though he is obliged to have respect to her right for the future. Should she revoke without informing him, he is not bound to make up for any nights that may have passed previous to his becoming acquainted with the revocation. If a woman should ask anything in exchange for giving up her right, and he should consent, is he bound to per- form ? It has been said not, because this is a right which does not admit of separate valuation, and the exchange therefore is not valid. An infant has no right to partition, nor has a woman who is permanently mad, nor a nashizaJi, that is, one who is in a state of rebellion to her husband, nor one who has gone on a journey without her husband's permission ; so as to lay the husband under any obligation on account of what is past. A husband is not entitled to visit one of his wives during a night belonging to another, unless she be sick, when it is lawful to visit her. Whether, if he spend the whole night with her, he is bound to make up for it to the other, is a question that has been answered in the affirmative, because she has not obtained her night, and also in the negative, because it is like a visit to a stranger; and this view seems most agreeable to the principles of law. If he should enter the chamber of another and copulate with her, and then return to the wife whose night it is, he is not bound to make up for such coition to the wife whose turn is thus encroached upon, for coition is not one of the rights of partition. NUSHOOZ, OR REBELLION. 87 When a man has oppressed his wife in the matter of Man partition, he is bound to make up to her for any deficiency boi ' nci to in her nights. to wife for When a man has four wives, and one of them is deficienc y- rebellious, and he then fixes a period of fifteen nights rebellious in succession for each of his wives, 2 and he has fulfilled wife re- their time with two of them, after which the rebellious her obedi- one returns to her duty, he is obliged to fulfil her fifteen ence - days to the third wife, and five to the one who was rebel- lious, giving the latter one night and the other three nights for five times in succession, by which means the third wife will obtain her fifteen nights, and the rebellious one her five, after which he reverts to the original measure of partition between the whole four alternately. If a man has two wives in different cities, and has Case of remained with one of them for ten days, it is said that j^-gT^ 8 he should abide for the like time with the other. ent cities. If a man should marry a wife, and before consum- Time for mation should have to draw lots for one of his wives to cons . um " rnation accompany him on a journey, and the lot should fall upon must be her, it is lawful for him, on his return, to make up to her to ^ e "^ her appointed time, 3 for this does not enter into the if he has journey, nor does a journey enter into partition. gone on a journey before it. Section Second. Nushooz, or Rebellion. Nuslwoz in law signifies a departure from obedience, Legal defi- its original meaning being elevation or raising up. And it may be exhibited on the part of the husband, as well as that of the wife. 4 Should the symptoms of it appear On the on the part of the wife, as, for example, when she frowns tomsa in her husband's face, or appears languid and wearied in wife may administering to his wants, or has otherwise changed her mon j s hed ■ 2 That is, with their consent. — See ante, p. 84. 3 See ante, p. 85. 4 A husband can hardly be said to be rebellious towards his wife ; and perhaps " elated," or " overbearing," better expresses tbe mean- ing ol the word in its application to both the spouses. 88 MARRIAGE. respectful behaviour towards him, he should first rebuke or admonish her ; and if she persist in such behaviour, he may then lawfully abstain from matrimonial converse with her, by turning his back on her in bed, or, according to some, totally banishing her therefrom ; but there is a but not positive tradition in favour of the first opinion. It is not beaten lawful for him to beat her until some positive instance until some _ r positive of nushooz, by refusing to obey him in some particular a f t ?. *g" case in which he is entitled to a compliance with his will. When that occurs even for the first time, he may lawfully chastise her, but only so far as may afford a reasonable hope of her returning to obedience, and by no means to the extent of violent blows, or the effusion of blood. How it is When nushooz appears on the part of the husband, by to be depriving his wife of any of her rights, she may complain when ex- to the judge, who should compel him to their observance. hibited by ^ w if e? however, may abandon any of her rights, as her band. right to partition or maintenance, in order to conciliate her husband ; and he may lawfully accept the surrender. Section Third. Shekak, or Discord. Etymo- This is derived from the word shuJc, which signifies to the^word separate or divide, as if the spouses were in a state of separation from each other. When it When there is nushooz on the part of husband and the^iudge w ife> an ^ reason to apprehend an actual rupture, the judge should ap- should appoint two umpires, one from among the relatives persons to °f the husband, and the other from among those of the arbitrate wife, to decide as may be best in the case. It is lawful, the however, that these umpires be not of the family of either, parties. or tlaat one of them be of the family of one party, and the other a stranger to both. These persons should, accord- ing to the most authentic doctrine, be sent, not merely as agents, but with powers to decide between the parties as judges. If they agree as to measures of accommodation, they can give them effect without reference to the consent of the parties. Except that, though the umpires should SHEKAK, OR DISCOKD. 89 agree as to the necessity of a separation between them, this cannot be effected without the husband's consent, if it is to be by a tuldh or a divorce ; or without the wife's agreeing to a compensation, if it is to be by Jchoold or release. When the umpires have been sent by the judge, and Who may the parties, or either of them, refuse to appear before t ^eab- m them, some are of opinion that judgment cannot be sence of given, as it would be against an absent person. But it t } c e s P a r r the were better to say that it can be given, for it is limited to refusal of what is for the good of the parties, and actual separation appear be- is made dependent on their own permission. fore them. Whatever is stipulated for, or directed by, the umpires, Their must be lawful, or otherwise it may be dissolved or can- decision ' J . must be celled. If a husband should prevent the wife from exer- according cising any of her rights, or should render her jealous by t0 law> taking another wife, and she should in consequence expend something on her husband as an inducement to him to grant her a Jchoold, or release such concession on her part would be valid, and not be considered compulsory. 90 MARRIAGE. CHAPTER VII. OF LAWS RELATING TO CHILDREN. Three de- scriptions of chil- dren. Children born under a contract of per- manent marriage belong to their mother's husband, on three condi- tions. Which are indispen- sable. Section First. Of the Establishment of Parentage. Children are of three descriptions : children by wives ; children by slaves ; and children by women enjoyed under a semblance of right. With regard to the first : — All children born under a contract of permanent marriage appertain to the husband, 1 upon condition of coition and the lapse of not less than six months 2 nor more than the longest period of gestation from the time of its occurrence till the birth of the child. That period is nine months, according to the most common opinion ; but some of our doctors have extended it to ten months, and this is considered to be good 3 or correct. Others, again, have gone so far as to extend the period to a year ; but their opinion is now exploded or abandoned. 4 The conditions above mentioned are indispensable. So that if there has been no coition there can be no 1 It would seem, from what has been said at pp. 14, 43, that children born under a temporary contract also belong to the husband. 2 This appears to be the shortest period of gestation in the human species, by the unanimous consent of all Moohummudan lawyers. See D., p. 393. * Husun. See ante, p. 2, note 6 . The author of the Shwaya is supported in this respect by the Sheikh, in his Mubsoot, and by Allamee. 4 The Hanifites extend the period to two years, on the faith, of a tradition by Ayesha of a saying of the Prophet. — D., p. 393. LAWS RELATING TO CHILDREN. 91 affiliation of the child to the woman's husband ; and though such has taken place, yet if the woman be delivered, at less than six months from its occurrence, of a perfect and living child ; or if both the parties should concur in declaring that its birth has happened at more than nine or ten months from the time of coition ; or this fact can be established by the husband's absence from his wife longer than the longest period of gestation : in none of these cases can the child of which she has been delivered be affiliated to her husband, nor can he lawfully claim it as his own. But, on the other hand, where all these conditions are found, though an adulterer should have done wickedly with the wife, yet her child belongs of right to her husband, and cannot be repudiated by him, otherwise than by lidn or imprecation ; for an adulterer cannot be legally the father of a child ; 5 and if married parties differ as to the fact of coition or the birth of the child, a preference must be given to the word of the husband when confirmed by his oath. With coition and expiration of the shortest period of pregnancy, or delivery just at six months from the act, it is unlawful for the husband to deny his parentage, on suspicion of the mother's misconduct, or even though he should know her with certainty to have committed adultery ; and if he should deny her offspring to be his child, its parentage as from him cannot be rescinded in any other way than by going through the process of lidn. If a man should divorce his wife, who thereupon observes Case of a an iddut or period of probation, and gives birth to a child dlvorced 11 & woman within the longest period of pregnancy from the date of the bearing divorce, such child belongs to him, if its mother has not been ^j^ the intermediately enjoyed by another man under a contract of longest marriage or a semblance of right. But if a man should Juration have carnal intercourse with a woman, get her with child, from the and then marry her ; or, if the woman being a slave, he divorce. should subsequently marry her, in neither of these cases can the child be lawfully affiliated to him. It is incumbent on a husband to acknowledge the child , A e,lll<1 ° born in 5 See ante, p. 14. 92 MARRIAGE. wedlock cannot be rejected by the husband of its mother, otherwise than by lidn. Case of a divorced woman bearing a child within the shortest period of gestation from the date of the divorce. A man who has had con- nection with his female slave should acknow- ledge her offspring, if born in due time ; but may reject its parentage without lidn. How the parentage of a child borne by a slave, the of his wife when he admits that he has had conjugal intercourse with her, and that the child has been borne by her ; and if he should deny the child his denial is of no avail to the rescinding of its parentage, unless he goes through the process of lidn. And the same rule holds good though the parties should differ as to the period between the birth of the child and the date of their intercourse. When a man has divorced his wife, who, after observing an iddut, has married again, or has sold his female slave, who is subsequently enjoyed by the purchaser, and the woman in either case gives birth to a child at less than six months from the divorce or the sale, the child belongs to the first husband, or the seller ; whereas, if it is born at six months or more from these respective dates, it belongs to the second husband, or the purchaser. With regard to children by slaves : — If a man has con- nection with his female slave, who produces a child at six months or more from the date of coition, he is bound to acknowledge the offspring as his own ; but if he reject or deny the parentage lidn or imprecation cannot be required of him, and judgment must be given in favour of his rejec- tion on the outward appearance of the case. If, however, he should subsequently acknowledge the child, that would establish its parentage. When a slave has been enjoyed by her master, and also by a stranger, her child must be decreed to the master; and if she should be transferred to several owners successively, each of whom has carnally enjoyed her, the offspring is in this case to be adjudged to him in whose possession she is at the time of its birth, provided that it take place at six months or more from the date of his intercourse with her, otherwise it belongs to the next antecedent proprietor, should the delivery correspond to his connection with the mother ; and if not, to the next preceding, and so on. If a slave, being the joint property of several persons, is carnally enjoyed by each of them, and is delivered of a child, who is claimed by them all, the parentage must be decided by drawing lots, and he who is thus established as LAWS RELATING TO CHILDREN. 93 the father must make good to all the other proprietors property their shares as well in the value of the mother as of the several partners child on the day of its being born alive. If one only of who have them should claim the child, it is to be affiliated to him, f 0V ed"her and he becomes liable to the others for their shares in the is to be de- value of the mother, and of the child, which he cannot reject on the pretence of izl. e If a person has had connection with his female slave The child who is wickedly enjoyed by another, the offspring apper- belongs to tains to her master. If at its birth there should appear her master no traces of resemblance between him and the child, but she £ as on the contrary there is strong reason to confirm his been suspicion that the child is not his, it has been said that enjoyed he cannot properly either acknowledge or deny the child, by another but should bequeath something to it, and not give it a claim to inheritance with his children. This opinion, how- ever, is liable to some doubt arid difficulty. With regard to children begotten under a semblance Cases of of right : — If a man should erroneously cohabit with a begotten stranger, supposing her to be his wife or his slave, and under a she should produce a child, its parentage is established in of™^ 06 him. The same is the law when a person has erroneously had carnal connection with the slave of another, but in this case the father is liable to the mother's master for the value of the child at the period of its being born alive. If a man, supposing a woman to be unmarried, or a widow, or divorced from her former husband, should enter into a contract of marriage with her, and it should after- wards appear that the former husband was not dead, or had not divorced her, the woman must be restored to her first husband, after observing an iddut on account of her connection with the second ; but her child, if she is pregnant, belongs exclusively to the second, subject to the conditions formerly mentioned, whether she acted, in the matter of the supposed death or divorce, on the decree of a judge, or the information of a single person, or the testimony of witnesses. See ante, p. 43. 94 MARRIAGE. Section Second. A wife is not bound to suckle her child, and may lawfully demand hire from her hus- band for doing so. But a slave may be com- pelled by her master to suckle her child. A child should be suckled for two years. A mother has a pre- ferable right to the suck- ling of her child, when will- ing to do it on the same terms as another woman. Of the Suckling 7 and Custody 8 of Children. A mother is not bound to suckle her child, and may lawfully demand hire for doing so. If she has been irre- vocably divorced from the father, it is positively incumbent on him to hire her for the purpose. But some of our doctors have maintained that he is under no such obliga- tion if the mother be still his wife ; and it does not appear to be a positive duty, though it is quite lawful to hire her for the purpose in such circumstances. A master may compel his slave to suckle her child. The hire for suckling an infant should be paid by the father out of his own pocket when the infant has no property of his own. And the mother may either suckle the child herself, or employ another nurse for the purpose, retaining the hire. The time during which an infant should be suckled is two years, though it may be shortened to one year and ten months : but a further reduction of the time is unlawful, and an act of oppression or cruelty to the child. It may, however, be lawfully prolonged for a month or two beyond the two years ; though the father is not liable for the hire of any excess over the two years. A mother has a preferable right to the suckling of her own child when she demands no more than another is willing to do it for. But if her demand is greater than the other woman's, the father may remove the child from its mother, and deliver it to the other. So also if a stranger should offer to suckle the child gratuitously, the mother has a preferable right on the same terms ; but if she is not satisfied to suckle it gratuitously, the father is in like manner at liberty to deliver it to the other. » When the father claims that he had found a woman who was willing to suckle the child gratuitously, and the mother denies the fact, his word is to be preferred, because he is removing a liability from himself. This, however, is subject 7 Arab., Rizaa. 8 Hizunut. LAWS RELATING TO CHILDREN. 95 to some doubt ; and it is certainly becoming and more proper that an infant should be suckled on the milk of its own mother. With regard to the custody of the child, the mother has The cus- certainly a preferable right during the whole time of suck- ^ndbe- ling (that is, two years), whether the child be male or longs to female ; provided that she is free, and of the Mussulman t hertill faith, — for a slave or an infidel can have no right to the the child custody of an infant, with a Mooslim. 9 After the child has been weaned the father has a preferable right to its custody the cus- if a male, and the mother if a female, until the child has tod y of a attained the age of seven years, or ten, according to some ; child, while others maintain the mother's right to the custody of a untl } lfc ^ as female child till she marries. The first opinion, however, the age of is more agreeable to traditional authority, and the father seven - ° J years, be- is then entitled to her custody. If the mother should longs to enter into another marriage, her right to the custody of i father, either male or female child at once drops, and the father female, has a preferable right to the custody of both. But if he mother should die, the mother has a preferable title over his After executor to the custody of both the children. So also if seven the father be a slave or an infidel, the mother has a pre- complete, ferable claim to the custody of a child, whether male or ! he ia } her , is entitled female, even though she should have entered into a second to the marriage. If, however, the father should be emancipated, c » s )°^7 he has all the rights of a free man, and the custody of his children among them. When both the parents of a child are dead, his or her The cus- custody belongs to the father's father ; and, failing him, it c °iUd°b th has been said that the custody belongs to the relatives in of whose the same order as they are entitled to inheritance. But ^ re deacl> this is liable to doubt. According to the Sheikh, to whom belongs to its father's God be merciful, when there are both a sister on the father's f at her. side and a sister on the mother's, the custody of the infant belongs to the former, because she has the larger share of the inheritance. But there is a doubt of the preference in this case, arising from the fact that they are both equal 9 That is, I think, the father being a Mooslim, 96 MARRIAGE. in degree ; and the same remark applies to his preference of the paternal to the maternal grandmother. Further, he has said with regard to a grandmother and sister, that the former is to be preferred because she is a mother. But he has said, with regard to the combination of a paternal and maternal aunt, that their rights to the custody of an infant are equal ; and that when there is a combination of persons equal in degree, as in the case just mentioned, the right to the infant's custody is to be determined by casting lots between them. In connection with what has been said of the suckling and custody of infants it is to be observed :— Mother First. When a mother demands more than another loses her WO man for suckling her child, the father may, as already right to P . 1 ji • the cus- mentioned, deliver it to a stranger ; but there is some i° dy hifl doubt as to the mother's losing her right to the custody while it is of the infant in that case. The better opinion, however, suckled by seems ^ De that she does forfeit her right. p not iicr woman. Second. When a child has attained to puberty 10 and Effect of discretion, the power of the parents is at an end ; and he on the 7 i s ^ ree to J " 1 hi mse lf to whomsoever he pleases, authority Third. When a woman marries, she loses the right to o paren s. ^ e custody of her child. If she is divorced reversibly, by mar- ' matters remain as before ; but if the divorce is irreversible, riage, though there is some difference of opinion as to the revival losos the custody of of her right, it seems more reasonable to say that it does her child. rev [ ve { n that case. 10 Puberty is established by natural signs, which it is unnecessary to mention, or by age, which is fifteen years in males, and nine in females [Im. D., p. 308 ; Shuraya, p. 193). According to the Hanifites, the age for both, in the absence of the natural signs, is fifteen years. This is on the authority of the two disciples, and also of Aboo Huneefa himself by one report; and the futioah, or judicial decision, is in accordance with it — (Kafee, as cited in the Kifayah, vol. iii. p. 845, and adopted by the Fut. Alum, vol. v. p. 93). There are, however, other reports of sayings by Aboo Huneefa, which extend the time for males to eighteen and nineteen years. It seems to be agreed by all the Hanifites that no one can be adjudged an adult before twelve years if a boy, or nine if a girl, though the party should claim to be so, or the natural signs are present. {Fut. Al. ibid.) ( 97 ) CHAPTER VIII. OF MAINTENANCE. 1 There are only three grounds of liability for maintenance, Three viz. Zowjeeut, or the relation of a husband to his wife ; ^ oun ? s Kurabut, or relationship by blood ; and Milk, or property, tenance. Section First. Of the Maintenance of Wives. This involves the consideration of its conditions, quan- tity, and appendages. The conditions under which maintenance is due by a Condi- husband to his wife, are two in number : — 1st, a permanent tl01 ? s contract of marriage ; and 2nd, tumkeen, or such a placing which a of herself by the wife in the power of her husband as to W1 f? t] is d allow of his free access to her at all times ; for, if his mainten- enjoyment of her is restricted to any particular time or ance " place, to the exclusion of all others, there is no tumkeen. There is some doubt as to one of these conditions being sufficient of itself without the other ; and, according to that opinion of our masters, which seems most agreeable to traditional authority, tumkeen is indispensable to the husband's liability. Consequently, it is necessary that the wife should not be too young for conjugal intercourse. It makes no difference whether the husband be a minor or adult. The Sheikh, indeed, has said that a wife, though adult herself, is not entitled to maintenance if the husband has not also attained to puberty. But there is a difficulty in the case, arising from the fact of the tumkeen being complete on the part of the wife ; and the better opinion seems to be in favour of the husband's liability. He is 1 Nufukat, pi. of nufukut. PART II. H 98 MARRIAGE. The right not af- fected by her under- taking a journey with his permis- sion, or without it, in per- formance of an in- cumbent duty. A di- vorced wife enti- tled to mainten- ance, if the di- vorce be revocable ; otherwise when irre- versible, unless she is preg- nant. Doubt as to a widow's also liable though she should be sick or afflicted with a malformation of the generative organs obstructive to con- nubial intercourse. 2 A husband's liability for the maintenance of his wife is not suspended while she is on a journey, provided that it was undertaken with his permission, or in performance of some incumbent duty, such as the hujj or pilgrimage. But if the duty was voluntary or self-imposed, and she has departed without his permission, he is under no obligation to maintain her during her absence. Where, again, she has betaken herself to prayer, or fasting, or religious retire- ment, he is obliged to maintain her, though she should have done so without first asking his permission, because it is always in his power to cancel or put a stop to that by recalling her to her duties. If, however, she should persist in such conduct, in opposition to his wishes, that would amount to an act of nushooz or rebellion, for which he would be quite justified in stopping her maintenance. A woman revocably divorced is entitled to maintenance in the same way as a wife is entitled to it. But a woman absolutely separated from her husband loses all right to it, whether the separation has been induced by an irreversible divorce or by a cancellation of the marriage. If she be pregnant, however, his obligation to maintain and provide her with a residence continues until her delivery. But here, according to the Sheikh, the maintenance is due, not on account of herself, but of the foet us in her womb. Hence, it would follow that, if a freeman should marry a slave, under a condition with her master that the offspring shall be slaves; or a slave should marry either a free woman or a slave under a like condition with his own master that the offspring shall be slaves ; and the women were divorced, being pregnant at the time, there would be no liability for maintenance on the part of the husband in either case. On the other hand, a pregnant widow would be entitled to maintenance till the birth of her child. But 2 Kurn and Hutuk are the particular deformities mentioned, for which see ante, pp. 60, 61. MAINTENANCE OF WIVES. 99 with regard to her, there are two reports ; according to one title to of which, and that the most common or generally received, ™", int f n " & J 5 ance, even she has no title whatever to maintenance ; and the other, though that she must be maintained out of the child's share in his Levant father's inheritance. In respect of maintenance, there is no distinction between Zvmmeeah a wife that is a Mooslimah and one that is a Zimmeeah, or w i ves en _ infidel subject, or between one that is free and one that is titled to a slave, all being alike entitled to it. ance- As to the quantity of maintenance, the standing rule is Quantity that it should be determined by the woman's requirements in te ^^'. respect of food, condiments, clothing, residence, service, and implements for anointing, 3 a due regard being also had to the custom of her equals among her own people in the same city. According to some of our doctors, the proper quantity in respect of food is a moodd for high and low, without any distinction between the wife of a poor and a rich man ; but, according to others, whose opinion is more reasonable and generally preferred, there is no fixed quantity of food, and the woman should have as much as is necessary. Service is to be in respect regulated by what has been usual with the woman herself. If she is of the class of persons who are usually served by others, she must be provided with a servant ; otherwise, she must serve herself. In the former case, it is optional with the husband to maintain her own servant if she has one, or to buy or hire one for her, or to serve her him- self, for that is sufficient. And even though she should be one who has not been accustomed to have a servant, yet, in the event of sickness, she must be provided with one, from a regard to what is customary in such cases. In no case is her husband obliged to provide her with more than one servant, even though she should be a person of rank. Condiments and dress are to be regulated by what is cus- in respect tomary among the woman's equals in the same city. The mente 1_ same rule is applicable to residence ; but the woman may dress, and demand, and is entitled to, a separate apartment for her- 3 This is a literal rendering of the word, but in common parlance it means, I believe, adorning generally, and includes a comb, looking- glass, &c. H 2 100 MARRIAGE. self, free from any companionship but that of her husband. With regard tp dress, she has a right to something addi- tional in winter, such as a cloak for warmth when awake, and a quilt, for the like purpose, when asleep — the kind and quality of both to be regulated by what is usual among her equals ; and, if she belong to the higher orders of society, she should have something better than the dress in ordinary wear, equalling in splendour the dresses of women of the like rank in life. Appen- Of appendages the most important are comprised in the ages ' following cases : — Husband First. If a woman should say, " I will take the allow- obWed ance ^ or a servain \ an d serve myself," the husband is not to let wife bound to comply ; and if she should actually proceed to do self^ancT wna ^ * s necessary for herself in the way of service, without also allow waiting for his permission, he is not bound to pay what she servant. ma y demand °f mm on that account. A wife is Second. A wife, when she has placed herself in the entitled to power of her husband, is entitled to her maintenance day arrears of , , _ . , mainten- D y day? and it he retuse to give it, and the day passes, her *\ nce ' right is confirmed ; and so on for other days in succession, the though the judge should never have fixed the amount, nor amount ma de any order in her favour. 4 If when the husband has should not J have been agreed to pay her periodically, he has delayed to do so, and fixed b USly ^ ie wno ^ e P er i°d has passed, she being all the while within judge. his power, she is fully entitled to the maintenance for that period, and for any excess during which she has maintained herself out of other means. So also she is entitled to a new dress, if the time has passed during which the former should have lasted. If, on the other hand, he has paid her maintenance in advance for a stipulated period, and divorces her before its expiration, he is entitled to demand back from her a proportionate part of the maintenance for the unexpired period, 5 excepting only maintenance for the day on which the divorce is pronounced. The same rule 4 According to the Hanifites, arrears of maintenance cannot be recovered, unless it has been fixed by agreement or a judicial decree. — D., p. 443. 5 This is opposed to the Hanihte doctrine. — D., p. 444. MAINTENANCE OF WIVES. 101 is applicable to any dress which he may have given to her in advance. Third. When consummation has taken place, and the A wife woman has remained with her husband eating and drinking cons ' um . at his table, she has no right to make any demand for the mation, time during which she has thus continued to live with to live and him. If the marriage has not been consummated, and board with, her some time has passed without her making any demand husband, on him for maintenance, he is not obliged to render it, not e , n " -i • i ii 7-i i o titled to according to those who say that twmkeen is the ground of demand the husband's liability, or a condition of it, for he may have main< jen- no certainty of obtaining full power over her if he should the same demand it. time - As a consequence of this view of tumkeen, it follows Some con- that if a husband should be absent, and his wife should of^"f es appear before the judge offering to place herself within the being a power of her husband, he would not be liable for her main- condition tenance till apprised of the offer, and the lapse of a suffi- of main- cient time for his coming to her, or sending an agent, with the actual surrender of herself to him or the agent. If 5 when informed of her offer, he should be in no haste to send an agent or come himself, still his liability would drop for the time necessary for the journey, and he would be bound only for the excess. So also, if she were contu- macious, and should return to obedience, he would not be liable for her maintenance till informed of her submission, and the lapse of a sufficient time to allow of his own coming to her or sending an agent. If a wife should apostatize from the faith of Islam, her right to maintenance would cease ; but it would immediately revive if she should return to the faith, though her husband were absent ; for the apostasy which was the cause of its abatement has ceased to exist. It would not be so in the case of nushooz, or contumacy, for by that she actually passes out of subjection to her husband, and her right to maintenance does not revive till he has again received possession of, or power over her. Fourth. When a woman, absolutely separated from her Allegation of pre *- husband, alleges that she is pregnant, maintenance must nancy on 102 MARRIAGE. the part of a divorced woman. A debt due by wife to husband may be set. off against her main- tenance, if she is in good circum- stances. Mainten- ance of a wife has prece- dence over that of relatives. be rendered to her day by day until her delivery. But if it should turn out that she was not with child, she must restore whatever she may have received. And no woman absolutely separated from her husband, except one who has been divorced and is pregnant, has any right to main- tenance. The Sheikh, however, maintains, as already ob- served, that every pregnant woman is entitled to it, though at the expense of the child in her womb. Fifth. When the husband has a debt against his wife, he may set it off against her maintenance, day by day, if she is in good circumstances ; but it is not lawful for him to do so if she is indigent, as debts are payable only out of the surplus that may remain over one's own food. Yet if the wife is content, there is no objection to his making the set-off. Sixth. The maintenance of a wife has precedence over the maintenance of relatives ; so that the surplus over the husband's food is first to be expended on his wife, and never to be applied to relatives unless there is a reserve over what is sufficient for her maintenance, because her maintenance is in the nature of an exchange for her sub- jection to his will, and is established as a debt against him. Who are liable for mainten- ance. Section Second. Of the Maintenance of Relatives. Parents and children are together liable for a person's maintenance. With regard to the fathers and mothers of parents, there is some doubt as to their liability ; but it is most agreeable to traditional authority to say that they also are liable. Beyond the two pillars, that is, ascendants and descendants, the liability does not extend to any other relatives, such as brothers and sisters, or uncles and aunts paternal or maternal, though it is becoming and proper for a person to maintain them also, 6 particularly when he is one who would inherit from them. 6 According to the Ilanifites, the liability extends to all relatives within the prohibited degrees. — D., p. 463. MAINTENANCE OF RELATIVES. 103 Poverty is a condition of the right to maintenance. Condi- But is inability to earn anything by one's own exertions j^r^ht also a condition ? It is more agreeable to traditional to main- authority to answer this question in the affirmative ; for tenance maintenance is measured by necessity, and one who is able to earn anything for himself cannot be said to be necessi- tous. It is not necessary, however, to have a judge's order or decree pronouncing the poverty or inability of the recipient. And though he should be profligate in his manners, or an infidel, he does not thereby forfeit his right to maintenance. It is otherwise if he be a slave, for then his master would be bound to maintain him. Ability on the part of the Moonfik or maintainer is a Condi- condition of the liability to maintenance. When he has a ^ on 1 s . surplus over what is necessary for himself, it is first to be bility to applied to the sustenance of his wife, and then if there is mainten " anything over, to the support of his parents and children. There is no fixed quantity for the maintenance of relatives, any more than of wives, the criterion being what is necessary in respect of food, clothes, and residence, with something extra for clothing in winter, such as a cloak for warmth while awake, and a quilt for sleeping. Abstinence from what is unlawful or indecorous, is not necessary on the part of the person to whom maintenance is due. Maintenance is due to a person's father, but not to the Mainten- father's children, for these are in the relation of brothers due e to°the and sisters to the maintainer. But it is due to a person's children children, and their children, for the latter are also the f at he r S children of the maintainer. A person is not bound to repay what may have been Arrears of laid out bv another on his maintenance ; for maintenance mainten " J , . ance not is limited to necessities, and does not constitute a debt recover- against the maintainer, even though the judge should have actually fixed its amount. True, that if the judge should have authorised the person entitled to maintenance to borrow on the credit of the maintainer, the amount so borrowed is a debt against the latter, which it is obligatory on him to discharge. The maintenance of a child is incumbent first on its °^ e F m which 104 MARRIAGE. relatives are liable. When the main- tainer has only enough for one of two relatives, it must be divided between them. A person's father and son are equally- liable for his main- tenance. A person liable for mainten- ance may be com- pelled by imprison- ment, or sale of his property, if still recusant. father. Failing him, or in the event of his poverty, it is incumbent on the father's father how remote soever in ascent. Failing these, it is the duty of the mother, and in the event of her death or poverty, it is the duty of her father and mother how high soever. The nearer in all cases is liable before the more remote, and with equality of degree they are all partners in the liability. When a person has both parents equally in need of maintenance, and a surplus over what he requires for himself sufficient for only one of them, he should divide it between them equally. So also he should make an equal division between a son and a parent. But when he has a father and grandfather, or a mother and a grandmother, the whole must be given to the immediate parent. When a man has a father and grandfather both in good circumstances, the father is liable for his maintenance exclusively of the grandfather. But if he has a father and son in good circumstances the liability falls upon them equally. When there is a delay in the delivery of maintenance, the judge should compel the person who is liable for it, and if he is still recusant may imprison him. Further, the maintenance may be taken out of his property ; or if he has only goods or land, they may be lawfully sold, for the maintenance is a debt against him. 7 Section Third. How slaves are Of the Maintenance of Slaves and of Beasts* The maintenance of these is incumbent on their proprietors. With regard to slaves both male and female, their master 7 Yet it has been said above that it is not a debt ; — but there the reference is to arrears, which are not a debt, because maintenance to a relative is due only in case of necessity, and the necessity, if there ever was any, is now past, the relative having been able to maintain himself. 8 Buheemah — a quadruped, or every animal without distinction. — (Freytag). MAINTENANCE OF SLAVES. 105 may maintain them out of his own means, or out of the to be earnings of the slave. The quantity of maintenance is not j^^ fixed, but should comprise a sufficiency of food, condiments, and clothing, the quality being regulated by what is usual in the families of masters of like means among the people of the same city. In this respect no difference is to be made between the absolute slave, the moodubbur and the oom-i- wulud. With the slave's consent, the master may send him out to work for himself, fixing an amount which he is to render to the master, and leaving him to take the surplus for himself. But in no case is it lawful to fix a sum exceeding the slave's earnings ; and which will not leave a surplus sufficient for his maintenance. With respect to beasts, whether fit for food or not, How their owners must supply them with a sufficiency of t Q^ e s are pasturage or of dry food, and if they neglect to do so, may treated, be compelled to sell, or slaughter them if kept with that design, or to feed them properly. If the animal has a young one, it must be allowed a sufficiency of its mother's milk until it is fit for pasturage, or other food, when the milk may be lawfully taken by the owner. BOOK II. OF DIVORCE. tions : Puberty ; CHAPTER I. of tulak or repudiation. Section First. Its Pillars. These are four in number; of which the first is the First Mootullik, or Repudiator ; and in him four conditions Rep^j. are required. ator - The first condition is puberty. No regard whatever is Condi- to be had to the words of a boy under ten years of age. 1 "With respect to one who has attained to that age with understanding, and repudiates his wife according to the soonnut, or traditions, there is one report that the repu- diation is legal, but the report is not well authenticated. And if the guardian of such an one should take upon him to repudiate the wife of his ward, there is no doubt that the act would be invalid, because the right to repudiate belongs exclusively to a husband ; and the inhibition which the law imposes on a minor is one which in the natural course of things will soon be removed. If, however, a minor should attain to puberty and be deficient in under- standing, his guardian is not debarred from exercising the right of repudiation on his behalf when it is advisable with a due regard to his interests ; and though some of our doctors have forbidden the exercise of the guardian's 1 See ante, p. 4. 108 DIVORCE. Under- standing ; Free-will : Intention. authority in such circumstances, yet their opinion has not been generally received or adopted. The second condition is understanding ; aud repudiation by an insane person is not valid. It is likewise invalid when pronounced by one in a state of intoxication, or who has lost the use of his faculties by temporary stupor, or drinking a narcotic, as there can be no real intention in such cases. Nor can a guardian repudiate on behalf of a person in a state of intoxication, because the cause which prevents his own exercise of the power is likely soon to be removed, and he is for the time like one asleep. But a guardian may repudiate for an insane person ; and if he has no guardian, the Sultan or ruler, or any person to whom he may have delegated the superintendence of such matters, may repudiate on behalf of the insane person. The third condition is choice, or free-will ; and repu- diation by a person under compulsion is not valid. 2 But three things are necessary to the establishment of com- pulsion. The compeller must be able to do what he threatens. There must be strong ground to apprehend that he will do what he threatens if compliance with what he desires is refused. The threat must involve some serious injury to the person under compulsion, or to some one dear to him as his own soul, such as a father or a child. It makes no difference whether the threat be of death, or wounding, or abuse, or beating. But in esti- mating the quantum of abuse which may be endured without amounting to compulsion, the places where the compeller and the compelled are residing must be taken into consideration. A trifling injury is not sufficient to establish compulsion. The fourth condition is design, or intention ; and this is required though an express form of words is also neces- sary ; insomuch that if there is no intention on the part of the repudiator, repudiation cannot take effect; as, for example, if he were careless, or asleep, or labouring under a mistake. And if a person, forgetting that he is married, According to the Hanifite sect it is valid. — D., p. 210. REPUDIATION. 109 should say, " My women are repudiated," or, " My wife is repudiated," and should then recollect that he is married, no separation would take place. Or if, after repudiating his wife, he should say, " I did not intend it," outwardly his assertion must be received and credited, though in- wardly and in conscience he is bound by his intention, whatever it really may have been. This is the case even though he should make some delay in explaining his inten- tion, provided that the woman is still in her iddut, because it is a declaration of intention. An absent person may lawfully appoint an agent to Power to repudiate his wife, without any difference of opinion. And ^" late so also may a husband who is present with his wife, accord- be com- ing to the most valid opinion. And though the Sheikh an aRent . has said that the appointment of a woman as her husband's agent to repudiate herself would not be valid, yet it would seem that such an appointment is lawful. If a man should or seem- say to his wife, " Eepudiate thyself thrice," and she should j£| ^^ e do so only once, it has been said that the repudiation herself, would be void; while others insist that a single repu- diation would take effect. And so also if he should say, " Repudiate thyself once," and she should do so three times, it has been said that the repudiation would be void ; but here also others maintain that one would take effect ; and this opinion is more in conformity with the general principles of the law. 3 Second The second pillar of repudiation is the Mootullukah, or P illar . tne Repudiated ; and in her five conditions are required. diated. The first condition is that she be a wife; for if one Condi- should repudiate a woman whom he has enjoyed by virtue fclons : of a right of property, or who is at the time a stranger to That she him though he should subsequently be married to her, the a ' repudiation would have no effect ; so also if a man should suspend a repudiation on marriage, that is, make it con- ditional on the occurrence of that event, the repudiation would not be valid, and that, whether a particular woman were indicated as by saying, " If I marry such a woman she 3 Ushbuho, literally, more likely. no DIVORCE. Married by perma- nent con- tract ; And not in her courses, or in a nifas. is repudiated," or the repudiation is in general terms, as by saying " Every woman whom I marry is repudiated." 4 The second condition is that the woman was married by a permanent contract ; for there can be no repudiation of a legalized slave, or of a woman enjoyed under a mootd or temporary contract, even though she be free. The third condition is that the woman is not in her courses, or in a nifas 5 after childbirth. This condition is applicable only to a woman who has been enjoyed, is ordinarily subject to the courses, 6 and whose husband is present with her, or if absent, has not been away from her so long as to be assured that she has passed from the period of purity 7 in which he had connubial intercourse with her to another such period. If a man should repu- diate his wife while they are both living in the same city, or he has been absent from her less than the time mentioned, and she is then in her courses or in a nifas, the repudiation is void, whether he were aware of the fact or not. If, again, he has been absent from her so long as to feel assured that she must have passed from one period of purity to another, and he should then repudiate her, the repudiation would be quite valid, even though they should both subsequently agree that she was actually in her courses at the time ; so also, if he should have departed from her during a period of purity 8 in which he had not approached her matrimonially, or if a man should repudiate a wife with whom he never had connubial intercourse, the repudiation would in either case be lawful, though she 4 The repudiation would be effectual in both cases, according to the other sect. — D., p. 263, et seq. 5 The puerperal discharge. The extreme legal term, according to the other sect, is forty days (D., note 2 , p. 340), but by the Sheeahs it is limited to ten days (Shuraya, p. 14). 6 Arab. Hail, active participle of halu, which has several mean- ings. The radical idea seems to be change. I have adopted the meaning which the context seems to require. In law the word is frequently opposed to pregnant. 7 Arab. Koora. The word is so explained farther on. 8 Arab. Toohr. This is the usual term for the time between two occurrences of the courses. REPUDIATION. Ill were actually in her courses at the time. Some of our lawyers have fixed upon a month as the period which gives effect to repudiation by an absent man, relying on a tradi- tion to that effect, which is strengthened by the usual recur- rence of the courses at intervals of that duration. Others of them, again, have fixed the period at three months in a reliance on a good tradition of Aboo Abdoollah, 9 on whom be peace. The result of the whole, however, or the truth, is as we have stated it, even though the time mentioned should be exceeded. If a husband is present, that is, in the same city with his wife, without meeting her so as to know when her courses are on her, he is to be accounted the same as if he were absent. The fourth condition is that the woman be moostubrat 10 She must or purified ; for if a man should repudiate his wife during moostu . a toohr, or period of purity in which he has had connubial brat ; intercourse with her, the repudiation would be ineffectual. This condition is not required in a ydissah or woman who is past child-bearing, 11 nor in one who has not attained to puberty or is pregnant. With regard again to a moostubrat, when three months have passed without any appearance of the monthly discharge, if such an one is repudiated before the expiration of the three months, the repudiation is without effect. The fifth condition is that the mootullukah or repudiated And dis- woman be distinctly indicated, that is, by the man's saying, ^Tcated " Such an one is repudiated," or by pointing to her in such a manner as to remove all doubt on the subject. If he has only one wife, and should say, " My wife is re- pudiated," the repudiation would be valid, as there is no room for ambiguity. But if he has two or more wives, and should say, " My wife is repudiated," he must intend some one of them in particular to give any effect to the repudiation ; and his explanation of the one whom he 9 The Imam Jaafer Sddik. 10 Participle from istibra, purification. The object of the condi- tion seems to be to prevent a confusion of seed, and consequent doubt of paternity, if the woman should marry again, and have a child. 11 See post, p. 162. ] ] 2 DIVORCE. intended must be received. If, again, he had no particular one in his mind, or used the words without any positive intention, some of our doctors maintain that they would be entirely nugatory for want of distinct indication, while others insist that there would be a valid repudiation, and that the particular woman must be determined by lot, — an opinion which seems to be more agreeable to the general principles of the law. If he should say, " This one is repudiated, or this one," he may, according to the Sheikh, apply the repudiation to whichever of them he pleases ; but many of our doctors insist- that it is void for want of specification ; while, if he should say, " This one is repudiated, or this one and this one," the third would be certainly repudiated, and of the other two he might apply the repudiation to either at his pleasure. In the event of his death one of them must be taken by lot. Many, however, are of opinion that in such a case the alternative is between the first and the two last together ; so that he must determine for either the first or for the two last. In all the cases it is obvious that the difficulty arises from the want of specification, or a compliance with the con- dition under consideration. If a person, looking upon his wife and a strange woman, should say, " One of you two is repudiated," and should add, " I intended the stranger," his assertion must be accepted. But if, having a wife and a maid both named Sooda, he should say, " Sooda is repudiated," and then assert, " I intended the maid," his' word would not be accepted. For, in the first case, the expression " One of you two " is equally applicable to the wife and the strange woman, as both are capable of being repudiated ; but in the second case, where the repudiation is made' to depend on the name, it must be restricted to the wife, as she is the only person to whom the repudiation can be applied. If a person, supposing a stranger to be his wife, should say to her, " Thou art repudiated," his wife would not be repudiated, for he must be assumed to have intended the person addressed. And if, having two wives, Zeinub and Amrah, he should say, " O Zeinub" and Amrah should answer, " Here am I," whereupon he REPUDIATION. 113 says, " Thou art repudiated," the person intended would be repudiated. If he intended the one that answered, supposing her to be Zeinub, the Sheikh has said that Zeinub would be repudiated. But there is some difficulty in the case ; for the repudiation was directed to the per- son who answered, only on the -supposition that she was Zeinub ; she therefore cannot be repudiated for want of intention ; nor can Zeinub, for the repudiation was not directed to her, but to the other; Th j rd The third pillar of repudiation is its Form. Form'. As a general rule, marriage, being a chaste 12 or pro- Its condi- tected condition, favoured by the law, and in its own 10ns ' nature not admitting of being dissolved, 13 it is necessary in taking off or removing the tie to adhere strictly to the terms of the legal permission. The form of words specially Words appointed for that purpose is, " Thou art repudiated," I4 or ^ctal? "* " Such an one," or " This person," or any similar word required; clearly indicative of the individual who is intended to be repudiated. And if a man should say, " Thou art the repudiation," or " repudiated," or " among the repudiated," the words would be without effect, even though he intended to repudiate thereby. So also they would be ineffectual if he were to say, " A repudiated person." The Sheikh, however, has said that in this case repudiation would take effect if intended ; but the opinion is not supported by the grammatical construction of the phrase. On the other hand, he has said that it would not take effect if a man were to say, " I have repudiated such an one ; " but this also is attended with some difficulty, arising from the fact that if the question were asked, " Is thy wife repudiated ? " and the person addressed should answer " Yes," there would be an effectual repudiation. Eepudiation cannot be effected by writing, 15 nor in any cannot be other language than the Arabic when there is ability to or j n any 12 Ismut — defence, protection, chastity. 13 That is, it does not admit of Ekalut, like sale. See Im. D., p. 168. 14 Arab. Unti Talikoon. 15 It may according to the Hanifites. D., p. 233. PART II. I 114 DIVORCE. other language than Arabic. Words that are not suffi- cient. A right of choice given to a wife is ap- parently not a power to repudiate herself. Repudia- tion ef- fected by affirma- tion to question, « Hast thou repu- diated 1 " pronounce the words specially appointed, nor by signs ex- cept where the party is unable to speak. If he is dumb, repudiation may be effected by any signs sufficiently in- dicative of his purpose. And, though it cannot be given in writing by one who is present and able to pronounce the proper words, yet if he is unable to do so and writes them, fully intending repudiation, it takes effect and is quite valid. Some persons have maintained that a wife may be lawfully repudiated in writing by her husband when he is absent from her ; but this opinion is not to be relied upon. And if one should say to his wife, " Thou art vacated," or " free," or " The reins are on thy neck," or " Betake thyself to thy people," or " Tbou art absolutely separated," or " unlawful," or " cut off," the expressions would be quite nugatory, and no repudiation take place, whether it were intended or not. 16 If he should say " Count," intending Tuldli thereby, it is maintained that there would be a valid repudiation, and there is a tradition to that effect, recorded by Hulbee and Moohummud, from Aboo Abdoollah, on whom be peace ; but this has been disputed by many of our doctors, whose opinion is more in accordance with the general principles of the law. When a person gives his wife an option, intending that she may repudiate herself, and she chooses him, or remains silent without looking aside, nothing follows. And even if she were immediately to choose herself, though some of our doctors are of opinion that there would be an absolute, and others a revocable repudiation, a third party maintains that in this case also the choice would be ineffectual ; and their opinion is the most common or generally received. If a person were asked, ' ' Hast thou repudiated such a person ? " and he should answer "Yes," there would be a valid tuldk. But not so if the question were, " Hast thou separated," or " vacated," or " released ? " and he should answer in the affirmative ; for then nothing would follow. Tidal; in respect of its form, must be entirely free from 16 If intended, they would be sufficient, according to the Ilanifites. D., p. 228. REPUDIATION. 115 any condition or description, according to the most common The form opinion ; 17 for 1 18 take no account of those who think differ- of t " lf ! k ently on this subject. And even though the husband, in entirely pronouncing the repudiation, should merely explain himself ^ndHion by saying, " twice " or " thrice," some insist that it would or de- be void. Others, however, maintain that a single repudia- scnp lon * tion would take effect by reason of the word " repudiated," the rest being surplusage according to them ; and this opinion is supported by the more common or generally received of two traditions. If he should say, " Thou art repudiated for the soonnut," the repudiation would be valid, supposing that the woman were pure 19 at the time ; and so also if his words were " for the budae." But in this case it were better to say that the repudiation would not take effect, because we don't allow that kind of tvMk, and the words would be without meaning. 20 Further, if a husband should say to his wife, " Thou iUustra- art repudiated this very instant, if repudiation has effect tlons - upon thee," the Sheikh has said that there would be no tulaJcj by reason of its being made dependent on the con- dition ; and this is right, if the repudiator were not aware of the woman's state at the time. But if he knew that she were in a state to be legally repudiated, effect should be given to his words ; for though there is a condition in appearance, there is none in reality. If he should say, " Thou art repudiated the most just of repudiations," or "the most perfect," or "the best," or "the worst," or " the best and worst," the repudiation would be valid, as it is not impaired by the words superadded to it. So also it would be valid if he were to say, "the full of Mecca," or " the full of the world." If he should say, " To the con- tentment of such an one," intending a condition thereby, or that the repudiation should be dependent on the per- son's will, it would be void. Otherwise, if he had no such 17 This is opposed to the doctrine of the Hanifites. D., cap. iv. and cap. ii., sect. 3. 18 The author of the Shurmja. 19 Tahir, that is, not in her courses. 20 See post, p. 118. i 2 116 DIVORCE. intention, it would take effect, according to his purpose. So also, if he should say, " In thou enterest into the house, thou art repudiated," applying the vowel Jcusrah (i) to the first letter of the word (so as to make it equivalent to if), there would be no repudiation, while if the vowel futha (u) were applied to the first letter of the word, so as to make it sound un (or tliat), the repudiation would be quite valid, pro- vided that he knew the distinction between the two sounds, and intended that his wife should be repudiated. If he should say, " I am repudiated to thee," the words would have no effect, as a man is not a fit subject for repudiation. Nor if he should say, " Thou art repudiated half," or " a fourth," or "a sixth of a repudiation," would the words have any effect, for they do not amount to one whole repudiation. If he should say, " Thou art repudiated (talile)" and then add, "I intended to have said, 'Thou art pure (tahir), " the explanation is to be accepted out- wardly, but inwardly and in conscience he is bound by his real intention, whatever it may have been. If the expres- sions were, " Thy hand," or " Thy foot is repudiated," they would be wholly without effect. So also, if he were to say " Thy head," or " thy bosom," or " thy face," or " thy half," or " thy third," or " two-thirds," the expressions would, in like manner, be ineffectual. 21 If he should say, " Thou art repudiated before repudiation," or " after it," or "before it," or " with it," nothing would follow, whe- ther she were an enjoyed wife or not. But if it were said that a single repudiation would take effect on his saying, "Repudiated with repudiation," or "after it," or "upon it," and that there would be none on his saying, " before repudiation," or " after repudiation," that would be right or proper. 22 If, again, he were to say, " Repudiated, two halves," or " three thirds of a repudiation," there would be none, according to the Sheikh. But here, also, if it were said that there would be a repudiation, by force of the 21 Otherwise, according to the Hanifltes. Z)., p. 215. 22 I have translated the words literally. The distinction seems to depend on the position of the term " repudiation." REPUDIATION. 117 words " Thou art repudiated," and that the rest is sur- plusage, that would be right or proper. Not so, however, if the husband should say, " A half of two repudiations." Further, the Sheikh has said that if a man should say Con- to his four wives, "I have effected four repudiations be- lnue * tween you four," each one of them would be repudiated. But the opinion is not free from doubt and difficulty. If, again, a man were to say, " Thou art repudiated, three except three," one repudiation would be valid, by virtue of the first part of the expression, if such were his inten- tion, and the exception would be void. If he should say, " Repudiated without repudiation," intending revocation thereby, it would be valid, because the denial of a tuldk is equivalent to revocation ; while if he said, " Repudiation except repudiation," the exception would be surplusage, and repudiation take effect, by virtue of the words, " Thou art repudiated " (supposed to precede the others). If he should say, " Zeinub is repudiated," and then add, " I meant Amrali" the explanation is to be received, suppos- ing both the women to be his wives. And if he say, " Zeinub (bid) Amrah" both are repudiated together, for each was intended at the time of his naming them. But this is attended with some difficulty, arising from the form of the expression. The fourth pillar of repudiation is Testimony ; 23 and it Fourth is necessary that two witnesses should be present and hear gg^'of 6 " the repudiation given, whether they are called upon to witnesses attest it or not. It is a condition essential to the validity necessar y' of a kddk that the witnesses should hear the actual words. So that if they are merely present, repudiation does not take effect, though all other conditions are complied with. So also there can be none with only one witness, though One not he be a just person, nor even with two witnesses if they are not just, or are reprobates. Nay, it is required that And the two witnesses of known probity should be present. Some mugt " he of our lawyers, however, think it sufficient that the persons of witnesses are Muoslims • but the first opinion is better 23 This is not required by the Hanifites. 118 DIVORCE. The testi- mony of women not suffi- cient. founded on traditional authority. If one of the witnesses should testify to the constitution of the tuldk, and the other should then testify to it separately from the first, repudiation would not take effect. But when they testify to an acknowledgment of the fact, it is not necessary that their testimony should be given together. Yet, if one should testify to the fact of the toddle, and the other to an acknowledgment of it, their testimony could not be received. The testimony of women cannot be received to repu- diation, whether they are alone or together with men. If a man should repudiate his wife without witnesses, and then repudiate her again when witnesses are present, the first repudiation would go for nothing. And the true time for a tuldk taking effect is when the witnesses are present, provided that the appropriate words are employed. Two forms : The biddut, of which there are three kinds. But all are void. The Sounnut : Three kinds : Bain, or irrevoc- able. Section Second. Of the Different Kinds of Tuldk or Rejmdiation. The term Tuldk includes the Biddut and the Soonnut forms of repudiation. Of the Biddut, or new and heretical form, there are three different kinds. The first is the repu- diation of an enjoyed wife during her courses, or a nifas, while her husband is present with her, or if absent from her, when his absence has been short of the time con- ditioned or required in such cases. 24 The second is the repudiation of a wife during a toohr, or period of purity, in which there has been connubial intercourse between the parties. And the third is, three repudiations without any intermediate revocation. All these forms of tuldk are void with us, 25 no repudiation taking effect in any of the cases. Of the Soonnut, or regular form of Tuldk, there are also three different kinds, — the Bdin or absolute, the Bujdee or revocable, and the Tuldk-ool-iddut, or repudiation of the iddut. The Bdin or absolute is that with respect to which 24 See ante, p. 110. 25 That is, the Sheedh sect. According to the IlaniBtes they are all valid, though irregular. D., p. 207. REPUDIATION. 119 the husband has no power of revocation ; and of it there are six different species. The first is when the wife who is repudiated is one with whom connubial intercourse has never taken place. The second is when she is a ydissah, or past child-bearing. The third is when she has not yet attained to puberty. The fourth and fifth are when she is mooJchtuUah 26 or moobardt, that is, released or freed for a ransom, so long as she has not reclaimed the ransom for which the release or freedom was given. The sixth is when the wife is repudiated three times with two inter- vening revocations. 27 The Tuldk Rujdee is that in which the husband has the Mvjdee, or power of revocation whether he exercises it or not. 28 revocable. The Tuldk-ool-iddut, or repudiation of the iddut, is Tvldh-ooV- after the following manner: — A man repudiates his wife ur Z d e ~ under the requisite conditions, he then recalls her before the expiration of the iddut, has connubial intercourse with her, and repudiates her again, but in another toohr than that in which the intercourse took place, recalls her a second time, has intercourse with her, and repudiates her a third time, but in a subsequent toohr. She is now rendered unlawful to him till she has married another husband. If she should do so, be released from him, and her first husband should remarry her, and repeat the series of repudiations as at first, she would become a second time unlawful to him until married to another husband. And if this also were done and she were again free, and Renders the first husband should marry her a third time, and P etuaUy repeat the series of repudiations, she would become, after unlawful the ninth, unlawful to him for ever. 29 It is to be observed pu^iator." that the tuldk of the iddut does not take effect unless there has been connubial intercourse after each revocation. 26 Wife released by khoold, for which and moobardt, see post, ch. iii. 27 To these may be added the ordinary tuldk, when given in exchange for property. See post, p. 137 28 The power of revocation lasts till the expiration of the iddut, after which the repudiation becomes absolute. 29 This kind of repudiation is unknown to the Hanifites. 120 DIVORCE. Three repudia- tions render a woman unlawful to the re- pudiator. Repudia- tions after comple- tion of the iddut, do not render a woman perpetu- ally un- lawful, though they should amount to nine. A preg- nant wife may, after revoca- tion, be again re- pudiated for the iddut. So also, a wife that is not pregnant. If he should repudiate her before such intercourse, the repudiation would indeed be valid ; but it would not be a tuldk or repudiation of the iddut. Every woman on whom three repudiations have been fulfilled is rendered unlawful to the repudiator until she marries another husband ; and it makes no difference whether he had enjoyed her or not, or whether he had recalled her or abandoned her. Miscellaneous Cases. First. A man repudiates his wife and she completes her iddut ; he then marries her a second time, repudiates her again, and leaves her to complete her iddut ; after which he marries her a third time, and a third time re- pudiates her. She now becomes unlawful to him till she has been married to another husband. After which, if separated from him, and her iddut for him has expired, her first husband may lawfully return to her, that is, marry her again ; and a wife so treated is not perpetually pro- hibited, even after the ninth repudiation. But the iddut which she has to observe does not prevent her from becoming immediately prohibited to him after the third, that is, until she has been married to another. Second. When a man has repudiated a pregnant wife, and recalled her, he may lawfully have connubial inter- course with her, and then repudiate her a second time for the iddut by general consent. Some maintain that it is unlawful by the soonnut ; but the opinion in favour of its legality is more agreeable to the principles of law. Third. When a man has repudiated a wife that is not pregnant, and recalled her, if he then has connubial in- tercourse with her, and repudiates her again in another toohr, the repudiation is valid without any difference of opinion. But if he repudiate her in the other toohr, with- out having previously had intercourse with her, there are two traditions upon the point — one of which denies the efficacy of the repudiation, while according to the other and more valid tradition, it takes effect. Assuming the latter view to be correct, if he should now recall her again REPUDIATION. 121 and repudiate her a third time in another toohr, she would become prohibited to him until married to another man. In like manner, if he should repudiate her after the revo- cation without having connubial intercourse with her in the first toohr, there are two traditions upon this point also ; but here a preference is given to that which requires that the repudiations should be in different toohrs, though connubial intercourse may not have taken place ; while if it has, the repudiation would be positively unlawful, except when given in a second toohr, if the repudiated person be one with respect to whom istibra, or purification, is necessary. Fourth. When a repudiator is in doubt as to the Doubtful efficiency of a repudiation he is not obliged to repeat it to R e P udia ' J r . tion need remove the doubt, and the marriage remains as before. not be re- Fifth. When a man who has repudiated his wife while P eated - absent from her, enters into her apartment on his return, tion UCia " and then claims that the repudiation was effective, his claim during is not to be received, because it is to be presumed that a canno t be Mussulman's acts are in accordance with the law, and his alleged by- claim gives the lie to what is tantamount to proof. Accord- resumes ingly, if there is a child it is affiliated to him. cohabita- Sixth. When a man absent from his wife has repudiated his wife. her, and desires to marry her sister, or a fourth wife, he An absent must wait for nine months for the possibility of his wife's man , . ,° L J repudiates being pregnant. Some of our doctors for greater caution one of insist that he should wait for a full year, having a view to ^gt^^t the possible pregnancy of a moostubrat, which occasionally for nine happens. But if he knew that she was not pregnant at be fo re ^ e the time of the repudiation, three courses and three months can marry rr; • another. are sufficient. 122 DIVORCE. Valid, though abomin- able. Its effect on the mu- tual rights of inherit- ance of husband and wife. His word to be cre- dited when he says that he repudi- ated her in health. Lidn in sickness. CHAPTER II. of appendages to repudiation. Section First. Of Repudiation by a Sick Man. It is abominable for a sick man to repudiate his wife ; yet if he should do so the repudiation is valid, and he is entitled to a share in her estate if she should happen to die during the iddut, and the revocation were revocable. But he has no such right if the repudiation were bain, or absolute, or her death should not occur till after the expiration of the iddut. She, however, has a right to par- ticipate in his estate if he should die at any time within a year from the repudiation, whether it were revocable or absolute, provided that she has not married in the mean- time, nor he has recovered from the disease in which the repudiation was given. If he should recover, fall sick again, and then die, her right of inheritance would be lost, unless she were still in her iddut for a revocable repudiation. If he should say, " I repudiated three times whep in good health," his word is to be received, and it bars her right of inheritance, though it would seem that no credit ought to be given to his word, as against her. And if he should slander her, being sick at the time, and should go through the form of lidn, or imprecation, against her, when she would be absolutely divorced by the lidn, 1 she 1 According to the Sheeatis, tbis is the immediate effect of the lidn (see post, p. 157), though by the Hanifite code there is no separation of the parties without a divorce by the husband or decree of the judge. D., p. 336. APPENDAGES TO REPUDIATION. 123 would have no right of inheritance in virtue of the special its effect effect of a repudiation in sickness. But it may be asked • ht of would she not have such a right on account of the inheri- suspicion which attaches to his slandering her in such circumstances ? This question has been answered in the affirmative. It would rather seem, however, that the usual effect of a repudiation in sickness should be given to his act without any regard to the suspicion attaching to it. There is also a doubt of her right to inherit when diated in repudiated on her own solicitation. And here it is more Slc * ness r * at her own in accordance with the general principles of law to say request that her right of inheritance is lost. 2 So also when she in ^ r " t ° has been released from the marriage tie by a khoold or Nor one moobardt. released by hi wold. Branches from the Preceding. First. If a man should repudiate his slave wife revo- A slave re- cably, and she is emancipated during the iddut, and he £" } ^ r e then dies while labouring under the disease, she inherits husband, during the iddut, but not after its expiration, on account c j pate ^ ^ of the flaw in her condition at the time of the repudiation. 3 the iddut, Yet, if it were said that she does inherit, that would be inherit proper, and even though the divorce were irrevocable. Some, however, contend that she has no right whatever to inherit, because she had no ahleeut, or legal status, at the time of the repudiation. So also if one should repudiate Case of a a hitabeeah who is afterwards converted to the Mussulman *—!!* religion. 4 Second. When a repudiated woman claims or alleges In a dis- that the repudiation was given to her by her deceased ther a re- husband when he was sick, and the fact is denied by his pudiation heir, who alleges that he was in good health at the time, ^ health 2 Such is the Hanifite doctrine in that case. £>., p. 278. 3 According to the Hanifite code, that would prevent her inherit- ing even during the iddut. D., p. 278. 4 That is, she would in like manner inherit during the iddut ; her case, according to both codes, being similar to that of the eman- cipated slave. 124 DIVORCE. or sick- ness, the word of the heir is to be pre- ferred. Case of four wives repudi- ated, and other four married, by a sick man. A woman repudi- ated three times must be married to, and en- joyed by, another husband before she can be re- married by the re- pudiator. Such mar- riage de- stroys the effect of all pre- vious re- pudia- tions, the word of the heir is to be received, 5 because the pro- babilities on either side are equal, and it is a principle of law that there is no right of inheritance except by esta- blishing a sufficient cause for it, such as consanguinity or marriage. Third. If a man should repudiate four wives during his illness, marry four others, consummate with them, and then die, the fourth of his estate, or in the case of his having a child, the eighth of it, would be equally divided between them all. Section Second. How the Prohihition incurred by three Repudiations is removed. When a woman has been repudiated three times with the requisite conditions, she is rendered unlawful to the repudiator until she has been married to another husband, and in removing the prohibition regard must be had to four conditions : — 1st, the new husband must be adult, for though there is some difference of opinion in respect to a moorahik, or boy approaching to puberty, yet it is more agreeable to the principles of law to say that he is not competent to legalise the woman to her first husband ; 6 2nd, the new husband must have carnal knowledge of the woman in the natural way, so as to require ablution ; 3rd, this must be under a contract, and not merely by virtue of a right of property, or of permission from her master ; 4th, the contract must be permanent, and not by way of mootd, or temporary. When all these conditions have been fulfilled, the prohibition incurred by three repudia- tions is removed. With regard to the value of a second marriage in effacing the effect of any number of repudiations less than three, there are two traditions. The most common or generally received of these is in favour of the extinction. So that, if a woman who was once repudiated should be The preference is given to her words hy the Hanifites. D., p. 282. He is competent according to the Hanifites. D., p. 290. APPENDAGES TO REPUDIATION. 125 married to another man, and, after the dissolution of that though marriage, should be remarried by her first husband, she th s ree would abide with him on a fresh footing as to three repudi- ations, the effect of the first repudiation being cancelled by the intermediate marriage to another person. If a Mussulman should repudiate his Zimmeeah wife Marriage three times, and, after the expiration of her iddut, she is ^ s ^\ married to a Zimmee, then absolutely separated" from him, cient in and finally converted to the faith, it is quite lawful for the of Zlm _ first husband to marry her by a new contract. meeah. When a bondwoman has been twice repudiated, she is A bond- rendered unlawful to the repudiator until she has been twice re- married to another husband, whether she were the wife of pudiated a freeman or a slave; and carnal intercourse with her marr j e( j master is not sufficient to remove the prohibition ; neither and en- is it removed by the repudiator himself becoming her pro- i'nother prietor, because the prohibition was incurred previous to man be " IOTP SilG his acquisition of the right. If one should repudiate his can be re- slave wife, and she is then emancipated, after which he married marries her a second time or revokes the repudiation, she pudiator. remains with him on the single repudiation as connected with her former condition of slavery, so that, if he should repudiate her again, she would become unlawful to him until married to another husband. An eunuch is competent to legalize a thrice-repudiated Aneunuch woman to the repudiator when he has had carnal inter- I s com P e " tJ6Hb to course with her. But there is one tradition opposed to legalize a his sufficiency. woman - Intercourse with the new husband in the natural way, Emission though it should take place without emission, is sufficient not neces " i t i 1 • t sary. to legalize the thrice-repudiated woman, because the act is the occasion of mutual pleasure to the parties. If the legalizer, after marrying a repudiated woman, inter- should, before connubial intercourse with her, apostatize c ° urse ' r after apos- from the faith, any subsequent intercourse with her during tasy not his apostasy would not be sufficient to render her lawful to sufficient - her first husband, because the contract was cancelled by his apostasy. 7 7 See ante, p. 29. 126 DIVOHCE. When the word of a thrice-re- pudiated woman is to be cre- dited as to the fact of her having been sub- sequently married ; and the marriage consum- mated. If, after the lapse of some time, a thrice-repudiated woman should allege that she was duly married to another husband, and, after being completely separated from him, had fulfilled her iddut, and if all the occurrences could possibly have taken place in the interval since the third repudiation, some of our doctors maintain that her word must be received, because in the whole matter a fact is involved, viz. coition, which cannot otherwise be ascer- tained. There is one tradition, however, to the effect that it is only when she is a trustworthy person that her asser- tion is to be credited in such circumstances. When the legalizer has entered into the woman's apartment, and she alleges that connubial intercourse took place between them, that is sufficient to render her lawful to her first husband, provided that the legalizer assents to the assertion. When, on the other hand, he contradicts her, some of our doctors are of opinion that the conduct of the first husband should be regulated by his estimate of the probability of her or of the other party's speaking the truth. It would be better, however, to say that he should in all cases act in dependence on her asser- tion, from the impossibility of obtaining any other evidence of the fact than her own word. If connection with the legalizer should take place under circumstances when connubial intercourse is interdicted, as during pilgrimage or an obligatory fast, some of our doctors are of opinion that the woman would not be rendered lawful to her husband, because the act being prohibited, cannot be supposed to be within the scope of the legis- lator's intention. Others, however, insist that she would be rendered lawful by the establishment of marriage on a valid contract. Section Thikd. Of Rajdt or Revocation. 9 May be Tuldk or repudiation may be validly revoked in words, by words as ^y saying, " I have recalled thee," or in deed, as or by deed. — 8 Literally, return ; as if the man returned to his wife, or restored her to her former position. Doubt as to connec- tion with legalizer being sufficient in circum- stances when con- nubial in- tercourse is prohi- bited. tized from the faith. APPENDAGES TO REPUDIATION. 127 by connubial intercourse ; and even, though the husband should only touch or kiss his repudiated wife with desire, that would be a revocation. Permission by the repudiated woman is not a necessary preliminary to the revocation, for she is still his wife. And even a mere denial of the repudiation would be equivalent to revocation, for it implies a retention of the woman as his wife. It is not necessary though proper to have witnesses to Witnesses ii , • not neces- a verbal revocation. „__ If a husband should say to his wife, " I have recalled D 0u t>t as thee when thou wilt or if thou wilt," the revocation would t0 revoca- not take effect, even though she should answer, " I have pendent willed." This, however, is open to doubt. on the . wif e s If a man should repudiate his wife and recall her after w iii ; she has apostatized from the faith, the revocation would not °* a £ ter be valid, as a marriage ah initio in such circumstances, that aposta- is, with an apostate, would not be valid. 9 On this point, how- ever, there is room for doubt, arising from the consideration that the woman revocably repudiated is still a wife ; 10 and if she should return to the faith the revocation would revive. If a man having a Zimmeeah wife, should repudiate Similar her revocably, and then recall her during her iddut it has ^ n tbe been said that the revocation would not be lawful, for re- woman is vocation is like a new contract. But it would seem that ^ ne ^ the revocation is lawful, as the woman has never ceased to be his wife, and the revocation is rather to be viewed as a prolongation of the existing contract. Revocation by a dumb man may be effected by intel- Eevoca- ligible signs. Some say that he ought to raise the veil I'^J a from off her face, but this opinion is rarely entertained. man. When a man has repudiated his wife, and recalled her, In a dis- but she denies that the marriage was ever consummated, J^sum- ° with a view to avoid the necessity of iddut, 11 and to render mation, the repudiation irrevocable, while he insists on the other Qf e th ^ or wife to be 9 An apostate is legally disqualified from contracting marriage, received. Shuraya, p. 631. 10 See above. 11 It is only on an enjoyed wife that iddut is incumlent {post, j). 160). 128 DIVORCE. So also when the question is as to expiration of iddut by courses. Otherwise when it is by months. In dis- putes as to preg- nancy and delivery, whose word is to be re- ceived. In a dis- pute be- tween the husband and master of a slave as to revoca- tion dur- ing iddut, word of former to be re- ceived. hand that consummation had taken place, her word and oath are to be received, for the zahir or apparent is in favour of her allegation. When a woman claims that her iddut has expired 12 by occurrence of the courses, and the time admits of the fact being so, while the man denies its expiration, her word and oath are to be received. But if the claim be that the iddut had expired by lapse of months, his assertion is to be preferred ; for here the difference is merely as to the time when the repudiation took effect. If, again, the husband should claim that the iddut had expired, the word of the wife is to be received ; for the original state of things is the continuance of the marriage, which he i3 trying to impeach. If the woman was pregnant and claims that delivery has taken place, her word is to be received without requiring her to produce the infant. But if the dispute be as to the fact of her having been pregnant, which the husband denies, and she produces an infant which he denies to be his offspring, the word rests with him, because the fact is one which admits of proof by witnesses. If she claims the expiration of the iddut, and he alleges that he recalled her before its expiration, the word of the woman is to be pre- ferred. But if he has recalled her, and she then claims after the revocation that the iddut had expired, his word is to be received, since the original state of things is the validity of the iddut. If the husband of a slave should claim that he recalled her during her iddut, and she confirms the allegation, while it is denied by her master, who insists that the iddut had expired before the revocation, the word of the husband is to be received ; and some of our doctors are of opinion that he is not required to confirm his assertion by his oath, since the right of marriage is sustained by both the spouses ; but this opinion is liable to doubt. 12 The power of revocation terminates with the expiration of the iddut, as is obvious from the introduction, at this place, of the remaining paragraphs of this section, which would otherwise more properly belong to the chapter on iddut. ( 129 ) CHAPTER III. Of Khoola and MoobarAt. Section First. Of Khoold : its Form, Ransom, Conditions and Laws. In respect of form it is as if one should say, " Klmlatoki Form. kuza" (" I have Mwolad thee for so much "), or " Fulanutoon mookhtidkitoon ida kuza " (" Such an one is khoola d for so and so ") ; ' and if it be asked whether the khoold is effected by this alone, the answer must be that the tradition is to that effect. The Sheikh, however, insists that it is not effected by those words unless they are fol- lowed up by tuldk or repudiation. And there is no doubt that it is not effected by the words " Fadeetoki " (" I have liberated thee for a ransom ") without the addition of the word tuldk ; nor by the words " Fasukhtoki " (" I have cancelled thee ") ; " Abuntoki " ("I have separated thee "), or " Buttuttoki" ("I have cut thee off"); nor by tukail (dissolution). Supposing that the word khoold is sufficient, another Doubt question arises whether it is a cancellation of the marriage ^ ie ierl contract or a repudiation. According to Al Moortuza it cellation is the latter, and his opinion is supported by tradition. 0^0.^1 The Sheikh, however, prefers to consider it as a cancellation ; contract and in this view of it no account can be taken of it in the diation ?U ' number of repudiations. 1 The author has not given any definition of khoold, and I forbear to translate these terms, otherwise than by putting them into an English form, though, as it will appear a little farther on that khoold has the effect of an absolute divorce, they might very well be ren- dered, " I have divorced thee," or "Such an one is divorced." PART II. K 130 DIVORCE. Repudia- tion for a ransom is absolute. When asked for must be given im- mediate- ly ; other- wise it is revocable. II. The ransom : not limited ; but must be some- tliing that is lawful to Moos- Urns. Tuldk or repudiation when given for a ransom takes effect absolutely, though no use has been made of the word khoold. If a woman should ask her husband for a tuldk in exchange for something, and he should khoold her with- out using the word tuldk, it would not take effect according to either of the opinions before mentioned. While, if she asked for a klwold in exchange for something, and he gave her a tuldk for it, she would not be liable for the exchange, according to those who think that klwold by itself is a cancellation, and liable, according to those who consider it as a repudiation, or as not requiring the addition of the word tuldk. Again, if the husband should say, " Thou art repudiated for a thousand," or, " with a liability for a thousand," the repudiation would take effect revocably without any obligation on her part for the thousand, even though she should afterwards voluntarily give a security for it, as it would be a security for what was not due. And if she should actually pay the amount, it could only be considered as a new gift, and the repudiation would by no means become absolute or irrevocable. Further, when a woman says, " Repudiate me for a thousand," the answer should be immediate ; for if there is any delay the husband would not be entitled to the exchange, and the repudiation, if given, would be revocable. With regard to the ransom, whatever may be validly given as dower is also valid as the ransom of khoold ; and there is no limit to the amount, so that it may lawfully ex- ceed whatever was given to the woman as her dower or on any other account. When the ransom is not produced, its kind, quality, and quantity must be mentioned ; but if produced mere inspection is sufficient. When it is money it must be paid in the coin most prevalent in the city, unless some particular currency is mentioned, when it must be paid in that. Where, again, the khoold is for a thousand, and nothing has been said to show what was the intention of the parties, the khoold is invalid. So also it is invalid, when the ransom is something the property in which is unlawful to Mussulmans, as wine for instance. Some say, however, that the khoold should take effect khoolA. 131 revocably ; which would be right if it were followed by a tuldh ; but otherwise, it is better to say that the Tchoold is void. If the khoola was for vinegar, and it proves to be wine, the transaction is valid, but the husband is entitled to have the full quantity in vinegar. Where, however, the ransom is the foetus of which a beast or a female slave is pregnant, the khoola is not valid. The ransom may be disbursed by the woman herself May be or by her agent, or any one who has become her security J^ w0 { for it, with her permission. But whether it may be paid man, or by a mere voluntary is liable to doubt, the better opinion or surety.' being against such payment. Yet if a person should say, " Repudiate her for a thousand of her own money on my guarantee," or " for this slave of hers on my guarantee," the transaction would be valid ; insomuch that, though she should be unwilling to deliver what was specified, the khoola would be valid, and the voluntary liable on his guarantee. Upon this point, however, there is room for doubt. If a woman should enter into a khoola during her death Khoola illness, the transaction would be valid though the ransom though were in excess of a third of her estate. But here it is entered maintained by some of our doctors that any excess over ^oman hi the proper dower must come out of the third ; and the her last opinion seems to be in accordance with the principles of and f ' r law. If the ransom be the suckling of the husband's child, more than it is valid provided that the time during which the suckling her esta te. is to last is distinctly specified. So also, if a man should repudiate his wife in exchange for the child's maintenance, the transaction would in like manner be valid, subject to the like condition that the quantity of the food and clothing which may be required, and the time for which they are to be provided, are all distinctly specified. If in either of the last two cases the child should die before the com- pletion of the time, the repudiator would be entitled to a suitable compensation for so much of it as should remain unexpired, namely, the hire of a nurse for so long if the ransom were the suckling of the infant, and the value of the food and clothing if it were the infant's maintenance. If a husband should enter into a Tchoold with his wife If the ran- som is not ] 32 DIVORCE. equal to for a consideration sufficiently described, and which when Bcriptionit delivered does not come up to the description, he may re- may be turn what has been so delivered, and demand its exchange for something corresponding to the description. So also, if the thing delivered be blemished, he may return it and claim an exact similar unblemished, or its value ; or if he please he may retain the thing and require a compensation for the blemish. So also, the same course is open to him if the consideration were a slave who proves to be of a country, or a piece of cloth that is found to be of a place, different to that described. Not so, however, if the con- sideration was a piece of silk and it proves to be cotton ; for, though in that case the khoold is valid, and the husband is entitled to the value of the silk, he cannot insist on retaining the cotton, by reason of the difference of kind between the two things. Khooldnot If a wife should deliver a thousand to her husband, h l ft sa yi n £' " Repudiate me for it when you please," the tothehus- payment would not be valid, and if he should repudiate octJon ^ er ^ e repudiation would be revocable, and the woman entitled to the money. May be If a khoold is made with two women for one ransom, granted to ^h e £/ t00 ^ i s valid and the ransom payable bv them equally. two wo- . r J J I men for If two should say, " Repudiate us for a thousand, ' and he one repudiates only one of them, he is entitled to half the ransom. . sum ; but if he should subsequently repudiate the other the repudiation would be revocable, and he would have no title to the remainder, on account of his delay in responding to what required an immediate answer. 2 Valid If a man should enter into a khoold with his wife for the ran- a specific article, which proves to be the property of another, som be it has been said that the khoold is void ; but it were better specified and the ' *o say that it is valid, and the man entitled to the value property f the article specified, or a similar to it if it belong to the ofano- i j. • -1 ther. class of similars. Ransom The payment of ransom by a female slave is valid. If paid by a permitted generally by her master the amount is limited 2 See ante, p. 130. KHOOLA. 133 to the proper dower, and for any excess beyond it she female herself is liable, and may be sued for it if emancipated s ave ' and able to pay, while she is liable for the original even in the absence of any permission by her master. And if she appa- should give a specific thing with his permission, both the without Jchoold and the delivery would be valid ; otherwise, the her mas- lihoold only would be valid, and the slave herself liable „,; m j*L " *> > mission. for the value or a similar of the article, to be sued for after emancipation. Payment of ransom by a repudiated mookatubali is also valid, and her master has no right to object. With regard to the conditions of Jchoold, those which in. Con- are required on the part of the Jihali or man granting ^ tl0 7 " s _ it are four in number — viz. puberty, sanity, freedom of Kequired choice, and intention; so that no Jchoold is valid if made b nt ^ eius " by a boy under puberty, or by an insane person, or one acting under compulsion, or in a state of intoxication, or in a paroxysm of anger so great as to take away all real intention. If Jchoold is to be considered in the light of a tuldk, or repudiation, it is void when entered into by a guardian for his ward ; but if Jchoold is not a tuldl; it is valid when given by a guardian for something in exchange. The conditions required in a mookJitullah, or woman Eequired receiving a JiJwold, are that she be tahir, or pure for a in * ne tooJir or period of purity in which no connubial intercourse has taken place ; that is, when she is a woman whose marriage has been consummated, is not past child-bearing, and whose husband is present with her. It is also requi- site that there be some aversion on the part of the woman to her husband. But though a woman should say to her husband, " I will most certainly bring in upon you some one whom you won't like," that would not render a Jchoold imperative, though it would be proper and expedient in such circumstances. KJwoId of a pregnant woman is valid, though there should be some appearance of a san- guinary discharge, as repudiation would be valid in such circumstances, though it might be said that the courses are upon her. So also it is valid in the case of a woman whose marriage has not been consummated, though she 134 DIVOKCE. were actually subject to them at the time ; and a woman who is past child-bearing may be the subject of a hhoold, though connubial intercourse should have taken place in the toohr in which it is effected. Two wit- It is farther required, to the validity of the contract, nesses ^hat ft should be entered into before two witnesses who are present at the same time ; for if they are separate it is not valid. It is also necessary that it be free from conditions. Khoold by Khoold may be lawfully entered into by a man who is an inhi- under inhibition, whether it be for profusion or insolvency ; son, zim- or by a zimmee, or infidel subject, or by a hurbee or alien mee or enenw. And if in the two last cases the consideration is lawful! wine or a hog, the contract is valid notwithstanding ; but if both or either of the parties should be converted to the faith before delivery of the exchange, the woman would be liable for its value. KhooU The conditions that nullify a khoold are those which nullified the contract itself does not require. For if the husband tions in- should say, " If you revoke, I revoke," such a condition consistent wou ld no t nullify the contract, for it is one which it contract, requires. 3 So also if the wife should expressly stipulate for a right to reclaim the consideration, the khoold would still be valid. But if he should say, " I have given you a hlioold if you will," the hhoold would not be valid, though she should say, " I have willed it ; " for this is not a con- dition which the contract requires. So also if he should say, " If thou wilt be responsible to me for a thousand," or, " If thou wilt give me," or words to the like effect ; or if he should say, " when," or " whenever," or " at what time," the hhoold would not be valid. IV. Laws. With regard to the laws of hhoold, they may be gathered from the following cases : — Notlawful First. If a man should compel his wife into an agree- if the wife men ^ f or a ransom, he would do what is unlawful; and if is com- . ' pelled to he should thereupon repudiate her, the repudiation would be valid without any obligation on her part to deliver what she had agreed to give. The repudiation, however, would be revocable. 3 See next page. enter into it, ran- som is re- claimed KHOOLA. 135 Second. If a husband should give a hhoold to his wife Nor when while their dispositions or tempers are still in harmony, band and the khoold would not be valid, and he would not become wife are the proprietor of the ransom. And if he should repudiate °g rm °° her for an exchange in like circumstances, he would not with each become the proprietor of the exchange, but the repudiation would be valid, though with liberty to him to revoke. Third. If a woman has been guilty of any shameful Doubt or profligate act, her husband may lawfully annoy her so profligate* as to induce her to ransom herself. It has been said, woman however, that this has been abrogated, and is no longer j^sed permitted. into ran- Fourth. When a khoold has been established, the hus- herself band has no power of revocation. The wife, however, may Khoold reclaim the ransom at any time during the subsistence of nofc revoc - i-77 -n -i-i-iT i t aD ' e unt il the iddut ; and if she should do so, he may then revoke the the hhoold if he please. Fifth. If a man should enter into a khoold, and stipu- by the late for a power to revoke it, the khoold would not be Wlfe - valid. So also repudiation for an exchange would be ^thasti- invalid with a like stipulation. pulation Sixth. A mookhtullah or woman who has received a khoold is not affected by a repudiation pronounced subse- w h has quently to it, because the latter is, in its nature, revocable, received a m i-r>i l-i 1-i-it khoold not true, that it she reclaim the ransom, iier husband may suscepti- lawfullv revoke the khoold, and then repudiate her. J 3 ^ of . beirj°* re- Seventh. When a woman's father says to her husband, pudiated. " Repudiate her and thou art free from her dower," and he Agree- does repudiate her, the repudiation is valid revocably, and ™Q mai / s a she is neither obliged to discharge her husband from the father for payment of the dower, nor is her father responsible. tion^notT" Eighth. When a woman has appointed an agent for valid. khoold generally, the ransom must not exceed her proper An agent , '. , . , . 1 i a i • vi tot Ithoola dower to be paid in the com ot the place. And m like mus t not manner, when the husband appoints an agent for Jchoold exceed the • i proper m general terms, and the woman s agent gives more than dower. the proper dower, the ransom is void, and the repudiation takes effect revocably, without any responsibility on the part of the agent. And if the husband's agent should grant 13C DIVORCE. burden of proof is regulated. the Txhoold for less than the proper dower, the Tchoold would be void. So also if he should repudiate her for such a ransom, the repudiation would not take effect, as he acted contrary to his instructions. Connected with the laws of Jchoold, are the following cases regarding disputes : — In dis- First. When the parties are agreed as to the quantity M(?oL aSt ° °f tne ransom j but differ as to its kind, the word of the how the woman is to be preferred. Second. When they agree that the quantity was men- tioned, and that nothing was said as to the kind, but differ as to what was intended, the khoold is void, according to some of our doctors, while others maintain that the burden of proof is on the husband ; and this opinion is the more approved. Third. If the husband should say, " I granted the hlioold for a thousand on your responsibility," and the wife should say, " Nay, but on the responsibility of Z&id," the burden of proof is on him, and the oath is on her; and if she should take it, she is released from the ransom, though Zeid does not thereby become liable. So, also, if she should say, " Such an one made the agreement with you, and he is liable for the ransom," the result would be the same. But if she should say, " I made the agreement myself, and such an one was my surety," she is liable for the thousand so long as there is no proof, and nothing is established against the third party merely on the ground of her allegation. How effected. Requires mutual aversion. Section Second. Of Moobardt. Moobardt is effected when the husband has said, " Bareetolci ula kuza fu unti talikoon" (" I have liberated thee for so much, and thou art repudiated "). It is founded on the mutual aversion of the husband and wife ; and it is a condition that the moobardt, or liberation, be followed by the word tidal-, in so much that, if the husband should stop at the word moobardt, no separation of the parties MOOBARAT. 137 would take effect. And though, instead of Bareetoki, other words, such as fasukhtoki, abuntoki, were employed, they would be equally effective if followed by the word tuldk, since it is that word alone which is required for the separation, and none other. Even though the husband should merely say, " Thou art repudiated for so much," it would be valid and a moobardt, which is only another expression for repudiation for an exchange, with mutual repulsion between the spouses ; in each of whom the same conditions are required as in the case of khoold. Repudiation for an exchange is absolute, so that the Repudia- husband has no power to revoke it, unless, indeed, the exc hange wife should reclaim the ransom, which she may do at any irrevoca- time during the subsistence of the idclut ; and if she t ^ e ex _ should avail herself of the right, he may also revoke the change is _ . ° J reclaimed, repudiation. Moobardt is like khoold, except that the former is Distinc- founded on the mutual aversion of the husband and wife, \ l ^ n e " while the latter is founded on the aversion of the wife moobardt alone, and that in moobardt no more can be taken in ^^ exchange for it than what she had actually received from him, any excess being unlawful, while in Tchoold it is quite lawful. Further, we are all agreed that in moobardt the word tuldk is necessary to effect a separation between the parties, while with regard to its being required in Tchoold) there is a difference of opinion among us. 138 DIVORCE. CHAPTER IV. OF ZIHAR. Section First. Its Form, Conditions, and Effects. I. Form. In respect of Form, it is as if one should say to his wife, " Thou art on me like the back of my mother ;" so also if he should say, " This person," or make use of any other word indicative of a particular individual, " is on me like the back of my mother," the zihar would in like manner be constituted. The particular word of connection is of no importance ; so that, if he should say, " Thou art to me or with me," it would make no difference. If, again, he should liken her to the back of any other woman related to him within the prohibited degrees by consanguinity or fosterage, there are two traditions on the subject, and, according to the most notorious or generally received of these, zihar would be effected. But if he should liken her to the hand of his mother, or her hair or belly, it has been said that there would be no zihar, though there is a weak tradition in favour of its taking effect in such a case, while, if the likening were to any other than his mother in any part of the person but the back, there is no doubt that there would be no zihar. And if he should liken his wife to a woman prohibited to him only by affinity, even though the prohibition were perpetual, as in the case of a wife's mother, or the daughter of an enjoyed wife, or the wife of a father or son, zihar would by no means be induced. So, also, his words would be alike ineffectual if the likening were to the wife's sister, or her aunt, whether paternal or ZIHAR. 139 maternal, or if he should say, " Like the back of my brother," or " father," or " paternal uncle," or if she should say, " Thou art on me like the back of my father,'' or " my mother." In respect of conditions, it is necessary with regard to II. Condi- the zihar itself that two just persons should be present faeliJiar when it is pronounced, and hear the words of the moozahir, itself. or husband, pronouncing them ; and also that the zihar should take effect immediately. So that if the effect should be suspended till the expiration of the month or the entering upon Friday, there would be no zihar, accord- ing to the best opinions. Where, again, zihar is made dependent on a condition, though the grant is also subject to doubt, yet it is more agreeable to traditional authority to say that it would take effect. With regard to the moozahir, it is required that he be Of the adult and sane, have freedom of choice and intention. So moozalar - that the zihar of a child, an insane person, or one acting under compulsion, or temporarily incapable of intention through drunkenness, stupor, or a paroxysm of passion, are all equally invalid. And if one should use the formula of zihar, intending repudiation, there would neither be repudiation, for want of the appropriate word tuldh, nor zihar for want of intention. Zihar by an eunuch is valid, if we say that dalliance short of connubial intercourse is prohibited by it ; so also it is valid when pronounced by an infidel or a slave. With regard to the moozahurah, or woman who is the Of the subject of the zihar, it is a condition that she have been ,,,looza ' J _ _ Imrah. married by contract ; and, accordingly, zihar cannot take effect with reference to one who is a stranger to the moozahir at the time, though he should suspend, or make it dependent on his marrying her. It is further required that the woman be tahir, or pure, for a toohr, or period of purity during which there has been no connubial inter- course, that is, provided her husband be present with her, and she is of an age to be subject to the courses ; for if any of these conditions are wanting the zihar is valid, though they were on her at the time. As to consumma- 140 DIVORCE. III. Ef- fects. When the necessity of expia- tion arises. Expiation not evaded by repu- diation and recall ; but obvi- ated in the case of a slave wife by li or pur- chase. tion being a necessary condition there is some room for doubt. There is a tradition, indeed, which supports its necessity ; but later opinions favour the more general view, being against any restriction in this respect. With regard to a woman married by a rnootd, or a temporary contract, there are various opinions ; but, according to that which is best supported by traditional authority, zihar may take effect on such a woman. And even in the case of a woman enjoyed by virtue of a right of property, there is some room for doubt ; for there is a tradition in favour of its efficacy in the case of a bondwoman, as well as one who is free. The effects of zihar have been arranged under several cases, of which the following are the most important : — First. Expiation is not due merely on pronouncing the zihar, but is rendered incumbent by a return to the wife, by which is meant an intention to resume connubial in- tercourse. And the more correct view seems to be that nothing is established by the zihar itself except a pro- hibition of such intercourse until expiation is made. If connubial intercourse should take place before expiation, two expiations would be necessary, and if repeated, the expiation must be repeated also. Second. When a husband has repudiated his wife, and then recalled her, that does not render her lawful to him without expiation. But if she should pass out of her iddut without revocation, and he were then to marry her again, no expiation would be due. So, also, if the divorce had been absolute, and he should marry her again in the iddut, and have connubial intercourse with her, no expiation would be due. Neither would it be incumbent if both or either of the parties should die, or any of them apostatize from the Mussulman faith. Third. If a man should zihar his slave wife, and then purchase her, the marriage being cancelled by the purchase, he might have sexual intercourse with her by virtue of his right of property, without any necessity for expiation. So, also, if a third party should purchase her after the zihar, and cancel the marriage, which he is at liberty to do, the ZIHAR. 141 effect of the ziliar would be extinguished, and if her hus- band should marry her by a mere contract he would not be liable to any expiation. Fourth. If a man should ziliar four wives by one Distinct expression, a distinct expiation is due for each of them ; ^km^due and if he should ziliar one several times he is liable for a when four distinct expiation for each time, whether the ziliars were ^//^e^ 6 consecutive or separated by some intervals of time, though together, some of our doctors distinguish between the cases ; and if he have matrimonial intercourse before making expiation, he is liable for a distinct expiation on each repetition of the act. Fifth. When the ziliar is in general terms conjugal When the intercourse is forbidden until expiation is made ; but when zllia T. ls 1 ' condi- it is suspended, or made dependent on a condition, such tional, ex- intercourse is lawful until the occurrence of the condition, P iatlon ' not due and consequently no expiation is due for any previous till the intercourse. If the intercourse itself has been made the ^curs 1011 condition, the ziliar is not established till it has taken place, nor any expiation due till a subsequent return to the wife. Some, however, have maintained that it becomes due on the first occurrence of the intercourse ; but this opinion has not by any means met with general reception. Sixth. Connubial intercourse is prohibited to the moo- When ex- zahir until he has made expiation, whether the expiation P iatlon 1S . com- be by emancipation, fasting, or feeding the poor ; and if menced, it he should break the prohibition during the fast he must must be begin it anew, — though some few have erroneously said the prohi- that this is not necessary if the intercourse were during broken 13 the night. But whether expiation is due for anything before its short of connubial intercourse, such as kissing or touching, ^°™ p e " is a question on which there is a difference of opinion ; and the affirmative, which is maintained by some, is attended with a good deal of difficulty. Seventh. When the moozahir is unable to make expia- If themoo- tion, or offer any other substitute for it than asking pardon v^t of God, prohibition continues, according to some, until expiate he expiation is made; but others, with more probability, p^rdoiTof maintain that to ask pardon is enough. God. 142 DIVORCE. Course to be pur- sued by the judge when com- plaint is made to him by the wife. Eighth. If the moozahurah or woman who is the sub- ject of the zihar chooses to have patience, no other has a right to object. But if she brings the matter before the judge, the husband must be put to his choice, either to make expiation and return to his wife, or to repudiate her, and three months are to be allowed to him to make up his mind. If the time is allowed to expire without making his choice, he is then to be straitened in respect of meat and drink, till he comes to a determination as to one or other of the courses ; but he is not to be compelled by means of the straitening to repudiate his wife, nor is the judge empowered to make the repudiation in his stead. Is of seve- ral kinds. That ap- plicable to zihar. 1. By emancipa- tion of a slave ; who must be a Moos- lim. Section Second. Expiation. Expiations are of several kinds, some of which are obligatory and some voluntary. In this place it is only necessary to notice the expiation of Zihar, which belongs to the former class, and requires the emancipation of a slave, or, in case of inability to emancipate, fasting for two successive months, and in the case of inability to fast for that time, the feeding of sixty poor persons. The obligation to emancipate is special to those who have it in their power to do so by actually possessing a slave, or by having the money and opportunity to buy one. In the slave are required the three following qualities. — First, he must have eeman or the true faith. This is universally required in the expiation for intentional homicide, and, according to the best or most approved opinion, is also a condition in the other cases of obligatory expiation. But here nothing more is to be understood than Islam or a profession of the Mussulman faith ; and it makes no difference whether the slave be male or female, young or full grown. An infant may come under the category of Islam, and is sufficient for the purpose of expiation in zihar, if both or either of his parents be of the Mussulman faith at the time of its birth. But one in the womb is not sufficient, though both its parents ZIHAK. 143 should be Mooslim, and itself is such in the eye of the law. When a slave who is dumb attains to puberty, and professes the faith by signs, he is accounted a Mooslim, and is sufficient for the purpose of expiation, though both his parents should be infidels. By the quality of Islam in the matter of expiation is not required such a profession of the faith as entitles one to the full enjoyment of its blessings. It is quite sufficient if the slave be firm and established in the two testimonies, that is, the Unity of God and the Mission of the Prophet ; and it is not a condition that he be free from everything besides. A youth under puberty, the child of infidel parents, cannot be accounted a Mooslim, whether they be with him, or the youth professing himself to be a Mooslim is separated from them. Even a moorahiJc, or boy closely approach- ing to puberty, who professes the faith, is not to be so ac- counted; though on this point there is room for doubt and hesitation, as also whether he should be separated from his infidel parents. This question, however, though it is admitted that he is still to be accounted an infidel, has been answered by some of our doctors in the affirmative, as a precaution to guard his good intentions from being Free from ' marred by the influence of his parents. The second e ec s ' quality required in the slave to be emancipated is freedom from defects. So that one who is blind, leprous, or unable to walk, is not sufficient. Other infirmities, however, do not disqualify the slave, such as dumbness, deafness, or the loss of one leg or one arm ; but one who has lost both and the his legs is not sufficient because unable to walk. The nertvof°" third requisite is that the slave be the entire property of the eman- the emancipator. So that a moodubbur is not sufficient cipa or so long as the tudbeer is undissolved, nor a mookatub who has paid any part of his ransom ; but an abik or absconded slave is sufficient so long as there is no positive intelligence of his death. So also a moostuwludah, or slave who has borne a child to her master, is sufficient, for slavery is still established in her. The emancipation is subject to some conditions. First, Condi- there must be intention, that is, an intention to expiate : *! 011S of ' ' *■ the eman- cipation . 144 DIVORCE. for emancipation is an act of piety which is susceptible of different phases, and must be pointed to one in particular by intention. There must also be in the intention a hoorbut, or a desire of drawing near to God. Hence ex- piation by an infidel is invalid, whether he be a subject, an alien, or an apostate. Second, the emancipation must be entirely gratuitous ; for if the master should say to his slave " Thou art free and liable for so much," it would not suffice for expiation, since it is evident that he intended to get something in exchange. And if a third party should say to the master, " Emancipate thy slave as an expia- tion, and thou hast so much against me," and he should emancipate accordingly, it would not suffice for expiation. Even though the master should restore the exchange after he had taken possession of it, still there would be no expiation ; for the emancipation being insufficient for that purpose at the time it took place, cannot be rendered sufficient by any subsequent act. Thirdly, there must be no cause for the emancipation in an unlawful act of the emancipator. Thus, if he should have put out the slave's eyes, or cut off both his legs, and should emancipate him, intending expiation for zihar, the emancipation would take effect, but not suffice for that purpose. 2. Fasting In obligatory expiation fasting is required when there necessary j s inability to emancipate : and such inability is established in case of , . tit inability either by the non-possession of a slave and the absence of toemanci- ^he mean s of purchasing, or by the impossibility of find- ing a suitable slave, though there may be the means of purchasing him. Though the person should be actually possessed of a slave, yet if he is required for service, or if his price be necessary for the person's food or clothing, he is not obliged to emancipate. Nor is he under any obligation to sell his house or his clothes for the purpose of buying a slave to emancipate, though any excess above what is necessary ought to be sold. When inability to emancipate is clearly established, it is necessary, as the expiation in zihar, to fast for two consecutive months, or one month if the person be a slave. If the fast is broken in the first month without a sufficient excuse, it must be ZIHAR. 145 begun anew ; but should he fast, though only for one day of the second month, the fast is held to be completed and he is absolved. Some indeed consider him guilty of sin in breaking the fast, but there is some doubt on the point, and the better opinion seems to be that he is not. It may be observed that the only proper excuses applicable to a case of this kind are sickness, fainting, and insanity. In the event of inability to fast, expiation must be 3. Feed- made by feeding the prescribed number of persons, that is, in Q^^en by giving to each one moodd} Some say indeed that the there is proper quantity is two moodds, and that it is only in case ™ a f J g J y of necessity that one moodd can be deemed sufficient, but the first opinion is not approved. Any abatement from the full number of persons to be fed is not allowed, though the quantity should be the full allowance for the prescribed number, — that is, when the prescribed number can be found, otherwise the expiation is satisfied by repeating the allowance even to one person. The kind of food should be the medium of what is given to the expiator's family ; or what is the prevalent food of the place may be lawfully given. The prescribed number may be fed separately or all together. But it is not sufficient to feed children by themselves, though they may be lawfully fed among the general mass. If they should be fed separately two must be counted as one grown person. It is proper to confine the feeding to true believers, 2 and those who are reckoned as such, their children for instance. According to the Mubsoot the persons to whom the food is to be distributed are the same as those on whom the zukat of the fi.tr is to be expended ; and those who cannot be lawfully included on that occasion are not lawful here. It would seem that profligate Mooslims may be included in the feeding; but it is by no means to be extended to infidels. In connection with the subject of expiation generally, Miscel- the following cases are worthy of attention : — laneous . . . . cases. First. Ability has reference to the time when expiation .,.-,.. — has refer- 1 A weight estimated at 1£ rutl. — Im. D., p. 78. 2 Moomineen, but apparently not here restricted to Sheeahs. PART II. L 14G DIVORCE. encc to the time of expia- tion. A man who has begun one mode of expiation, not ob- liged to revert to another though able. Expiation before in- tention to return not sufficient. Expiatory food, how to be dis- posed of. Value not a substi- tute. Alterna- tive of inability to fast the full time, &c. is to be made, not to the time when it became incumbent. So that, if a man who was at first able to emancipate, should subsequently become incompetent to do so, and should fast instead, he is no longer under an obligation to emancipate. Second. When a man is unable to emancipate, and has begun to fast, but subsequently becomes possessed of suffi- cient means to enable him to emancipate a slave, he is not obliged to return to that mode of expiation. So, also, when he is unable to fast, and has taken to feeding the poor instead, but subsequently finds himself able to endure the first mode of expiation, he is not obliged to return to it. Third. When one has emancipated a slave before in- tending to return to his wife, that, according to the Sheikh, does not suffice to expiate the zihar, because the expiation was made before it was due ; and the opinion is quite correct. Fourth. The food of expiation is not to be given to an infant, but to his guardian. Fifth. Nor is expiation to be expended on one whom the expiator is otherwise obliged to maintain, as his father, wife, children, or slaves. But it may be expended on any others than these, though they should be near relatives. Sixth. It is not sufficient to give value in a case of expiation, instead of the thing itself, which is obligatory. Seventh. Any one on whom it is incumbent to fast for two months, but is unable to do so, let him fast for eighteen days. If unable for that, let him bestow in charity to the extent of one moodd per day. If unable for that, let him ask pardon of Almighty God, and nothing more is required of him. ( 147 ) CHAPTER V. OF EELA. In form, Eela is an oath by God, and cannot be contracted Form, without one of the Divine names ; but it may be effected in any language when so intended. The words by which it is constituted are either plain and express, being specially appropriate to sexual intercourse, or capable of being so interpreted. For the former, there are no corresponding terms in the English language. The latter are such as, " By God, I will have no connection with thee ; " and, if used designedly with a view to eela, they are sufficient to constitute it; but, unless so intended, they are not sufficient, while the others are sufficient in themselves. Whether eela can be made in dependence on a condition, is a question on which there are two reports of the Sheikh's opinion. According to the most notorious or generally received of these, it cannot be constituted either in depend- ence on a condition or to take effect from a future time, and, if attempted, the condition would be surplusage. If a man should swear " by emancipation," or " by alms," or " by prohibition," that he would not have connection with his wife, there would be no eela, even though intended. Neither would it be affected by his saying, " If I do so I am liable for so much." And if a man, having properly made an eela with one wife, should say to another, " I have associated thee with her," there would be no eela with the second, though it were intended, since eela cannot be effected except by an expression involving some name of God. L 2 148 DIVORCE. Condi- tions re- quired in thv moolce, or hus- band; in the moola, or wife. Laws of eela. Must be for more than four months. With regard to the moolee, or person pronouncing the eela, it is required that he be adult and sane, and have freedom of choice and intention. But eela by a slave is valid, whether his wife be free or a bondwoman. So, also, that by a zimmee and an eunuch ; even a nmjboob, or one who has lost the penis, is valid, though, with regard to the latter, there is some room for doubt. With regard to the moola, or woman who is the subject of the eela, it is necessary that she be married by contract, and not merely by virtue of a right of property ; and also that the marriage has been consummated. With regard to a woman married by moota, or a temporary contract, there is some doubt ; but, according to the better opinion, she is not a subject for eela. It makes no difference, however, whether a woman be free or a slave ; and in either case she is competent to bring the matter before a judge, to have a time fixed, and after its expiration to demand a return to conjugal intercourse. Eela may also take effect with a zimmeeah, or infidel subject, as well as with a mooslimah. The laws of eela are comprehended under the following cases : — First. Eela is not contracted unless the prohibition is absolute, perpetual, or for a time exceeding four months, 1 or to continue until the occurrence of something which certainly cannot, or in all probability will not, happen before the expiration of that time, as if a man should say, being in Irak at the time, " Until I go to and return from a town in Turkey." If the time is four months only, or somewhat less, or is limited by an event which will certainly, or probably, or possibly happen within that time, eela will not be effected. And if he should say, " By God, I will not have connection with thee until I enter this mansion," there would be no eela, for he might be freed from the necessity of expiation by having connection in the entrance, which would evade the eela. Four months are sufficient, according to the other sect. — D., p. 295. . EELA. J 49 Second. The time for the woman to wait is four months, Woman whether she be free or a slave, and whether her husband ^four 11 be the one or the other. And this time is the husband's months right ; so that within it she cannot demand his return to can lay her. Nor when it has expired, is she divorced by the the matter mere expiration. Neither has the judge any power to judge. divorce her. But if she should bring the matter before him, the husband must then make his choice either to re- pudiate or to return to her. If he should repudiate her, that would put an end to her right, though the repudiation would be revocable, according to the best opinions. So also, if he should return to her, that would equally put an end to her right. But if he refuse to do either of the things required of him, he is to be imprisoned and straitened until he either repudiates or returns to her. The judge, however, has no power to compel him to do either of these in preference to the other. If the eela should be for a definite time, and he procrastinates after the matter is brought before the judge till the time expires, the effect of the eela abates, and he is not liable for any expiation, though he should have counection with his wife. If she should deem it her right to demand a return, it would not thereby be extinguished, for it is constantly renewed ; and it is only rights that are not thus susceptible of renewal that can be extinguished by forgiveness. Branches from the Preceding. First. If the husband should have conjugal intercourse Conjugal within the time of expectation, he is liable to expiation ™**~ e according to general agreement ; but if the intercourse within the should not take place till after the expiration of that time, ^es^x- it is stated in the Mubsoot 2 that there would be no necessity piation. for expiation ; but it is said in the Khilaf 2 that he would still be liable, and this opinion is the better founded. Second. When a man has pronounced an eela with J^JJ 1 . 1011 respect to a wife who is a slave, and then purchases, quired emancipates, and remarries her, the eela does not revive, jjj™ the " ' being a 2 Both works are by the Sheikh. slave, is 150 DIVORCE. emanci- pated and remar- ried by her hus- band. Case of four wives included in one eela. Eela of a wife revo- cably re- pudiated valid. Expiation in case of eela. And the result would be the same if the conditions were reversed, and the wife being free should purchase, emanci- pate, and then remarry her husband. Third. When a man has said to four wives, " By God, I will not have connection with you," he does not become a moolee on the instant, and may lawfully have intercourse with three of them ; but then the prohibition will attach to the fourth, with respect to whom the eela becomes esta- blished. Consequently, she may bring the matter before the judge, to have a time fixed for her. If one of the wives should die before the husband has had connubial intercourse with any of them, he is released from his vow, for a breach of it cannot be established except by connection with the whole four. The case would be different if he should repu- diate one or two or three of them ; for then the vows would remain in full force as to the remaining wives or wife, since connection with those whom he may have repudiated is still within his power under a semblance of right. If, however, he had said, " I will not have connection with one of you," eela would be established as to all, and a time must be fixed for all. True, that if he should have con- nection with one of them, he would be released from his vow as to the remainder ; though if he should repudiate one or two or three of them, the eela would still be good as to the rest. Fourth. When a man has pronounced an eela with respect to a wife repudiated revocably, the eela is valid, and the icldut is to be reckoned from the expiration of the time. And the rule is the same if he should repudiate his wife revocably, and then pronounce an eela with respect to her, and subsequently recall her. 3 It is to observed that the expiation in a case of eela is the same as for a yurneen or oath ; and in expiating a yumeen it is optional, either to emancipate a slave, or to feed the poor, or clothe them. If clothing be preferred, two garments should be given if the party be able, or one 3 Some of the cases have been omitted, as not likely to be of any practical utility. EELA. 151 only if he cannot give more. Some have said, however, that in either case it is optional to give only one ; and this seems to be the better opinion. If, again, feeding should be preferred, one moodd is the proper quantity of food for each poor person, even though the party should be able to give two moodds. If a man should beat his slave exces- sively, it is proper to make expiation by emancipating him. 4 4 The authority for the last paragraph is taken from the chapter on Zihar, pp. 341-2. 152 DIVORCE. CHAPTER VI. OF LIAN. Section First. Its Pillars. First These are four in number. The first pillar is its cause, pillar: or ra ther causes, for there are two. The first cause is 1st. Scan- scandal ; but Lidn is not induced by this cause, except dal. when a husband charges his moohsunnah, or chaste wife whom he has enjoyed, with adultery, and alleges that he has had ocular demonstration of the fact, but has no other proof of it. If the woman charged be a stranger to him, he is liable to the liudcl or specific punishment for scandal, and there is no lidn. So also, if he should charge his wife without alleging that he was witness to the fact, the result would be the same. But if he has proof, there is neither hudd nor lidn. So also, if the accused woman be notorious for zina or adultery. It follows, from ocular demonstration being required on the part of the husband, that there can be no lidn for scandal in the case of a blind man, though there may be for denial of a child. If the accuser has proof but declines to produce it in order to a lidn, it is a question whether lidn would be valid. According to the Khilaf it would ; but this is denied in the Mubsoot, on the ground that the want of proof is made a condition in the sacred text ; * and this opinion is more agreeable to the general principles of law. If the charge of adultery be referred to a time previous 1 Those who charge their wives with adultery, and have no wit- nesses but themselves. — See Inayah, vol. ii. p. 252. LIAN. 153 to the marriage of the parties, the husband is liable to the hudd for scandal ; and whether he can avoid it by lidn is a question on which the authorities differ. The author of the Khilaf, looking to the fact charged, insists that he cannot ; while the same author in the Mubsoot, having a view to the time of the charge, maintains that he can ; and this opinion seems to be most in accordance with the prin- ciples of law. It is not lawful for a husband to accuse his wife on A wife mere suspicion, nor even with a strong probability of her be accused guilt, founded on information given to him by a person on suspi- in whom he can confide, nor though it should be a matter even ' of common fame that such an one has committed adultery strong presump- with her. tion. When a husband accuses his wife during her iddut for May be a revocable repudiatiou, he may have recourse to lidn. a ur j no -the But not so if the repudiation were absolute or irrevocable ; iddut for a for in that case he would be liable to the hudd, even repuc {i a . though he referred the charge to a time when she was tion - still his wife. The second cause of lidn is the denial of a child. 2nd. De- But for the operation of this cause it is necessary that "^ 1 1 d ° f a delivery should take place at six months or more from the time of conjugal intercourse, and not beyond the extreme period of gestation. It is further requisite that the intercourse should have been under a permanent con- tract. If the woman should give birth to a full-grown child within six months from conjugal intercourse the child is not affiliated to her husband, and may therefore be denied by him without lidn. But if they differ, after consummation, as to the time of the pregnancy, recourse must be had to mutual lidn. And a child is not affiliated to the husband unless access to his wife was possible, and he was able for matrimonial intercourse. If, then, a boy under nine years of age should go in to his wife, and she should give birth to a child, it is not affiliated to him ; otherwise, however, if the boy should have attained to ten years or more, from the possibility of his being adult, as puberty is sometimes, though rarely, found at that early 154 DIVORCE. age. Yet if he should deny the child there can be no lidn, as there is no law for it in such circumstances, and it must be delayed until he has attained to puberty and discretion. But if he should die, whether before or after attaining to both, without denying the child, it must be affiliated to him, and both wife and child are entitled to participate in his inheritance. A child is not affiliated to an eunuch who is mujboob, though this is liable to doubt ; and if the person is only one of these, that is, an eunuch or a mnjboob, the child is affiliated to him, and cannot be denied without lidn. Child may When a husband is present with his wife at the time at any °f her childbirth, and does not deny the child when con- time be- gratulated on the event, he is precluded from afterwards knowledg- denying it if the delay to do so exceeds what is customary ment; } n such cases. It would be more proper, however, to say that he is at liberty to deny it, so long as he has not acknowledged the child to be his. And if he refrain from denying a child of which his wife is pregnant till her delivery, he may lawfully deny it after its birth, according to both opinions; because he may have refrained till then, on account of some doubt whether there was a real pregnancy or only the appearance of it. But a person who but once has once acknowledged a child expressly or in words that acknow- l eav e no doubt of his meaning, cannot afterward deny it, as ledgedcan , °' . -■ • not be if, when congratulated on its birth, he has answered m subse " words indicative of satisfaction. For instance, if the terms quently . ' denied; of congratulation were, "God has blessed you m your child," and he should answer, " Amen," or " If it please God." But if he should say by way of answer, " God has blessed thee," or " God has done good to thee," there would be no acknowledgment. and, When a man has slandered his wife and denied her though cliild, he is delivered from the hudd or specific punishment paternity for the scandal if he can prove what he has laid to her re"ected be cuar g e 5 but ^ ne chM cannot be rejected except by lidn. except by And if a man should repudiate his wife absolutely, and um ' she should be delivered of a child, it is affiliated to him according to appearances, and cannot be denied otherwise liAn. 155 than by lidn. If she should marry again and be delivered of a child at less than six months from intercourse with her second husband, and at nine months or less since her separation from the first, the child cannot be denied by the first otherwise than by lidn. The second pillar of lidn is the Mooldin or imprecating Second husband, of whom it is required that he be adult and sane. P 1 * ]{T~ m With regard to lidn by an infidel there are two reports, lain or im- and, according to the more generally received of these, it j^g^*j g is valid. The same may be said of a slave. And the lidn of a dumb person is also valid when his meaning can be ascertained by approved signs, in the same way as repudi- ation and acknowledgment by him are valid. But lidn is in no case valid without speech or approved signs. If a person should deny a child begotten under a semblance of right to intercourse with its mother, the paternity of the child is negatived, and there is no room for lidn. And when there is an absence of all or any of the conditions of affiliation, it is an incumbent duty on a man to deny a child and have recourse to lidn, that its nusub or paternity may not be established in one who has no right to him. But it is not lawful to deny a child on suspicion, or presump- tion, or want of resemblance between it and its progenitor. The third pillar is the Mooldinah or imprecating wife, Third of whom it is required that she be adult and sane, and free pillar:— -. n -, -r • • -i j.1 , i The Mo °- from deafness or dumbness, it is also required that sue uinah or was married by a permanent contract. With regard to impreca- , at tm S wife, consummation there are several reports. According to one of these there is no lidn without it ; according to another the lidn is lawful ; while a third restricts its legality to a case of scandal, excluding denial of a child. Lidn is established between a free man and a slave wife, though here also there are two other opinions, one of which forbids it, while the other allows it only for denial of a child, to the exclusion of slander. Lidn is valid with respect to a pregnant woman, though the hudd cannot be inflicted till her delivery. A female slave does not become a finish or wife 2 merely Child of a female 2 Firash means literally bed. 156 DIVORCE. Fourth pillar : — Form. slave may by virtue of the right of property ; whether she becomes without so ky sexual intercourse with her master is a question on lidn. which there are two reports. According to that which is best supported by traditional authority, she does not be- come ajirash, and her child is not affiliated to her master, without his acknowledgment. Even though he should admit his intercourse with its mother, he may still deny the child, and the case does not require lidn. The fourth pillar of lidn is its form or the manner in which it is conducted. It is not valid except in presence of the judge, or some one appointed by him for the pur- pose. Yet if the parties are content with a private person, and take the lidn before him, it is lawful. Its effect is established on the mere order when pronounced, though some say that it requires the subsequent consent of the parties. The proper form of the lidn is that the man should four times call God to witness that he is among the truth-speakers in respect of what he has laid to her charge, and that he should then add, May the curse of God be upon him if he be among the liars. The woman should then call God to witness four times, that he is among the liars in respect of what he has laid to her charge, and should then add, May the wrath of God be upon her if he is among the truth-speakers. The words of testimony are as just explained, and it is proper that the man should stand when uttering them, and that the woman should also stand when doing so. Some, however, insist that they should both be standing together before the judge. The man should begin the formula as just stated, and then the woman. He should also designate her in such a manner as to prevent her from being mistaken for any other, as by mentioning her name and that of her father, or specifying some of her distinguishing marks. The parties should also make use of the Arabic language if able to do so, and are only to be excused by inability ; and the judge, when unacquainted with that language, should take the assistance of two interpreters, one being insufficient. The man should begin with testifying, and conclude with the word " curse ; " while the woman should also begin LIAN. 157 with testifying but conclude with the word " wrath." And if, iustead of saying, " I testify by God," the parties should say, " I swear," using the words husum or huluf, both signifying an oath, the formula would not be lawful. Section Second. Laws of Lidn. These are contained under several cases, of which the following are the most impoi'tant : — First. A man by slandering his wife becomes liable Its effects, to the hudd, but his liability ceases on his taking the lidn, and this is his right. The liability to hudd is then cast upon the wife, and on her taking it four consequences follow : — both the liabilities are at an end ; the child is cut off from the man, 3 but not from the woman ; she ceases to be a wife ; and becomes perpetually prohibited to the man. If he should give himself the lie, or retract in the midst of the lidn, or refuse to take it, the liability to hudd is established against him, but none of the other consequences are established. If she should refuse, or acknowledge the truth of the charge, she is to be confined, and he is relieved from the hudd, but her firash or wife- hood does not abate, nor is prohibition established. If he should give himself the lie, or retract after the lidn, the child's paternity is restored, and with it his right of inheritance ; but neither the father, nor any one related through him, can inherit to the child, while the mother, and those related through her, retain their right of in- heritance to him. Her wifehood, however, does not return, nor is there any abatement of the prohibition. On the question whether his liability to the hudd revives, there are two reports, but, according to that which is most in accordance with traditional authority, he is not liable to it. If, again, she should make an acknowledgment subse- quent to the lidn, she would certainly not be liable to the 3 That is, when the cause of lidn is denial of a child. 158 DIVORCE. After de- nial of slander recourse cannot be had to lidn. The hudd for scan- dal avoid- ed by proof of the fact alleged ; or by wife's con- fession be- fore lidn ; though the pater- nity of a child can- not be rejected without it. Doubt as to four witnesses being re- quired to an ac- knowledg- ment of zina, though necessary to the fact itself. Lidn not available after wife's death. hudd unless the confession were repeated four times, 4 and even with that there is some doubt of her liability. Second. When a woman complains that her husband has slandered her in such a manner as to induce lidn, and he denies the charge, but she adduces proof of it, he cannot now have recourse to the lidn, for that would be falsifying himself. Third. When a man has slandered his wife with an- other man in such a manner as to imply that they have committed adultery together, he becomes liable to two inflictions of the hudd, but can save himself from that due to his wife by taking the lidn, and from both if he can produce proof of the charge. Fourth. When a man has slandered his wife, and she confesses before lidn, then, according to the Sheikh, she is liable to the hudd if the confession is repeated four times, but her husband is absolved though she should confess only once. If, however, the paternity of a child is involved in the case, that cannot be rejected except by lidn, which the husband may have recourse to of himself; because the concurrence of the husband and wife as to the fact of adultery does not ignore the paternity of a child, since that is established by the firash, or wifehood, of the woman. There is also some doubt as to the lidn. Fifth. When a man has slandered his wife, and she has acknowledged the fact, and he adduces two witnesses to the acknowledgment, they cannot be received, according to the Sheikh, and he is liable to the hudd. 5 There is, however, some difficulty in the case, because the testimony adduced is to the acknowledgment, not to the fact of adultery. Sixth. When a man has brought a scandal against his wife, and she dies before the lidn, the lidn drops and the husband is entitled to inherit from his wife, but is liable to the hudd at the instance of her heirs. He may 4 This is required by the Imameea code, as well as by the Jtani- feea. — Shuroya, p. 513. 5 Four witnesses are required to establish a charge of zina. LIAN. 159 then, however, to save himself from the hudd, have recourse to the lidn. According to a report of Abu Buseer, if one of her people should arise and put the husband to the lidn, he would have no right in her inheritance, otherwise his right remains ; and this opinion has some support from the Khilaf; but the principle of law in the case is that the right to inheritance is established by death, and cannot be taken away by a subsequent lidn. j. . , Seventh. If there has been a failure in any of the words valid if required in the formula of lidn, it is not valid, and any faflur^of order which the judge may have passed upon it is in- any of its operative. ^ g££" Eighth. The separation induced by lidn is a cancella- Separa- tion of the marriage, not a repudiation. \}°, n ^ ° ' x han is a cancella- tion of marriage. 160 DIVORCE. CHAPTER VII. OF IDDUT. No woman whose marriage has not been con- summated obliged to keep iddut, except a widow. Consum- mation described. Mere re- tirement without coition does not require an iddut. Section First. Women on whom it is not Incumbent. No woman is obliged to keep iddut whose marriage has not been consummated, whether she was repudiated by her husband or separated from him by a cancellation of the contract, except only when the cancellation is by his death. A widow is in all cases bound to observe an iddut, whether her marriage was consummated or not. Consummation is established by the insertion of the glans penis, without emission, and even though the husband be an eunuch. Some have said that an iddut is also incumbent when he is a mujboob, from the possi- bility of pregnancy by friction ; but this is liable to doubt, as iddut is dependent on coition. If, however, pregnancy should actually ensue, an iddut must necessarily be observed till delivery. In no case is iddut required in consequence of the mere retirement of the husband and wife together without coition, according to the most common or generally re- ceived opinion. When retirement has taken place, and a dispute subsequently arises between the parties as to the fact of coition, the word of the husband with his oath is to be preferred. IDDUT. 161 Section Second. 1 Women who reckon by Kooras. These are -women who are subject to the courses, and Women the iddut prescribed for them, when free, and whether to t ' he their husbands be free or not, is three kooras, by which is courses to be understood, according to the most common or gene- ^^ v rally received of two traditions, three toohrs, or periods of for three purity. If a man should repudiate his wife, and she were then to menstruate a single luhzah, or instant, after, this luhzah would be reckoned as one koora, and the two remaining kooras would be completed on the appearance of the third discharge ; so that the iddut would expire on the instant. This is the case when the courses are regular, returning after stated intervals. When, on the other hand, there is any irregularity, the woman should wait for caution till the expiration of the shortest time when they usually recur, which, in reckoning for the iddut, is taken to be twenty-six days and two luhzahs. Not that the last of the luhzahs is included in the iddut, but it is added for greater caution, as evidence of its completion. If a man should repudiate his wife while the courses are actually on her, the repudiation would have no effect, as already mentioned ; but if the repudiation were given in a toohr, or period of purity, it would be quite valid, though the woman should menstruate when the man had done speaking, without an appreciable instant of time intervening, because it took effect in the toohr. Still, however, that toohr could not be reckoned in the iddut, because it did not follow the repudiation, and three new kooras would be required after the menstruation. If there should be any difference on this point, the wife insisting that a part of the toohr remained after the repudiation, while the husband denies that such was the case, the word of the woman is to be preferred, because she had the best opportunity of knowing the fact. 1 This and the following sections, to the fifth, relate to free women who have been repudiated, or whose marriage has been cancelled otherwise than by the death of their husbands. PART II. M 162 DIVORCE. Adult women not sub- ject to the courses must keep ill (I ut for three months. Women past child- bearing not ob- liged to keep iddut. When deemed to be so. Course to be ob- served in a doubtful case. The longest possible iddut. Months to be reck- oned by the moon. Section Third. Women ivho reckon by Months. A woman who is not subject to the courses, though she has arrived at the proper age, must observe an iddut of three months after repudiation or other cancellation of her marriage, provided that it has been consummated and she is free. With regard to a ydissah, or woman who is past child-bearing, and one who has not yet arrived at puberty, there are two traditions. According to one of these, they are both obliged to observe an iddut of three months ; but, according to the other and more generally received tradition, no iddut of any kind is obligatory on either of them. The age when women are supposed to be past child-bearing is fifty years, though it is said that, among the Koreish and Nabateans, the age is sixty years. If, in a particular case, the monthly discharge should have ceased while women of the same age are generally subject to it, the iddut is three months by general agreement. In such a case, however, the woman should have regard both to courses and to months ; so that, if three toohrs should first be completed, or if three months should first expire, the iddut would be at an end in either case. But if she should perceive the discharge in the third month, and the second and third appearance should be delayed, she must have patience for nine months, for the possibility of her being pregnant, and then keep an iddut of three months. This of all idduts is the longest. A woman whose courses occur only once in four or five months should keep iddut by months. When a woman has been repudiated at the beginning of the hillal, or first appearance of the new moon, the three months of the iddut are to be reckoned by hillals. Where, again, she was repudiated in the middle of the month, the iddut is to be measured by two hillals, and so much of the third month as to make up for what was wanting of the first. Some, however, are of opinion that here also the three months must be reckoned by three hillals, and IDDUT. 163 the opinion seems to be more in accordance with the general principles of the law. If, after the iddut of a woman has expired, and she has A mar- entered into a second marriage, any suspicion should arise ™|^ ?° t " of her having been pregnant, the idclut is not invalidated after the thereby. Nor is it invalidated even though no new mar- ^ P tJe tlCn riage should have been contracted. But if there should iddut is be any suspicion of pregnancy before the expiration of the ^ated^ iddut, the woman ought to refrain from entering into an- other marriage. And it would be proper to do so when there is any suspicion of the kind, even though the iddut should have expired. In this case, however, it is right to unless the observe that the marriage would be lawful so long as there ^^j 1 is no certainty of the woman's being pregnant. But in all subse- the cases, if she should subsequently prove to have been ^ove J pregnant, a second marriage entered into in such circum- have been stances would be void, by reason of the iddut being still a* 6 ^ subsisting at the time of the contract. time of contract. Section Fourth. Of Pregnant Women. A pregnant woman, when repudiated, must keep iddut A preg- till delivered of her child. If a woman, after being repu- J^' ^ en diated, should allege that she is with child, her husband repudi- ought to wait patiently till the extreme term of gestation, ^ 1 ^ at which is nine months ; but after that her claim is no till de- longer to be regarded. According to one tradition, he lvery " should wait for a year; but this tradition has not been generally received. If a woman is pregnant of twins, she becomes absolutely separated or divorced from her husband on the birth of the first of them ; though she cannot law- fully enter into a second marriage until delivered of the last also. It seems preferable, however, as more in accord- ance with the principles of the law, to say that she is not completely divorced from her husband until delivered of both. But if her If a man should repudiate a pregnant wife revocably, h usba >- lt l and then die while her iddut is still unexpired, she must mustenter M 2 lG-i DIVORCE. on a new enter anew into an iddut, on account of his death. But if ■uidut for j ie re p U( ji a t e her irrevocably, she is only required to com- if the re- plete the iddut already commenced for the repudiation. pudiation When a woman has become pregnant by zina, and is was revoc- . . _ able. then repudiated by her husband, it is the iddut of months Case of a which she has to observe, and not that of delivery. But pregnant if sne was enjoyed under a semblance of right, and her by zma, or child has been affiliated to the man with whom the inter- semblance course took place, by reason of her husband being at a of right, distance from her at the time, and she is then repudiated by her husband, she should keep iddut till delivery, on account of the father of the child, and after the delivery observe a new iddut, on account of the repudiator. Disputes When a husband and wife are agreed as to the time of as to time a repudiation, but differ as to the time of delivery, the livery, word of the woman is to be preferred, because the difference is with regard to her own act. If, again, they are agreed as to the time of delivery, but differ as to that of the repu- diation, the word of the man is to be preferred, because here the difference is with regard to his act. There is, however, some difficulty in both the cases, because the or repu- original facts are, the non-existence of the repudiation, and ia ion . ^k e n on-existence of the delivery ; and according to the general rules of procedure, the word of the person who denies these facts should be preferred, continued. If a woman should declare that her iddut has expired, and be subsequently delivered of a child at six months or more from the date of the repudiation, some are of opinion that the child is not to be affiliated to the repudiator; but the better opinion seems to be that it ought to be ascribed to him, so long as the time does not exceed the extreme term of gestation. Section Fifth. Iddut for Death. 2 For a wo- A free woman married by a valid contract should keep man who ^j^j. f or t ] ie c i ea th of her husband during four months and is not ° 2 This section relates to free women only. IDDUT. 105 ten clays when she is not pregnant, whatever be her age, pregnant whether she is a child or full grown, and whether her jjjjjf"* husband had arrived at maturity or not ; and she becomes months absolutely separated from her husband, or all connection ^™ ten with him entirely cut off at sunset of the tenth day, for that is the end of the day. If she is pregnant the iddut For one is the largest of the two periods, that is, it is prolonged to ptegnan t delivery if that should not occur till after the expiration the same of four months and ten days from her husband's death, liver " whereas if she is delivered before the expiration of that time she is to wait for its completion. Heddd, or mourning, is incumbent on a widow ; by which Heddd is to be understood abstinence from everything in dress bent on and ointments intended to adorn or beautify the person, a widow. There is no sort of objection to black or blue garments, for What it is in these there is an entire absence of anything like orna- ment. In those respects there is no difference between the young and the fall grown, the mooslimah and the zimmeeah. But there is some doubt with regard to a slave, on whom it would seem that heddd is not incumbent. Neither Not in- is it incumbent on a woman who has been repudiated by on wo _ her husband, whether the repudiation were revocable or man who , i has been irrevocable. repudi- A woman who has been enjoyed under a semblable ated. contract, and whose husband has died, should observe the Tddwt of a • 7 • p t woman iddut prescribed m the case of repudiation, not that ap- enjoyed pointed for a husband's death, whether she be pregnant unfl f^^' 1 or not ; the observance being due to the carnal intercourse, contract. not to the contract, for in reality she is not a wife. When a person is missing but something is known as Missing to where he is, or his wife is maintained by his guardian or ^e° n not some one acting on his behalf, she has no option but must heard of, wait for his return. Where again there is no intelligence wife is regarding him and no person who maintains her, though without she may also in such circumstances remain content with nance " sne her condition, and no one has a right to interfere, yet if she may apply please she may bring the matter before the judge. In the j u dge ; event of her taking that course the judge should postpone the consideration of the subject for four years, and make JOG DIVORCE. who, if nothing is heard of the hus- band for four years, may direct her to keep iddut as for his death ; after which she may marry again. And she is not obliged to keep a second iddut, though the first hus- band were really dead. Nor is he obliged to maintain her if he return before comple- tion of the iddut. A repu- diated woman may be the subject of another repudia- tion or a zihar during the iddut. diligent inquiry in the meantime regarding the husband. If some certain intelligence of him be then received, she must still have patience, but it is incumbent on the Imam to maintain her out of the Beit-ool-Mal, or public treasury. If, on the other hand, nothing can be heard of her husband, the judge should direct her to keep iddut as for his death ; and on its completion she may lawfully marry again. If after all this the missing husband should appear, and find that she had completed her iddut and married again, he is without any remedy against her. But if he should appear while she is still in her iddut, he retains his right to her. Where again the iddut has expired, but she has not availed herself of the privilege to marry again, there are two traditions on the question of his rights ; and by the most generally received of these he is entirely without any remedy against her. If she has availed herself of her right to marry again after the expiration of her iddut, and it then proves that the first husband is dead, the second contract is valid, and she is not under any obligation to keep a second iddut, whether the death occurred before or during the currency of the iddut, or after its expiration ; for the first contract was extinguished in the eye of the law, and no effect can be given to the death of the husband, as none would be given to his life if he were still in existence. The missing husband is not liable for the maintenance of his wife during her iddut, even though he should come back before its expiration. This seems to be a necessary effect of the judge's order of separation between the parties ; but there is some doubt or difference of opinion on the point. If a husband should repudiate or zihar his wife during her iddut, maintaining her at the same time, the repudia- tion or zihar would be quite valid, for the coverture 3 still remains. But though he should continue to maintain her after the iddut has expired, a repudiation or zihar in such circumstances would be entirely inept, because the cover- ture has been cut off and is at an end. 3 Arab. Asmut — defence, protection modesty. IDDUT. 1G7 When a repudiated woman who has entered into a If she second marriage is delivered of a child after the lapse of g n L r j n to six months from its consummation, the child is to be a second affiliated to the second husband, though it were claimed "hndborn by the first. And even if he were to support his claim by at six an allegation that he had privately intercourse with the be "^. child's mother, still no regard should be paid to it. The atedtothe Sheikh, however, has said that the claimants should cast lots for the child. But this opinion is far from being generally received. A husband has no right of inheritance to a repudiated No right wife if she should die after the expiration of her iddut ; mhent- 1 m ' ance in nor has she any right to inherit from him if he should die case of after its expiration. But there is some room for doubt as f at 1 to their respective rights if either should die during the piration currency of the iddut. It seems more agreeable to the °,^/ general principles of law to say that the survivor has in that case a right to inherit. 4 Section Sixth. The Iddut and Purification of Slaves. The iddut of a female slave on account of repudiation, Iddvt of a after her marriage has been consummated, is two Iworas ; rermdia- by which is to be understood two toohrs or periods of tionistwo purity. According to some doctors it is two occurrences of the courses, but the first opinion is the more probable. The shortest time allowed for the completion of the iddut is thirteen days and two luhzahs, with the same remark with regard to the second luhzah as has been already made in the case of a free woman. 5 If the woman is not subject to the courses, yet of an age when they usually appear, her iddut is a month and a half, whether she be the wife of a free man or a slave. If she is emancipated and then repu- diated, her iddut is that of a free woman. So also if she has been repudiated revocably and then emancipated during 4 See post, Book of Furaiz. 5 See ante, p. 161. 1G8 DIVORCE. the iddut, it is to be completed like that of a free woman. But if the repudiation were irrevocable she is obliged to complete the iddut only as that of a slave, notwithstanding the emancipation. Iddut of a The iddut of a Zimmeeah is the same as that of a free same'as'of woman > Dotu f° r repudiation and for death, though, accord- a free ing to one tradition, it is that of a slave ; but this is rarely woman. , t accepted. Iddut of. a The iddut of a slave for the death of her husband is death two ^ w0 mon ths and two days. If she is pregnant she must months keep iddut for the longest of two terms, namely, that just ^ w mentioned or till delivery. If she be an oom-i-wulud to her master, her iddut is four inonths and ten days ; and if repudiated revocably by her husband who then dies while she is still in her iddut, she is obliged to keep a new iddut as that of a free woman ; but if she were not an oom-i-wulud the iddut for death incumbent on her would be only that of a slave, while if the repudiation were absolute she would only be obliged to complete the iddut required in the case of divorce. Case of a If the husband of a slave should die, and she is then emanci- emancipated, she has to fulfil the iddut of a free woman, pated from a preference given to the side of freedom. And if the ^idduf ° r mas ^ er °f a female slave, after having carnal intercourse with her, should make her a mooduhburah, and she should consequently be emancipated at his death, her iddut would be four months and ten days ; whereas, if she were eman- cipated in his lifetime, it would be three kooras. Purifica- Every one on whom it is incumbent to observe the slave a purification of a slave when he has purchased her, is when ne- equally obliged to observe it when he has acquired the mus't^e right to her by any other means, such as spoil of war, observed composition of a claim, or inheritance ; and when puriBca- cases of *ion * s no ^ rec l u i re d i n the first of these cases, it is not acquisi- required in the others. When a man who is the husband of a slave purchases her from her owner, the marriage is cancelled; but he may lawfully have carnal intercourse with her without purification. And if a slave should buy a female slave and purify her, that would be sufficient for tion. IDDUT. 169 his own master if he- should desire to have carnal inter- course with her. If a man should enter into a contract othitdbut or ransom Not neces- with a female slave it is no longer lawful for him to have cas g of a carnal intercourse with her; but if the contract is cancelled, cancelled the prohibition is at once removed, and purification is not required before he proceeds to have such intercourse with her. In like manner, when the master or the slave apo- statizes from the Mussulman faith, and again returns to it, purification is not required to legalize their intercourse. When a female slave is repudiated by her husband her nor after master cannot lawfully have carnal intercourse with her fo T \ e Z 1 _ till she has fulfilled her iddut ; but the iddut suffices for diation. purification. And if a man should purchase a female enemy, and purify her, after which she embraces the faith, any further purification of her is unnecessary. So also when a moolirim, or person on pilgrimage, has purchased a female enemy, and then purified her, any further puri- fication is unnecessary before he proceeds to have inter- course with her when it becomes lawful to do so at the termination of his pilgrimage. Miscellaneous Cases. A woman First. It is not lawful for one who has repudiated his ^^ r g_ wife revocably to turn her out of his house, except for vocably i • • , , t , c . i • • • cannot be some glaring impropriety, or at least tor something mju- turned out rious to the other members of his family. And it is ofherhus- forbidden to the woman herself to leave his house, except house ex- on some urgent necessity ; and even when such an occasion ce Pt for requires her going abroad, she should do so only at mid- fj ence ' night, and should return before the morning. On auy nor can . . ... she leave less occasion she cannot go out without his permission ; j t without but where there is any urgent necessity, and the business m ? P. er " ■ Till i- mission, cannot be otherwise accomplished, she may go out of his except on house even without his permission. A woman repudiated ur S ent L necessity, absolutely may go out whenever she pleases. . Second. A woman revocably repudiated is entitled to repudi- maintenance, clothing, and a place to reside in during her vocably" iddut, day by day, whether she be a mooslimah or zimmeeaJt. entitled to 170 DIVORCK. mainten- ance during the iddut. Not so one repudi- ated irre- vocably. Cases where a woman repudi- ated re- vocably is obliged or entitled to leave her resi- dence during iddut. But a woman repudiated irrevocably lias no right to maintenance or lodging unless she is pregnant, when she is entitled to both till delivery. A woman enjoyed under a semblance of right is bound to observe an iddut. But is she entitled to maintenance in the event of her becoming pregnant? The Sheikh has answered this question in the affirmative. But the case is attended with some difficulty, because it is supposed that among women absolutely sepa- rated (from those with whom they may have been con- nected) it is only the repudiated woman who is pregnant that is entitled to maintenance. With more particular reference to a woman's residence it may be observed, that if it has fallen to ruin, or, being held only on lease or commodate loan, the term has expired, she may be lawfully removed from it, or may leave it herself; and if she is repudiated when living in a place lower than she is entitled to, she may leave it immediately for one more suitable to her condition ; but this point is liable to some doubt. Further, if the house in which she is living at the time of the repudiation should be sold, and her iddut is one of kooras, the sale is not valid, because she is entitled to remain in it for their completion, the time of which is unknown, and the sale is vitiated by the uncertainty. 6 If, on the other hand, the iddut is one of months, the sale is quite valid, the uncertainty being removed. Again, if her husband should die, leaving several heirs, they are not entitled to make a partition of so much of the house as is necessary for her residence without her permission, or till the expiration of her iddut, because she is entitled to a lodging in it. It would seem, however, that after the death of her husband she has no right to a residence except in the single case of her being pregnant. When the woman is residing in her own house and makes no demand for another residence, she is not entitled to claim rent on account of her own house, because remain- ing in it appears to be voluntary on her part. In like ,; It is a condition to the validity of sale that the thing sold shall be known at the period of contract. — Tin. I)., p. 24. IDDUT. 171 manner she would have no claim to rent if she should hire a house and abide in it during her iddut, because, though entitled to be provided with a residence, it is not where she, but where her husband pleases. Third. A widow has no right to maintenance even A widow though she be pregnant. According to one tradition, she title^to has a right to it in that particular case out of the share of mainten- the child in her womb; but the tradition is far from being during the generally allowed. And she is entitled to live wherever iddut. she pleases. Fourth. If a repudiated woman should many during Marriage her iddut, the marriage is not valid, and the iddut is not w y ^ an cut short by it. So that if the second marriage is not during her consummated, she continues in the iddut. And even V alid though it were consummated, the effect would be the same, provided the husband were conscious of the illegality, and that whether pregnancy follow or not. If, on the other hand, he were ignorant of the illegality and pregnancy has not ensued, the woman must complete the first iddut, and then enter on another, on account of the second marriage, according to the more generally received of two traditions ; while, if she has become pregnant, and there is anythiug to show that it is due to intercourse with the first husband, she must keep iddut till delivery on his account, and then after the delivery observe another iddut of three hooras on account of the second husband. But if there is anything to show that the pregnancy is the fruit of intercourse with the second husband, she is to keep iddut on his account till delivery, and then complete the iddut for the first after delivery. If there is anything to show that the pregnancy is due to neither, she is to com- plete after delivery the iddut of the first, and then renew the iddut on account of the second ; while, if the preg- nancy may possibly be due to both, it is said that lots should be cast between them, and iddut be observed on account of the person to whom the child may be ascribed by lot. But this is attended with some difficulty, arising from the fact of the woman being the wife of the second by means of the connection under a semblance of right, 172 DIVORCE. From what time the iddut is to run. A new iddut necessary where a repudi- ated wo- man is recalled during the iddut. Connec- tion under a sem- blance of right re- quires an iddut. so that he should have the preferable right to the child. Fifth. The wife of a person who is present with her is to keep iddut from the time of the repudiation or death ; and the wife of one who is absent is to observe it, in the event of repudiation, from the date of its occurrence, and in the case of death, from the time of the accounts of it reaching her, even though the tidings may be brought to her by a person who may not be trustworthy ; but she is not to marry again till certain of her husband's death. And if she knows that she has been repudiated, bub does not know the exact time, she is to keep her iddut from the time of the tidings reaching her. Sixth. When a man has repudiated his wife after their marriage has been consummated, then recalled her during the iddut, and repudiated her again without touch- ing her, she must keep iddut anew, on account of the first being nullified by the revocation. And if he should release her by a hhoold after the revocation, the Sheikh has said that in such a case the presumption is that there is no iddut ; but this seems to be far from correct, since it is hhoold from a contract which was followed by consumma- tion. But if he should release her after consummation, and marry her again in the iddut, and then repudiate her before enjoyment, she is not bound to keep iddut, for the first iddut was nullified by the bed (marriage), and the second marriage was not consummated. It is said, how- ever, that she ought to keep iddut, because the first iddut was not completed ; but the former opinion seems more agreeable to the general principles of law. Seventh. Connection under a semblance of right does not induce the necessity of hudd, or specific punishment, but requires an iddut ; and if the woman was aware of its illegality, but the man ignorant of it, the nusub } or child's paternity, is to be ascribed to him, while she is obliged to keep iddut, and is subject to the // add, but not entitled to dower. If the woman was a slave, the child is to be ascribed to the man, who is liable for his value to the woman's master as at the time of its birth, together with 1DDUT. 173 the dower of the slave, which, according to a tradition, is Two a tenth (of her value) if she was a virgin, and a twentieth jjjjjj^ if otherwise. when a Eighth. When a man has repudiated his wife abso- ^° s m ^ e n en lutely, and then had connection with her under a semblance recalled, of right, the two idduts are mingled together, 7 because they go ur sehad are on account of one man ; and this seems proper whether with her . , , under a she be pregnant or not. semblance Ninth. When a woman has married in the iddut for a of right. revocable repudiation, and become pregnant to the second Two husband, she is to keep iddut for him till delivery, and neC essary then complete the iddut for the first after delivery : and in case of , . pregnancy the first may recall her during this iddut, but not during under a the time of the pregnancy. marriage firot. 7 Arab. Tudukhool. BOOK HI. OF SHOOJFA, OR PRE-EMPTION. Shoofd is the legal title of one partner in joint property Defini- te the share of another partner x therein, in consequence of lon ' its transfer by sale. CHAPTER I. OF THE THINGS IN WHICH SHOOFA IS ESTABLISHED. The title of Shoofd is established with respect to lands, 2 The ri°-ht such as dwellings, 3 vacant spaces, and orchards, by general * 8 . esta " consent. With regard to moveables, such as wearing- to lands ; apparel, household utensils, shipping, animals, and the like, there are different opinions. Some doctors have maintained that the right extends likewise to these, to obviate the inconvenience of division, and further upon the ground of a report to this effect, by Yoonus, from the Imam Jafer Sadik, on whom be peace. Others, again, have limited the title to the former class, upon the principle that the conferring of dominion over the property of a but not as Mussulman ought to be restricted to those cases on which t0 move- all are agreed, and also because the report alluded to is weak or not well authenticated. This latter doctrine is the most approved. 1 Arab, shureek. According to the Hanifites, not only a partner in the property, but also one in its rights, and a neighbour, have a legal claim to pre-emption. — D., p. 47G. 2 Arzeen, pi. of arz. 3 Musakin, pi. of muskin. 17G SHOOFA. Trees, &c. affected by the right when sold with the ground ; but not so when sold separately. Some doc- tors ex- tend the right to slaves. Exception as to some immov- able pro- perty in- capable of division without loss. The right also ex- tends to a well and the ad- joining ground. With respect to date and other trees and buildings, 4 if sold as appendages of the ground on which they stand, the privilege of Shoofd is fully established ; but if sold separately and distinctly, the same difference of opinion above stated exists, and upon the same principle the most approved doctrine in this case also rejects its operation. It is to be observed that some of our doctors distinguish between slaves and the lower animals, allowing the right of Shoofd in respect of the former, though denying it in the case of the latter. With regard to the establishment of Shoofd in respect of rivulets, ways, baths, and other property the division of which would occasion loss or damage, a considerable degree of doubt has prevailed. But the most approved opinion denies its operation as to these. By damage we understand such as would render the property useless after division, in which case the person who would be injured cannot be compelled to make a partition. 5 Where, again, the bath, or way, or rivulet, is of such a character that its utility would not be destroyed by division, the co-owner may be compelled to admit of a partition ; and if he should sell his share, the right of pre-emption would have effect in favour of his partner. 6 In like manner, in the case of a well to which there is waste ground adjoining as an appendage, so as to admit of a division without loss, by surrender of the well to one person, and of the land to the other, here also the judg- ment of law would enforce a partition of the joint property, and establish the right of pre-emption if one partner should sell his share. With regard, again, to the apparatus of a well, such as wheels and buckets made use of in drawing water, which, though strictly moveable, are by custom never removed from the well, there is some doubt whether the 4 Abneeut. 5 A mere diminution of value would prevent a compulsory parti- tion, according to the authority cited in the Im. D., p. 425. 8 It would seem, from this, that the right of shoofd is in some way dependent on that of partition. THINGS IN WHICH SHOOFl IS ESTABLISHED. 177 right of shoofd applies to those when sold together with the ground ; but with respect to the ropes on which these buckets are suspended, their exclusion from its operation is universally allowed, except by those who maintain that the right attaches generally to every kind of property sold — a doctrine which we have already shown to be the least approved. The right of pre-emption has no effect with respect to But not fruits, even when sold on date or other trees in connection a i t houeh with the roots and ground which they occupy. It is other- sold with wise in the case of lands which have been divided off, where on e w [^ch the roads or rivulets passing through them continue to be it grows, held in joint property, and one of the partners in the latter affects sells his share together with his portion of the divided lands land ; for there the other partner's right of pre-emption divided attaches not only to the share in the road or rivulet which off, by was held in joint property, but extends also to the portion par t n er- of the land divided off, as being connected in sale with the shi P in other. If, however, the land should be sold separately, an d r j vu . there can be no ground for the claim of pre-emption in } ets P ass_ respect of it ; aud even with respect to the road or rivulet through which continued in joint property, it is only when suffi- tliem - ciently wide to admit of a division that the right can attach to either of them. 7 If a person should sell a piece of land his own exclusive Land not property, and with it his share in another joint tenement, yJe neht° by one sufkut or bargain, 8 the right of pre-emption attaches though to the share exclusively, at a due proportion of the general ^° er °^£ price. a share in It is an indispensable condition of the right of pre- lanfl emption, that the share of property to which the claim is Property- preferred should have been actually transferred by sale, for disposed if it has been assigned as the dower of a wife, or given in alone charity, or bestowed by way of gift or in composition for a affected debt, it is by no means subject to. the claim of pre-emption. In like manner, if a mansion shuold be partly wulf, or p erson en _ 7 See ante, p. 17G. 8 Literally, " striking of hands." PART II. N # 178 SHOOFA. titled to appropriated to pious or charitable purposes, and partly the benefit f and ^ i a tter portion of it is sold, the person entitled of a rvukj r . . L . has no to the benefit of the appropriation has no right ot pre- title to emT) tion, not even if he be a single individual, because he claim it. * ° ' m is not the proprietor of the substance of the vimkf, and is entitled only to its usufruct. ( ^79 ) CHAPTER II. OF THE SHUFEE OR PERSON TO WHOM THE RIGHT OF PRE-EMPTION BELONGS. The Shufee is every partner of a share in joint and un- The right divided property who is able to pay the price at which it £elomns to has been sold. It is, however, a condition that he be a every Mooslim when the purchaser is of that religion. par nei ' There is no privilege of pre-emption to a neighbour, but not nor in property that has been divided, unless the road or to ^.™ ere rivulet of water running through it is still held in partner- bour, ship. The privilege is established by general assent when it affects there are only two partners. When there is more than only J^ one claimant opinions are divided. Accordiug to one of partners, these it is established absolutely whatever be the number. By another it is established with a plurality of partners in the case of lands but not of a slave. By the third it is not established in respect of anything when there is more than one partner. And this last opinion is the most prevalent and best supported by traditional authority. 1 The right of shoofd is extinguished by the shufee s May be inability to pay the price, and also by his delay to claim d ^] ay ^ the privilege, or absconding at the time of sale. If he claim it ; should claim the privilege, but allege the absence of funds to pay for it, a delay of three days must be allowed to him, at the expiration of which, if he is unable to produce the money, his right is extinguished. If, again, he should assert that his property is in another city, a delay pro- 1 According to the Hanifites, several persons may have the right and exercise it. — D., p. 494. N 2 180 SIIOUFA. but not by absence, minority, &c, in which cases the guardian should exact it ; and his derelic- tion does not affect the right. It holds in favour of infidels against infidels, but not against believers. A father or grand- father sell- ing his child's share in property held joint- ly with himself, may assert the right of pre- emption. portionate to the distance should be given him, to enable him to obtain the money, and three days additional, unless the purchaser would be injured thereby. The privilege of shoofd is established in favour of absent persons, and such as are imbecile, insane, or minors, of all of whom their guardians should avail themselves of the right, if for the advantage of their wards ; and if the guardian should abandon the claim, the minor on attain- ing to puberty, and the insane person on recovering his reason, may still assert it, because in either case there is a sufficient legal excuse for the delay in prosecuting it. Where, again, the assertion of the claim is of no advan- tage to the ward, but the guardian has nevertheless assumed it, such assumption is invalid, and may be repu- diated by the party himself on attaining to puberty or recovering his reason. The right of shoofd is established in favour of an infidel against a purchaser of his own persuasion, but not against a Mooslim, even though he should have purchased from a Zimmee or infidel subject. 2 But it is established in favour of a Mooslim against a Mooslim and an infidel. If a father or grandfather should sell the share of his child or grandchild in property held in joint ownership with himself, he may lawfully assert the right of pre- emption in his own favour, any ground of objection being obviated by the consideration that it is no more than sell- ing the ward's share directly to himself. 3 But has an executor the same power ? The Sheikh has answered this question in the negative, on account of the suspicion which naturally attaches to such a transaction ; the affirmative, however, appears to be better supported, as in the case of an agent who may lawfully claim the privilege in such circumstances. 4 - This distinction is not recognized by the Hanifites. — D., p. 473. 3 Which it is quite lawful for him to do. — Im. D., p. 14. 4 That he can lawfully sell to himself, seo ibid. pp. 15 and 10, and post, p. 192. THE SHUFEE OR PRE-EMPTOR. 181 A mooJiatub 5 may assert a right of slioofd and his master It also cannot object. But if an agent in Moozarubut 6 should ^ YO l^ purchase property of which the owner of the capital stock a mooka- is the shufee, the latter would become the proprietor by not ' of an the mere act of purchase, and not by virtue of any right of agent in pre-emption. Nor could the agent make any objection ^ unless there should appear to be some profit on the trans- action. He would, however, be entitled to the hire of his agency in the transaction. 7 5 A slave with whom his master has entered into a contract of emancipation for a ransom. 6 A contract in which the capital is contributed by one party and the labour and skill by the other, with a mutual participation of profits. See 1m. D., p. 433. 7 The author here enters into a long digression, comprised in what he terms ten branches, on the supposition of the right of shoofd being established when there is plurality of shufees. But as he has admitted that the doctrine which rejects the right in such a case is most in conformity with traditional authority, and the branches afford no illustration of general principles, I have omitted them entirely as of no practical utility. They also appear to have been omitted in the Dic/est of Imameea Law, compiled under the superintendence of Sir William Jones. 182 SIIOOFA. CHAPTER III. OF THE MANNER IN WHICH THE CLAIM OF SHOOFA IS TO BE ASSERTED. A slntfee is entitled to claim on the con- clusion of the contract ; but not to partial exercise of his right ; and must pay the full price, but is not liable for contin- gent charges. Augmen- tation or The shvfee is entitled to assert his claim on the conclusion of the contract and expiration of the option, 1 for it is then that the contract becomes binding. Some doctors, however, maintain that the right is established by the mere contract, without waiting for the expiration of the option, on the principle that a transfer is legally effected by the mere contract ; and this opinion is the most generally approved ; while in cases where an option is stipulated only to the purchaser there can be no doubt that the shufees right is established on the mere conclusion of the contract, 2 which in such case completes the transfer to the purchaser. A shufee is not entitled to relinquish his privilege in part and to exact it as to the remainder of the property to which it applies ; but, on the contrary, must take the whole or abandon his right entirely. Further, he must take it at the price of the contract whether more or less than the value of the share ; but, on the other hand, he is not liable for any contingent charges incurred by the purchaser, such as brokerage, agency, or the like. If the purchaser should add something to the price after completion of the contract and expiration of the 1 The doctrine of option in contracts is fully explained under the head of sale. — 1m. D., p. 33. 2 From what is said {post, p. 191) it would seem that it is only when the option is reserved to the purchaser that the Sheikh con- sidered the right of shoofd to be established on the mere conclusion of the contract. MANNER OF ASSERTING THE CLAIM OF SHOOFA. 1 83 period of option, such addition is not considered in law an the price increase of the price, but a gift, and the shufee is under cius[ n°or: no obligation to pay it. In cases, again, where this the con- augmentation is made daring the period of option the J^^g^ Sheikh has declared that it constitutes a part of the the shufee. original price, and is the same as if stipulated for in the contract ; but this opinion is attended with some difficulty, as being inconsistent with what has been already said of the transfer being completed by the contract. 3 In who, on like manner, if the seller should make any abatement from the other ' J _ hand , does the price, such abatement is unconnected with the contract, not benefit and the purchaser is by no means bound to surrender the b ^ ^ ny share until he has received the full price originally agreed mentfrom upon. 4 it - If a person should purchase by one bargain or sufkut where a a share in property, together with something to which sna j e \ s the right of si t oof a does not apply, the share may be property taken at its proportion of the general price, and the to w ; nch purchaser has no option in consequence to rescind his does not contract, because the claim of shoofd is supervenient on & f^J] ^ what is his own property. take the If the price be of the class of similars, such as gold j^^ice or silver, the shufee must produce a similar to it, that is, jf tne an equal quantity of either metal. Where, again, there is P rice con " no similar to the price, as where it is an animal, or a similars, piece of cloth, or a jewel, some doctors have said that the lt must right of shoofd must drop for want of a similar to the price, charged and also by reason of a tradition by Aly Ben Rabey from the m the Imam Jdfer Sddik, on whom be peace. Others, however, kind ; maintain that the shufee may take the article at its value ? uc } wliere it; IS £1 at the time of purchase ; and this doctrine is more generally specific approved. tbin S' b 7 A shufee should prefer his claim as soon as he is value. informed of his right ; but should he delay to do so from A neces- any necessary cause preventing his personal appearance, or ^^j^ y the appointment of an agent to assert it on his behalf, his the privi- lege does 3 Ante, p. 182. 4 According to the Hanifites, the shufee is entitled to the benefit of the abatement. — Hidayah, vol. iv. p. 933. Trans., vol. iii. p. 581 • 1SL SIIOOFA. not extin- guish the right ; nor even a total derelic- tion of it, when pro- ceeding upon error of infor- mation. The slut fee, however, is bound to make all proper expedi- tion in preferring his claim : and should he neglect it without a valid cause, the right is lost. It is not cut off by a dissolu- tion of the sale. right is not extinguished. In like manner, if he should abandon his claim, supposing the price to be high when it was really moderate ; or that it was gold when it turns out to be silver; or an animal when it proves to be some other article ; his dereliction in such circum- stances would have no effect in extinguishing his right. So, also, if he were imprisoned for a claim which he is unable to discharge, or is unable to appoint an agent to prefer a claim on his behalf, the apology would be suffi- cient to preserve his right notwithstanding his delay to assert it. It is at the same time incumbent on him to use all proper diligence in preferring his claim as soon as he becomes acquainted with his right, that is, so far as is customary, in so much that when travelling with that intent, he is not obliged to use greater expedition in his journey than is habitual to himself. Further, should he be engaged in the performance of any religious duty, whether indispensable or discretionary, he is not obliged to break it off, but may lawfully wait till it is completed. In like manner, if the time of prayer is at hand, he may lawfully wait till he has purified himself, and then per- formed his devotion without hurry or restraint. Again, should he receive intelligence of the occurrence of his right whilst on a journey, and be unable to prosecute his claim by personally appearing or appointing an agent, the right is not extinguished, even although he should also neglect to call upon witnesses to attest his intention to demand it. 5 If, however, while able to use the proper exertions, either in person or by appointing an agent, he should neglect to do so, his right is entirely lost. The right of shoofd is not annulled by a dissolution of the sale on the part of the seller and purchaser, because it is established by virtue of the original contract, and cannot be cut off by any subsequent act of the parties. More- over, the du /■/.-, or future responsibilities, rest still on the :> This should not be omitted, according to the Ilanifites. — D., p. 483. MANNER OF ASSERTING THE CLAIM OF SHOOFA. 185 purchaser. True, that if the shufee should acquiesce in the sale, and the buyer and seller should then concur in dissolving it, he could not again lay claim to the privilege, because the dissolution of the contract is a cancellation, not a sale de novo. If the purchaser of a share in property should sell it. Sales and the shufee is entitled to annul the sale, and take the n 0S aia f" property from the first purchaser ; and he may also take the pro- it from the second. So, in like manner, if the purchaser ^ p Ur f should make a wukf, or appropriation of the property to chaser any special purpose, or should convert it into a musjid or ^celled place of worship, the shufee may do away with all such by the acts, and take possession of the property under his right of pre-emption. The shufee takes the property from the purchaser on The shufee whom the durh or future responsibility lies, and does not takes * he L _ J property take it from the seller, except that if, when he makes his from the demand on the purchaser, the property is still in the P u j; chaser > hands of the seller, it may fairly be said to him, " Take seller, it from the seller, or relinquish your right ; " and the j^ufo^hig purchaser cannot be put to the trouble of taking posses- posses- sion from the seller if he decline to do so, even though re- f 1011, quired by the shufee. In such circumstances, the shufee s possession comes into the place of the purchaser's, the durh, however, or responsibility for future claims, still resting on the purchaser ; and the shufee has no right to cancel the sale. On the contrary, if he attempt to do so, and take possession from the seller, the act would be invalid. 7 If the subject of sale should perish or become damaged, If the and this happens either by the act of the purchaser, or P ro P ert y without his instrumentality, before demand by the sh afee, ruin, pre- the latter has an option, and may take the property at the ^ 10 t 1 ] 8 full price, or abandon it entirely ; and, in the event of his shufee 1 s taking it, he is entitled to all the ruins or fragments that he^ust 6 That is, as the shufee takes his title from the purchaser, the latter remains responsible to him, notwithstanding the dissolution, for all future claims that may be made against his title. 7 If valid, the act would necessarily be suicidal, as his own right is dependent on the sale. 186 SHOOFA. take it at the full price or relinquish his claim ; but if damaged by the purchaser subse- quent to demand, he is re- sponsible. If the purchaser plant trees or erect buildings he is entitled to remove them ; and should he decline to do so, the shufee has three courses in his option. An in- crease connected with the subject belongs to the shufee ; but if separated, it belongs to the pur- chaser. Case of a date-tree which has only blos- remain, whether they are still on the spot or have been removed from it, because they are obviously opposed to part of the price. If, on the other hand, the injury to the property has been done by the purchaser after demand by the shufee, the purchaser is responsible, although some doctors have denied his responsibility, on the ground that the shufee does not become proprietor in virtue of his demand, but rather by taking possession. The first opinion, however, appears to be better supported and more generally adopted. If the purchaser of ground subject to the right of sJwofd should plant trees or erect buildings upon it, and the shufee should afterwards demand possession, the pur- chaser is entitled, if he think proper, to pull up and remove his trees and buildings, and it is not incumbent on him to level the ground ; but, on the other hand, it is optional to the shufee to take it at the full price, or to relinquish his right altogether. If, again, the purchaser should decline to remove his trees or buildings, the sh ufee has three things in his option : he may either remove them himself, paying the purchaser a compensation for any loss he may sustain thereby, or he may take possession of the whole, paying, in addition to the price, the value of the trees or buildings, which thus become his property, with the consent of the purchaser, or he may abandon his claim altogether. If the subject of shoofi should increase in such a manner that the increase remains connected with it, as, for example, if a young plant or shoot of a date or other tree is sold together with the ground on which it stands, and it becomes enlarged by natural growth, the advantage belongs to the shufee ; but if the increase be separated from the original subject, such, for instance, as of residence in a mansion, or the fruit of a tree, it belongs to the purchaser. If, however, a date-tree should blossom in the buyer's possession, but is assumed by the shufee before impregnation, 8 the Sheikh, to whom God be merciful, has 8 Arab, tabeer. It seems to be the universal practice in Arabia to impregnate the female date-trees. — Im. D., note, p. 56. MANNER OF ASSERTING THE CLAIM OF SHOOFA. 187 declared that the blossom in this case belongs to the somen, shufee, considering the blossoms in the same light as the taken cos- branches ; but this principle applies exclusively to sale by session traditional authority, and cannot, therefore, be extended ° s ] m J ee to the case before us, according to the most approved before im- • • q pregna- opinion. 9 tionhas If a person should sell his shares in two mansions, taken and the partner or shufee in both is one and the same , , ' person, he may take or abandon both, or he may take one f two and forego his claim to the other. But in the case of mansions . . may take a single mansion he cannot assert his claim as to part both or of it, and forego his claim to the remainder. one at his ' . ° . . . . option. If the price is a specific article and it turns out to be If th the property of some other person than the purchaser, there price turns can be no right of shoofd, for the sale is null. But if the the pro . e price was not specific, and merely stipulated for in general perty of terms, 10 the right would be fully established, because the ^his can- purchase would be good in such circumstances. And eels the although the price after delivery by the shufee should turn t j ie ^ght out to be the property of another person, that would not or shoofd. affect his right in either of the cases supposed. If the subject of sale should appear to be defective, Any com- and the purchaser in consequence should receive a com- ]? ^gfgii pensation for the defect, the shufee is entitled to a similar received deduction from the price. And if the purchaser should p ^ rc jjaser determine to keep the subject of sale without seeking any must be compensation for the defect, the shufee must either take the shufee it at the full price or abandon his claim altogether. Miscellaneous Cases. First. If a person should say, " I purchased the half Slmfee's for a hundred," upon which the shufee relinquishes his \^\ not claim, and it subsequently appears that the fourth was relin- purchased for fifty, the privilege is not lost, and he c l UIshm . ent may still assert his claim. So, also, if it were said, " I formation . by the pur- 9 The fruit of an unimpregnated date-tree belongs to the buyer of the tree. — Ibid. p. 57. 10 As if it were a quantity of some commodity estimable by weight or measure. 188 SHOOFA. chaser as to the terms of his pur- chase. Declara- tion by the s7t u/er that he has assumed his right invalid if he were ignorant of the price. The price must be paid to the purchaser before delivery. Eelin- quishment by the shufee, on misinfor- mation regarding the pur- chaser, does not invalidate his right. Shoflfd cannot be enforced on sown land until the crop is gathered. purchased the fourth for fifty," upon which the shufee relinquished his claim, and it should subsequently appear that the half was purchased for a hundred, the privilege would not be lost; because in the one case the shufee might not be able to give the larger price ; and in the other he might not be inclined to avail himself of the defective or partial sale. Second. If, when intelligence of the sale has reached the shufee, he says, " I have taken the thing sold under my right of pre-emption, being at the time cognizant of the price," the declaration is valid ; but not so if he was at the time ignorant of the price. And even though he should say, " I have taken it at the price whatever it may amount to," still the declaration would be invalid if he were ignorant of the actual price, as leaving room for deception which ought to be avoided. Th ircl. The price must first be delivered by the shufee, and if he should refuse to deliver it, the purchaser is not bound to make delivery of the subject of sale till he has received the full amount. Fourth. If the shufee is informed that there are two purchasers, and thereupon abandons his claim, after which it appears that there was only one, or if he was informed that there was only one purchaser, and it turns out that there were two ; or should he be told that the purchaser bought for himself, and it afterwards appears that he bought for another, or the reverse of this is the case, in all these instances the right is not lost, because in each he might have a different object in view which was frustrated by the false information. Fifth. When the subject of sale is a sown field, it must be suffered to remain in that state until the crop is gathered, 11 and the shufee may either take immediate pos- session of the ground, allowing the crop to remain, or he may wait until it is reaped ; because in this option he has a manifest interest, viz. the use of his money, while he is debarred from all benefit from the land, which is See 1m. D., p. «5G. MANNER OF ASSERTING THE CLAIM OF SHOOFA. 189 rendered useless to him by the crop remaining on it. There is, however, some doubt as to the legality of this delay without prejudicing the right of sJioofd. Sixth. If the seller should ask the shufee to dissolve Dissolu- the sale, and he should do so, the dissolution would be s ^°g{L invalid, because it is only the contracting parties them- shufee, at selves, that is, the seller and purchaser, that can dissolve l^i^T a sale. invalid. 190 SIIOOFA. CHAPTER IV. APPENDAGES TO THE ASSUMPTION OF PROPERTY UNDER A RIGHT OF SHOOFA. In case of a purchase on credit the shufee may take posses- sion, on giving security for the price when it becomes due. The right of shoofd is here- ditary, First. When a person has purchased for a price deferred, or on credit, the Sheikh has declared in his Mabsoot that the shufee may take possession immediately on paying down the price, or may wait till the stipulated time of payment arrive, and then pay the price and take pos- session. 1 But the same author has stated in his Nihuijah, that the shufee may take immediate possession of the subject of sale on his own responsibility for the price, provided that, if not in opulent circumstances, he must give security for the amount. And this doctrine is the more approved. Second. Mofeed and Moortuza have both pronounced the right of shoofd to be hereditary. But the Sheik has declared that it is not so, founding his decision on a report by Tulha Ben Zeyd, who, however, is a Butturee ; 2 and the first doctrine is more approved, as being agreeable to the general and comprehensive sense of the sacred text on the subject of inheritance. 3 1 That is, he is not entitled to the benefit of the credit, which is agreeable to the Hanifeea doctrine on the subject. — D., p. 491. 2 A particular sect of the Zeydians, held in necessary detestation by the followers of the twelve Imams, as disputing the title of their seventh spiritual leader, the Imam Moosexj Kasim, son of J&fer Sddik, in favour of another brother. — See Sale's Preliminary Dis- course to his Translation of the Koran. 3 According to the Hanifites the right abates on the death of the shvfec—D., p. 499. ASSUMPTION OF PROPERTY UNDER SHOOFA. 191 Third. The right is inherited like any other property, like any- other property. so that if the shufee should leave a widow and a child, the c widow would take an eighth and the child the remainder. Further, if one heir should relinquish his share of the right, it would not drop or be extinguished, but the other might take the whole. This, however, is liable to some slight doubt. Fourth. When the shufee sells his own share of the it is ex- property, with a full knowledge of his right of pre-emption, t in g uisn ed the Sheikh has declared that his right is extinguished, shufee because such share is the sole ground of his claim : but sellin £ his D _ J own share that if he should sell his share before he has been informed of the of his right, it would not be extinguished, as existing P ro P ertv ; previous to his own sale. It would, however, appear to be better to say that in neither of these cases would he have any claim to the exercise of the right. Upon a principle formerly laid down by the Sheikh* and is it would follow as a necessary consequence, and the Sheikh ?- s \ a ^ ■ has declared, that if a partner should sell his share of any first pur- joint property with an option to the buyer, and the shufee cnaser - should afterwards sell his own share, the right of shoofd in such share will belong to the first purchaser ; whereas if in the first contract an option had been reserved to the seller, or to both the parties, the right of shoofd would belong to the seller ; because, in the first case, the transfer would be completed by the contract alone, while in the second, its completion would not take place till after the lapse of the period of option. 5 Fifth. If a person on his deathbed should sell his share In the case of joint property to one of his heirs by a contract of ^Muha- muhabat, that is, for a price under its value, and if the deathbed, 4 See ante, p. 182, note 2 . It would seem that the Sheikh was of opinion that it is only in cases where an option is reserved to the purchaser that the right of shoofd is established by the contract of sale, without lapse of the period of option. 5 The more prevalent opinion being that the transfer is com- pleted in both cases by the contract alone, the right of shoofd ought to belong to the first purchaser alike in both. — See ante, p. 182. 192 SHOUFA. the x J/ 1/ fee's right can operate only as to so much of the share as is com- pensated for by the price, and so much more of it as falls within a third of the de- ceased's estate. The right is extin- guished by the shufee' 1 s com- pounding it; but not by his guarantee- ing the sale, or acting as agent for either party therein. The shufee after tak- ing posses- sion may return the property for a defect. abatement does not exceed a third part of his estate, the contract of sale is valid, and establishes a right of pre-emption in the partner of the deceased. Should the abatement exceed a third part of the deceased's estate, and the other heirs refuse to ratify the sale, it is valid only to such extent as is opposed to the price, and so much more as the third of the estate will admit of; and, conse- quently, to this extent only the privilege of shoofd can operate in favour of the partner. Some doctors, however, have maintained that the muhabat is good as against the whole of the deceased's property, and that the shufee is accordingly entitled to take the whole, on the principle that no limitation to a third can affect deathbed acts, which are absolute and unconditional. Sixth. If a shufee agree to compound his privilege for a compensation, it is valid, and his claim is thereby ex- tinguished ; for it is a right to property, and, therefore, a fit subject of composition. Seventh. If a share of joint property be sold, and the shufee should himself become zamin Vil durk, or general security, either for the seller or purchaser, or if both should stipulate an option to the shufee, his right of pre-emption would not be extinguished in either case. Neither would it be so if he acted as agent in the sale for either of the parties. 7 Upon this point, however, there is room for some doubt, founded on his apparent acqui- escence in the sale. Eighth. When the shufee has taken possession of the property and discovered a defect in it which existed prior to the sale, then, if both he and the purchaser were aware of the defect, neither has any option in the matter ; but if they were both ignorant of the defect, and the shufee returns the property to the purchaser, the latter has an option either to reject the sale altogether, or to demand a compensation for the defect from the seller. If, however, the shufee should elect to retain the property, the purchaser 6 To which amount the operation of deathbed gifts is limited. —Post, p. 209. 7 See ante, p. 180. ASSUMPTION OF PROPERTY UNDER SHOOFl. 193 lias, in that case, no right to cancel the sale, because the share has passed out of his hands. And the Sheikh has said that he has no right to demand a compensation for the defect ; but on this latter point the more prevalent opinion is in favour of his claim. So also if the shufee were acquainted with the defect, and the purchaser igno- rant of it. 8 But if the purchaser was informed of it and not the shufee, the latter only would have the right of rejection. Ninth. If a person should sell his share in joint property Case of for a specific thing which has no similar, as a slave, for defect x ° ' in price example, and we adopt the doctrine that, in such a case, when it is there is no right of pre-emption, 9 nothing farther is to be a sp ecmc said. If, on the other hand, we adopt the more prevalent opinion which supports the right of the shufee on payment of the value, and he avails himself of his privilege, but the slave, for example, is found to be defective, the seller has a right to return him to the buyer, and demand from him the full value of the share, unless prevented by some recent obstacle, such as a new blemish occurring in the slave while in his possession ; but cannot demand restitution of the share from the shufee, because no subsequent can- cellation of a sale originally valid can extinguish the right of shoofd. Further, should the share revert to the pur- chaser by a new title of property, such as gift or inherit- ance, he cannot return it to the seller ; nor, if the latter should call upon him to do so, on account of the defect in the price, is he bound to comply with the request. Again, if in the like circumstances the value of the share were less than the value of the slave, the shufee, according to the most prevalent doctrine, has no recourse for the difference, for the price to him is that which was stipulated in the contract. Further, if whilst the share remains in possession of the purchaser the seller should reject the price in conse- 8 That is, the shufee having no option in the case, the purchaser could not cancel the sale, but he would still have a right to claim compensation for the defect, which, when obtained, must in all cases be allowed to the shufee, in abatement of the price — Ante, p. 187. 9 See ante, p. 183. PART II. O 194 SHOOFA. quence of the defect, he cannot thereby prevent the shufee from exercising his right, for it was established prior to the rejection, and he is entitled to take possession on paying the value of the price, that being what the contract required, and the seller has merely a right to the value of the share from the buyer. If, again, the value of the share were more than the value of the price, and any new obstacle has occurred whilst it remained with the seller to prevent its return, he may have recourse against the purchaser for a compensation for the defect, but has no such recourse against the shufee, since he took the share for the value of an exchange or consideration supposed to be free from defect. Case of Tenth. If a mansion is the joint property of a person the sale of on ^ ie s „ {. anc j one wno j s absent, and the share of the share in L ' . the ab- absentee being in the hands of a third party is sold by him, sence of alleging that he has the authority of the absent owner, the the owner, ° ° . . . . . \ by a per- Sheikh has said in his Khilaf that the right of shoofd is son pre- fully established : but the contrary would seem to be the tending to J J have his more approved opinion, because the right of shoofd is authority. c "i e p euc ] en fc on the validity of sale, which cannot be esta- blished without the owner's consent. If, therefore, the shufee has taken possession of the mansion, and the owner should appear and admit his authority for the sale, there is no room for objection ; but if he deny it, his assertion upon oath must be credited, and he will recover not only his share in the property, but also the hire or rent thereof, from the time that possession of it was taken until it is restored ; and his claim for rent may be made against the seller, as the primary cause of his loss, or against the shufee, as the immediate agent therein. Should he elect to proceed against the pretended agent, and recover from him, the latter has no recourse against the shufee ; whereas, if he sue and recover from the shufee, the latter has a good ground of recourse against the agent, on account of the deceit practised against him. The Sheikh has expressed a different opinion, but this is the most approved and pre- valent doctrine. If a person should purchase a share of joint property ASSUMPTION OF PROPERTY UNDER SHOOFA. 195 for a hundred (deenars), and deliver to the seller an article equal in value only to ten, the shiifee is nevertheless bound either to pay the full hundred or to relinquish his claim ; because the price which he must pay is to be determined by the contract of sale, not by any subsequent arrangement between the parties. Questions connected tvith the voiding of the right of Shoofd. Shoofd is extinguished by a failure to institute the Shoofd is claim after information thereof, unless under some valid delay^to' excuse. 10 Some doctors have maintained that no delay claim it can extinguish the claim unless it is expressly released ^ffirieniT by the party himself; but the first opinion appears better excuse; supported by traditional authority. Further, if a shufee gyenTy should himself expressly relinquish his claim previous to express re- sale of the property, the right is not thereby forfeited in m entprior the event of a subsequent sale, because that would be can- to sale, celling a right which has no legal existence. This doctrine, however, is liable to difficulty, and has given rise to a difference of opinion; n and the same difficulty applies" to the case of a shufee being present and witnessing the sale, or congratulating the purchaser or the seller on the con- clusion of the bargain, or authorising the former to make the purchase ; in neither of which cases is the right of shoofd extinguished, because none of them affords a stronger proof of acquiescence on the part of the shufee than his express declaration before the sale. If intelligence of the sale is conveyed to the shufee in a delay such a manner as to establish the truth of its having taken to claim place, such as the concurrence of several successive reports, ceiving or the testimony of two upright witnesses, notwithstanding credlble which he delays to prefer his claim, pretending to distrust tionof'the their authority, the right is forfeited, and such pretext ri £ nt in " cannot be admitted in law. If, on the other hand, his forfeiture; information was received from a youth under age, or from b , ut P **^ . & ' the mfor- afasik, or profligate person, he is not bound to receive it, mation Ante, p. 184. On the ground of acquiescence. — See ante, p. 192. o 2 190 shoofA. docs not amount to legal evidence. When the price can- not be as- certained the right is necessa- rily extin- guished. Also when it turns out to be the pro- perty of another j or is known to have been usurped ; or is lost or destroy- ed previ- ous to pos- session by the seller. Devices by which the right may be evaded. and his right is not forfeited by the delay. So, also, his right is not forfeited if the information is conveyed to him by only one just person, and he fails to act upon it, because the evidence of a single individual is not proof in law. If both the purchaser and shufee are ignorant of the price (having perhaps forgotten it) the right is necessarily extinguished from the impossibility of delivering the price, and if the property to which the right applies is in a distant country, and the shufee postpones his claim until his arrival there, this invalidates his title altogether. Further, if the price paid by the purchaser should turn out to be the property of another person, this also, invalidating the sale, has necessarily the same effect on the right of the shufee. In like manner, if both the purchaser and shufee knew the price to have been usurped, or if the latter only should acknowledge this fact, he is thereby debarred from making any claim. And further, where a specific article stipulated to be the price has perished previous to possession of it by the seller, here also, the original contract being null, the right of slioofd also becomes void. This point, however, is the subject of doubt and difference of opinion. Some of the devices for defeating the right of shoofl are as follow : — The property may be sold for a price above its value, and then something of trifling value may be received in exchange for it, which would compel the shufee to pay the full price stipulated in the contract if he chose to avail himself of his privilege. Again, if the property is sold at an excessive price, and the seller receives part of it, giving a release of the remainder, this also obliges the shufee to submit to a considerable loss or to abandon his claim. In like manner, if the seller transfer his share without sale, as by gift or composition, and on a purchase being alleged, the buyer should admit the fact, but say that he had forgotten the price, in such a case his word must be credited when accompanied by his oath ; and if he should swear, the right of shoofd would be extinguished. If, however, he should merely say that he does not know the quantity or amount of the price, that would be no valid ASSUMPTION OF PROPERTY UNDER SHOOFA. 197 answer, and he must be required to give one more explicit. The Sheikh, however, has declared that the shufee must in that case be called upon to swear. 12 12 Literally, " that the oath must be returned to the shufee," that is, that he must specify and swear to a price, and the purchaser's knowledge of it, both of which seem necessary to the validity of his claim. According- to the Imameea jurisprudence, when a plaintiff, in default of evidence, refers the matter to the defendant's oath, the latter has the option of swearing to the negative of the plaintiff's assertion, or calling upon him to confirm the affirmative by his own oath (Shuraya, p. 477), a course not open to him by the Hanifeea code. 198 SIIOOFA. CHAPTER V. OF DISPUTES RELATIVE TO SHOOFA. In dis- putes re- garding the price between the pur- chaser and sliufee, the assertion of the for- mer is pre- ferred ; as also the evidence adduced by him. His evi- dencelike- wise pre- ferred in disputes between him and the seller regarding the price. First. If the purchaser and sliufee differ as to the price, and neither of them has evidence, the assertion of the former upon oath is to be credited, for he is the person whose possession of the property is disputed, and who is consequently defendant in the cause. But if one of the parties should be able to adduce evidence this must necessarily guide the decision. The testimony of the seller, however, it is to be observed, is inadmissible on the part of either. If, again, both the parties should adduce evidence, that of the purchaser must be preferred, although there is nearly equal ground for giving the preference to that of the sliufee, who is out of possession and therefore the plaintiff in the cause. 1 If the difference as to the price is between the seller and purchaser, and only one of them has evidence, such evidence, by whichever of them it is produced, must guide the decision. If, on the other hand, evidence is adduced by both parties, the Sheikh has declared that the case must be decided by casting lots. But this is attended with difficulty, for the casting of lots is a method of decision strictly confined to cases of perfect equality on both sides, which cannot be said to exist in this case, for there is a general rule with regard to contracts of sale that where the thing sold is still in existence the word upon oath of 1 There was a difference upon this point among the Hanifite doctors also — Aboo Huneefa and Moohummud supporting the evidence of the shufee, while Aboo Yoosuf was in favour of that of the pur- chaser. — See Hamilton's Hedeya, vol. iii. p. 578. DISPUTES RELATIVE TO SHOOFA. 199 the seller is to be credited, whence it follows that when both adduce evidence that of the purchaser must be preferred ; 2 and when the price is thus determined, it rests with the sliufee to make his choice either to take possession at that price or to relinquish his right altogether. Second. If one of the partners in joint property should If one allege that he has sold his share to a stranger, and the ^now- stranger denies the purchase, the Sheikh has said, in the ledges the Kkilaf, that the apparent acknowledgment involved in g^ are 'q^ 8 the suit of the seller is sufficient to sustain the right of acknow- shoofd in his partner. But this decision has been ques- though ' tioned on the ground that slioofd is dependent on the denied by establishment of purchase. It nevertheless appears to be c t^ser most generally approved, and is supported by the common sufficient rule of law, that the acknowledgment of a possessor is valid the sJm . as against himself. fee's right. Third. If one of two owners in joint property should Case of claim the right of slioofd against the other, by asserting dls P u e ^ priority of purchase, which the other denies, the word of tual claim the latter upon oath must be credited, and it is sufficient ° rt ™e rs if he merely swear that there is no right of slioofd as founded against him; and he cannot be required to swear that °" p"°" y his purchase was not subsequent to that of the claimant, chase. If, again, both the partners should allege priority of purchase respectively, and consequently a right of slioofd over the share of the other, as in that case they are both equally claimants, if neither of them can adduce proof, each must be called upon to swear in refutation of the other's priority of purchase, which being done, the property is established between them as before. Further, should one of the partners adduce evidence in general terms to prove merely his purchase, still no decision can be given in his favour, as in the matter of priority he has no advantage over the other. If, however, there is testimony in favour of one as to his priority of purchase, this must necessarily determine the decision ; but if both adduce proof of their purchase in general terms without assigning any dates, or of the - See Im. D., p. 00 con- tinued. 200 SHOOFA. purchase of both being on the same day, there can be no preference to either. If, again, the witnesses of each should testify to his priority of purchase over the other, some doctors have said that recourse must be had to lots for deciding the case; while others maintain that the claims of both the parties must drop, and the property remain in partnership as before. Fourth. When a claim of shoofd is made by one of the partners on the ground of a purchase, and the other alleges that he acquired his share by inheritance, and both parties offer evidence of their assertion, the Sheikh has declared that a reference must be had to lots by reason of the perfect equality on both sides. If, however, the defendant should plead that the possession of the claimant is in virtue of a deposit by the owner, and both parties should offer proof, preference must be given to that of the shufee, or claimant ; because deposit does not controvert the establishment of purchase. 3 If, on the other hand, the witnesses of the claimant should merely testify to the purchase generally, while those of the other party testify that the depositor, being in possession of the subject of dispute, made the deposit of it subsequently to the alleged purchase, the Sheikh has said that preference must be given to the proof of deposit, with this further proviso, that the depositor is to be written to, and that if he confirm the statement, judgment is to be given in terms of the proof, and for rejection of the shufee's claim ; but if he should deny the statement, judgment should be given in terms of the shufee's evidence, and consequently in his favour. If, again, the witnesses of the shufee should testify that the seller sold at a time when he was actually proprietor, while those for the deposit merely testify to it in general terms, the witnesses produced by the shufee are to be preferred, and there is no occasion for any reference to the alleged depositor. 3 For, though the property were deposited, it might be subse- quently purchased from the owner by the trustee. DISPUTES KELATIVE TO SHOOFA. 201 Fifth. If both the seller and purchaser of a share in Concur- joint property unite in declaring that the price was usurped, j^e^eller while the shufee denies the assertion, his word is to be and pur- credited without any necessity for his oath, unless they no ^ to assert his knowledge of the usurpation. 4 the shu- fee's right. 4 The price may have been "an animal, or a piece of cloth, or a jewel," (ante, p. 183,) and so have been usurped, in which case the sale would be invalid, a d if so there could be no right of shoofd, but the concurrence of the seller and purchaser as to that fact is not proof against the shufee. BOOK IV. OF HEBBAT, OR GIFTS. CHAPTER I. INTRODUCTORY. Held, or gift, is a contract by which the property of a Defini- substance 1 is transferred immediately and unconditionally, tl0n- without any exchange, and free from any pious or religious purpose on the part of the donor ; 2 and it is sometimes termed in law nuhulut and dteeut. This contract requires How con- declaration and acceptance, with seizin or taking posses- s x u e • sion. 3 By declaration is here to be understood every word that serves to express a transfer of property as above described, such as " I have given you," or " I have made you the proprietor of this." But the contract is not valid except when proceeding from a person who is of full age, sound understanding, and unrestrained in the use of his property. 4 The donation of a debt, or what rests on the obligation Gift of a of another, is not valid to any other than the debtor or de , t ? t ; not . . . .. valid to person by whom it is due, according to the most approved any other doctrine, by reason of the condition already mentioned, * h ^ the that it requires possession to complete it; whereas, if made t0 whom to the debtor himself, it is quite valid, and operates as a it is a re- lease. 1 Ayn: Res prsesens ; Rei substantia, essentia. — (Freytag.) 2 This distinguishes it from tvuJcf. 3 Kubz, inf. of kubuzu, cepit. — (Freytag.) 4 According to Allamee, in his Tuhre.er, the donee must also be of mature age and intellect ; but this seems inconsistent with what is said hereafter of gifts to minors. 204 GIFTS. Gift not complete without seizin by the donee; and if donor die before seizin the gift re- verts to his estate. Permis- sion of the donor a condition of valid seizin. Gift by a parent to his child of a thing in his own posses- sion com- plete by the con- tract. Gift of mooshaa valid. release of the debt ; a release not requiring acceptance, according to the most approved opinion. No decree can be given for a gift until it is completed by seizin or taking possession. Yet, if the donor should acknowledge the gift and delivery of possession, 5 judgment must be given against him on his own acknowledgment, though the thing given may be still in his hands ; and any subsequent denial of it cannot be received. If the donor should die after the contract, and before possession has been taken of the gift, it falls back into his inheritance. Permission of the donor is a condition of valid seizin ; and if the thing given be taken possession of without his permission, it is not transferred to the donee. 6 But if a thing be given which is already in the hands of the donee, that is sufficient, and the donor's permission to take pos- session is not required, nor is it necessary that any time should elapse to enable the donee to repeat his seizin, as some of our doctors have said. When the father or grandfather of a little child has made him a gift, it is complete and binding on the donor by the contract itself, because seizin by the guardian is seizin on his part. But if any other than the father or grandfather of the child should make him a gift, the donor's possession would not be sufficient, whether he have power over the child or not ; 7 and the legal guardian of the judge must obtain power over the gift in order to complete the right of the child. The gift of mooshdd or a share in joint and undivided property is lawful, and seizin of it is to be taken in the same way as seizin in sale. 8 And if a thing is given to two 5 Ikbaz, causal form of kubz. B Even, according to the author of the Tuhreer, though the donor were present at the time. 7 According to the other sect, possession of a gift to a minor may be taken by any person in whose family he is living. — D., p. 530. 8 That is, by mere surrender or vacating by the donor. Accord- ing to Allamee, in his Tuhreer, this is sufficient in all cases of gift where the subject is immoveable ; where it is moveable, actual transportation or removal seems to be required. INTRODUCTORY. 205 persons jointly, and they both accept and both take pos- session, each donee becomes the proprietor of the portion given to him. If, again, one only of them should accept the gift, and take possession, while the other refuses, the gift to the acceptor is valid. 9 A father may lawfully give a preference to one child A father over another in gifts and presents; but it is accounted ^ore^o 6 abominable in him to do so. one child. After possession has been taken of a gift, it cannot be Gift to lawfully retracted when made in favour of parents, accord- lat j oncan _ ing to general agreement, nor even when the donee is any not be other relative by consanguinity of the donor, though on this point there is some difference of opinion. But if the gift to a be to a stranger, it may be retracted at any time, so long ^ n {[g r as the substance of the thing given is in existence. After revoked, it has perished, there can be no retractation. In like Excep- manner, a gift cannot be retracted if anything has been tl0n - received in exchange for it, though the exchange should be of little value. Whether, again, mere use by the donee has the effect of doing away with the donor's power of retractation, is a question to which some lawyers have answered in the affirmative, whilst others have denied that effect ; and their opinion is the more reasonable and approved. 10 Presents to relatives, and especially to children, are Presents highly proper and becoming. In presents to children, JjJjJjjjJ 11 equality should be observed. Further, it is abominable in tives pro- per and 9 The whole doctrine with regard to mooshdd is opposed to that becoming, of the other sect. — D., p. 515. 10 The regular forms of retractation of gifts, according to the author of the Tuhreer, are that the donor should say, "I have retracted," " I take back my gift," or " demand its restitution," and all similar expressions, which sufficiently establish the retractation without any decree of the judge, for this is by no means required for its confirmation ; whilst, on the other hand, mere re-assumption of the gift from the donee, without some other proof of revocation on the part of the donor, does by no means constitute this act in law ; and should he die without affording any other proof of his intention to retract the gift, it is still, although fouud in the donor's possession, the lawful property of the donee.— From MSS. of the translator of the first volume of the Im. 1). 20G GIFTS. a wife to retract a gift made to her husband, and in a husband to retract a gift made to his wife. Some doctors have considered a husband and wife in respect to their mutual gifts on the same footing as kindred by consan- guinity ; but the first opinion appears to be better supported by analogy. 11 11 According to the other sect, the marriage relation prevents the revocation of gifts. — D., p. 525. ( 207 ) CHAPTER II. OF THE LAWS OF GIFT. These are comprehended in the following cases : — First. If a person should make a gift, put the donee Sale by a in possession, and then sell it to another, the sale is donor of invalid if the donee were a relation by consanguinity ; so already also though he were a stranger, if he had given anything £ lv .en of „ -r, .« ° which the in exchange for the gift. But if the donee were a stranger, donee has and had not given anything in exchange for the gift, some tak€ ; n P os_ ° J ° . ° session, have said that the sale would be void, as of a thing not not valid, the property of the seller, while others maintain that it would be valid, because he has the power of retractation ; but the first opinion is best supported. 1 If, however, the gift were invalid, there is no doubt that the sale would be good in both views of the case. And the effect would be the same with respect to the sale by an expectant heir of property belonging to his ancestor, when he believes the ancestor to be alive ; for if it should prove that he was actually dead at the time, the sale is valid. So also in the case of a bequest by a person of his slave whom he had emancipated, if it should prove that the emancipation was invalid, the sale would be good. Second. If there has been any delay after the contract The trans- in giving possession of the gift, but possession is at length ferof pro- given, the transfer of property is to be decreed as having gift dates taken effect from the time of seizin, not from the date of * rom ^ e . . tlme of the contract. It is not so in the case of a bequest ; for taking there the transfer is to be decreed as having 1 effect from P. osses " ° sion. 1 See ante, p. 205, note 10 . 208 GIFTS. When the donor ad- mits the gift, but denies de- liverj 7 , his word to be credited. On retrac- tation of a gift the donor is not en- titled to compensa- tion for defects. Retrac- tation barred by accept- ance of any ex- change subse- quent to the gift. the death of the testator, if the bequest is accepted by the legatee, and not from the date of taking possession, though there should have been some delay in taking it. Third. If a person should say, "I gave, but did not put him in possession, '' the word is with the donor, but the donee may demand his oath if he insists that possession was given. So also if a person should say, " I gave him and made him the proprietor of it," and then deny the giving possession; for it is possible that he may have made the first statement, supposing that seizin was not necessary to make the donee proprietor of the gift. Fourth. When a person has retracted a gift and finds it to be defective, he has no claim to any compensation on account of the defect. If the gift has increased, and the increase is of such a nature as to be united to the original, it belongs to the donor. But if the increase be separated from the original, as the fruit of a tree, or the child of a slave, and if it be entirely new, it belongs to the donee, while if it were formed, or in existence at the time of the gift, it is the property of the donor. Fifth. When a person has made a gift in general terms there is no condition or obligation on the part of the donee to give any gratuity in return. Still if he should do so, the donor would thereby be debarred from retracting the gift. If again a reciprocal gratuity were actually stipulated for at the time of the contract, the condition would be valid, whether the article to be given were indefinite or parti- cularly specified, and the original donor would retain his power to retract until the stipulated exchange were actu- ally delivered to him. When the stipulation is entirely indefinite as to the quantity, the donee may make any re- turn, however small in value, and should the donor accept and take possession of the exchange, he is no longer at liberty to retract his gift. Further, the donee cannot be compelled to make the stipulated return ; nay, he is ab- solutely free in the matter, and if the gift should perish or suffer any injury in such circumstances, he is in nowise responsible for the loss or injury which has occurred while the thing was actually his property ; although upon this LAWS OF GIFT. 209 point there is some room for doubt, on account of the stipulation for an exchange. Sixth. When the gift is of a piece of cloth, and the Case of a donee has dyed it, this, according to those doctors who think £|^ be _ that use by the donee of the subject of the gift debars the ing dyed donor from retracting it, has the effect of preventing the ^ 0U qq retractation ; but if we agree with those who say that use of the gift is no impediment to its retractation though the donee is a stranger, 2 he becomes in the event of such resumption a partner with the donor for the value of the dye. Seventh. When a person has made a gift, being Gift in dangerously ill at the time but afterwards recovers, the z^zr. '^a gift is valid. If, however, he should die of the disease, only to a and the heirs refuse their assent to the gift, it is valid only Jjjj" ° to the extent of a third of his estate, according to the best donor's , iv i ,i •, estate, traditional authority. 2 The more approved opinion. — Ante, p. 205. TART II. BOOK V. OF WOOKOOF 1 AND SUDUKAT, OR APPROPRIA- TIONS AND ALMS. stituted. CHAPTER I. of wukf, or appropriation. 2 Section First. Introductory. Wukf is a contract the fruit or effect of which is to tie up Defini- the original of a thing and to leave its usufruct free. The lon- only express word by which it can be constituted is How con- " Wukufbo" " I have appropriated ; " for with regard to " Hurrumto" " I have consecrated," and " Suddukto" " I have bestowed," they are not sufficient to constitute wukf without accompanying circumstances, as by themselves they are susceptible of another interpretation besides wukf. If, however, they are used with the design of constituting wukf, they are obligatory on the conscience of the person employing them without any circumstances to fix their meaning. And if he should actually acknowledge that he used them with that design, judgment should be given against him in terms of his acknowledgment. 3 It has been said, indeed, that if he should say, " Hubbusto* o subbidto," 6 wukf would be constituted even without any circumstances 1 Plural of wukf. 2 Literally, detention. 3 That is, when completed by giving possession. 4 Increased conjugation from hoobs, which has the same meaning as wukf, and is used instead of it by the followers of Malik. b From subeely a way. v 2 212 APPROPRIATIONS AND ALMS. Not obli- gatory till possession is given. When made in death ill- ness valid only to the extent of a third of deceased's property. The wukf of a sheep includes the exist- ing wool and milk. to point their meaning, because He on whom be peace has said, " Huhbis ul usul o subbil id thoomrut" ("Tie up the original and give way to the fruit"). Others, however, have maintained that there would be no wukf in the case without corroborative circumstances, as the words by them- selves would not commonly be so understood ; and this is the more approved opinion. The contract is not rendered obligatory except by giving possession ; 6 but when so completed it cannot be revoked if made in health, and even when made in death illness it is equally valid if allowed by the heirs, though, if disallowed by them, it is valid only to a third of the deceased's estate, in the same way as a gift or a muhabat 7 in sale. Some of our doctors iusist that it should be sustained out of the whole of the estate ; but the first opinion is the more approved. If one in death illness should make a wukf, a gift, a muhabat sale, and also emancipate a slave, and neither of the acts is allowed by his heirs, all are valid if they can be carried into effect out of a third of his estate. Otherwise, they are to be pre- ferred according to priority of date, and effect given to each in order until the third of the estate is exhausted, after which any that remain are void. The same rule is to be observed when a man has made bequests in excess of a third of his property. If the priority cannot be determined, some of our doctors maintain that the third should be rateably divided among the different objects; but the better opinion seems to be that the question should be determined by lot. If a man should appropriate a sheep, the wool and milk existing at the time are included in the wukf, unless specially excepted, from a regard to custom, and as would be the case if the animal were. sold. Ikbaz. See ante, p, 204. Not required by the Hanifites. 7 Where the price is inadequate, there is said to be muhabat in the transactkm. appropriation. 213 Section Second. Condition*. These are of four kinds. First Conditions that relate to the moivkoof* or thing Condi- appropriated, which are also of four kinds. It must be a re i ate t substance, the property of the appropriator, capable of being t,ie tiling used without being consumed, and also capable of being prfated. delivered. Hence, the wukf of anything which is not in ayn, or distinctly specified, as deyn or indeterminate things, is not valid. 9 So also if one should say, " I have appropriated a horse, or a mansion," without mentioning some one in parti- cular, the wukf would be invalid. But the appropriation of dkai\ , or lands and houses, of clothes, furniture, lawful instru- ments, 10 and generally of everything from the use of which any benefit can be lawfully derived with the preservation of the thing itself, is quite valid. ' ' So also the wukf of a trained dog or of a cat, from the possibility of employing them for some useful purpose. But the wukf of a hog is not valid, because it cannot lawfully be the property of a Mooslim, nor of an absconded slave, because he cannot be delivered. Whether, again, deenars and dirhems can be validly ap- propriated, is a question which some of our doctors have answered in the negative ; and their opinion is the most manifest, or best supported by traditional authority, because they are things from which no benefit can be derived except by spending them. Others, however, insist that the appro- priation of them is valid, because some advantage from them may easily be imagined, with preservation of the originals. 12 If one should appropriate a thing which is 8 Pa9t participle of wukf. 9 For the meaning of deyn, as distinguished from ayn, see Im. D., p. 60, note t. 10 For such as are unlawful see Im. I)., p. 3. 11 According to the Hanifites, no moveables, unless attached to lands or houses, except beasts of burden, weapons of war, and things which it is customary to appropriate, can be made the subject of wukf.— I)., p. 5G1. 12 Money usually falls under the head of deyn or indeterminate things, and must, therefore, be made ayn, by actual production or specification, before it can in any view be made the subject of wukf. 214 APPROPRIATIONS AND ALMS. Condi- tions that relate to the appro- priator. He may lawfully reserve the super- intend- ence to himself or appoint another. Condi- tions that relate to the per- sons for whose benefit the appropria- tion is made. not his own, the wvkf would not be valid. But if the real owner should sanction the appropriation, that would give it validity according to some of our doctors, the sanction being tantamount, in their opinion, to a new appropriation. And the wvJcf of a mooshdd, or undivided share in a thing, is valid, and possession of it is to be taken in the same way as in a case of sale. Second. Conditions that relate to the icakif, 13 or appro- priate r. And of him it is required that he be of full age, sound understanding, and unrestrained in the use of his property. With regard to one who has attained to ten years only, there is room for doubt, as there is a report which favours the legality of charity by such an one. But the preferable opinion seems to be that appropriation by him is forbidden, because the inhibition under which he is placed by reason of his youth is not removed until he has attained to puberty and discretion. It is lawful for an appropriator to retain the super- intendence of the ivulif to himself, or to appoint another to the office. If he has not appointed any superintendent, the office belongs to the person on whom the settlement has been made, 14 because the right of property is vested in him. Third. Conditions that relate to the mowlcoof alehi, or person on whom the settlement is made. And in him three conditions are required. He must be in existence, and capable of owning property ; he must be distinctly indicated ; and he must be one on whom it is not unlawful to make a wuJcf. Hence, if one should make a settlement beginning with a person not in existence, as for instance, one to be born, or a foetus not yet separated from its mother, the wul-f would not be valid. But if it were in favour of one not in existence, in succession to a person actually in being, it would be quite good. Where, again, is p resen t participle of wukf. 11 When the appropriation is for the benefit of persons, I use the word settlement, as in the Digest, though the original word is the same. APPROPRIATION. 215 a commencement is made with one who is not in existence, followed by a person in being, some of our doctors main- tain that the wukfia not valid, while others insist that it should be sustained so far as concerns the person in being ; but the first opinion is the more approved. So also where the person first in order is oiie who cannot be the owner of property, and he is followed by one who can ; but here there is some room for doubt, though the better opinion seems still to be that which is against the ivukf. A settle- ment in favour of a slave is not valid, and the thing appro- priated caunot be made use of by his master, which would be contrary to the intention of the appropriator. A wukf for musalih,* 5 or works of general utility, such Wukffox as bridges and musjids, or places of worship, is quite °{^i c s ° valid ; for such a wukf is, in truth, a settlement on all utility, Mussulmans, though some only can participate in their va 1 ' adv antages. A Mooslim cannot make a settlement on an alien Appro- enemy, though his blood relation ; but he may make it on P ri ^ n ° n ^. a zimmee, or infidel subject, even though a stranger, or in lim in no way related to him. Yet an appropriation by him ^'aHen for Jewish synagogues or Christian churches is not valid, enemy or So, also, if he should make an appropriation in favour of f ^ ob- W " fornicators, or highway robbers, or drinkers of wine, or jects, not for the copying of what are now called the Toiureet and Injeel (the Law and Gospels), for they are altered or perverted versions. But if the appropriation were by an infidel it would be lawful. If a Mooslim should make an appropriation for the Appro- poor, it is to be applied for the benefit of poor Mooslims P nat £ ons only, to the exclusion of all others ; and a similar appro- poor, how priation by an infidel is to be applied in like manner to the fc ° b f ap " poor of his own persuasion. An appropriation in favour of Mooslims is to be applied Mooslims for the benefit of all those who pray towards the Kiblah. 16 described. But one in favour of the moomineen, or true believers, is ],/o " vn - ' ' neen, who 15 PI. of mushi/iut, commodum, res conveniens. — (Freytag.) 16 Mecca. are. 21 G APPROPRIATIONS AND ALMS. to be applied only for the benefit of the followers of the Twelve Imams. 17 Some, however, maintain that it is for all those who abstain from grave offences against the law ; but the first opinion is the more approved. If the appropria- tion be for Sheeahs, it is to be applied to Imameeans and Ja/roodians, to the exclusion of all other Zeydeeans. In like manner, whenever the mowkoof alehi is described by a particular relationship, all those who come within it are held to be included in the benefits of the wukf\ so that if the wukf is on Imameeans, it is for all the followers of the Twelve Imams. In like manner, when it is for Zeydeeans, all those who assert the Imamship of Zeyd, the son of Aly, are included. So, likewise, when the connection is rela- tionship to a particular ancestor, all those lineally descended from him by their fathers are included. As, for instance, Hashemees who comprehend all those descended from Hashem, through Aboo Talib, IlarWi, Abbas, and Aboo Luhub; or Talibees, who comprehend the descendants of Aboo Talib, on whom be peace, both males and females participating if connected with him on the side of their fathers, from a regard to custom ; though upon this point there is some difference of opinion. Who are If ° ue should make an appropriation for neighbours, 18 neigh- a reference must be made to custom for determining who bours. are to be included. 19 Some say, however, that any one whose house is within forty cubits is a neighbour, and this opinion is good, or well supported ; while others maintain that the meaning of the term extends to all the occupants of forty houses on either side; but this opinion is now abandoned. Wuhflat If one should make an appropriation for a nvusluhui, \ut h" or °^J ec ^ °f g enera l utility, which has ceased to be used, no longer it is to be applied to any good and pious purposes. 20 And bifap- ^ ^ * s ^ or suc ^ P ur P oses generally, it is to be expended on plied to ■ good pur- iv Athna-asheriat ; literally, twelve-eans. poses. 18 Jeeran 19 According to the Hauifites, all who worship in the same Musjid.—D., p. 579. 20 IVoojooh-ool-birr. APPROPRIATION. 217 the poor and indigent, and in any other way by which an approach is made to Almighty God. If one should make an appropriation for the Bunee Wukffa Tumeem, it would be valid, and should be applied to any T umeem of them who can be found. Some say, however, that such valid. an appropriation is not valid, because the persons referred to are unknown ; but the first opinion is more in con- formity with our way or doctrine. A wukf in favour of a zimmee or infidel subject is lawful, because it is a transfer of property, and is like a permission to take the usufruct. Some say, however, that it is not valid, because it implies a pious intention, and is good only when made for the benefit of a parent ; while others maintain that it is good when for the benefit of any relative. But the first opinion (which sustains it generally) is the most approved. So also a settlement in favour of an apostate is valid, while there is some doubt as to one in favour of an alien enemy, the more approved opinion being entirely against it. If a man should make an appropriation without men- Wukf not tioning its objects, the appropriation would be void. So ™ hcl , also where the objects are not distinctly specified, as if he object is should say, " For one of these two," or " For one of the "g^^. two Musltldds" 2I or " two Fureels," the whole would be fined, void. If one should make a settlement on his children, and Settle- his brethren or his kindred, so general an expression re- "^jv on quires the participation of males and females, and of the brethren, near and the remote, with equality of partition among ^ A ™" them, unless some order or detail is made a condition, or prehends some one is specially indicated. If the settlement were on ^ jj maternal and paternal uncles, they would share equally together. But if it were for the nearest of mankind to him, his parents and children, how low soever, should first be taken, and so long as one of them survives none other of his relatives can be allowed to participate. After those above mentioned, when they all fail, the grandparents and brethren with their children, how low soever, would be 21 Sepulchres of Aly and IIoo?sein. 218 APPROPRIATIONS AND ALMS. Condi- tions that relate to the wukf, which are four. Illustra- tions of the first ; of the second ; of the third ; of the fourth. entitled ; and after them paternal and maternal uncles in the order of inheritance ; all (in each class) participating equally, unless some are specially mentioned in detail. Fourth. Conditions that relate to the wukf itself, which are four in number. 1st, it must be perpetual ; 2nd, absolute and unconditional ; 3rd, possession must be given of the mowJeoof or thing appropriated ; and, 4th, it must be entirely taken out of the wakif or appropriator himself. So that, if the appropriation is restricted to a particular time, or made dependent on some quality of future occur- rence, it is void. So also when made in favour of persons who will probably fail, as, for instance, if one should make a settlement on Zej/d, with a restriction to himself, or extend it only to generations that will probably fail, or say gene- rally, " for his successors," without mentioning what is to be done after they fail, — in all these cases it is maintained by some that the wukf would be entirely void ; but others insist that due course should be given to the purposes actually named, which seems more reasonable. Then, when they do fail, the property will revert to the heirs of the wahif or appropriator ; but some of our doctors main- tain that it reverts to those of the mowkoof alehi. The first opinion, however, is best supported by traditional authority. If one should say, " I have appropriated " when the beginning of the month has come, or if Zeyd shall arrive, the appropriation would not be valid. Seiziu is a condition of the validity of wukf. So that, if one should make an appropriation, and die without giving possession, the subject of it would be part of his inheritance. But if it were in favour of his young children, his own possession would be possession on their behalf. So also in the case of a grandfather on the father's side. But with regard to a wusee or executor, there is some room for doubt, though the validity of the settlement in such a case is better supported by traditional authority. If a person should make a settlement on himself, it would not be valid. So also if it were first on himself and then upon another, though some maintain that it would be void only with respect to himself, and valid with regard APPROPRIATION. 219 to the other ; the first opinion, however, is the more approved. In like manner, if the settlement were on another, with a condition for the payment of the wahif's debts or current expenses, it would not be valid. But if one should make an appropriation for the poor and should himself subsequently become poor, or for lawyers, and himself become a lawyer, there is no objection to his participating in its benefits. If one should make an appropriation with a condi- tion that the property is to revert to him in case of need the condition would be valid, but the wukf void, and the property would remain in the condition of a hoobs 22 until the occasion should arise, while if he should die it would go to his heirs. And if he made it a condition that he shall have the power of excluding whomsoever he may please, that would invalidate the wukf. But if the con- dition were that he may add to those in whose favour the appropriation has been made some yet to be born, the con- dition would be lawful, whether the appropriation were for others or his own children. If, again, the condition were that he may make an entire transfer from those on whom the settlement has been made to others subsequently to come into being, that would not be lawful, and the wukf would be void. Some have said that when one has made a settlement on his young children, he may lawfully make others to participate with them without reserving any express power to that effect ; but this opinion is not to be relied upon. The seizin which is required is that of the first of the mowkoof alehi, or persons for whom an appropriation is made ; and all regard to possession ceases in the subsequent steps. In the case of an appropriation for the poor, or for lawyers, a kuyyim^ or superintendent must be appointed to take possession, while in the case of an appropriation for a mndnhut, or useful purpose, the creation of the wukf is sufficient, the condition of acceptance being entirely dispensed with, and as to possession that of the Nazir or superintendent is sufficient. If one should appropriate a Condi- tions that vitiate the wukf. Possession by first in order suf- ficient, when wukf is for par- ticular persons ; but when it is for the poor a Jaiyyim must be appointed 22 See post, p. L>26. 23 See D., p. 587, note \ 220 AITROrRIATIONS AND ALMS. musjid or place of worship, it is valid though only one person should pray in it. So also if the appropriation is of a cemetery, it becomes a wukf by the interment in it of a single corpse. But though people should pray in a musjid, or bury in a cemetery, without the formal words of wukf being pronounced, neither would pass out of the property of the original owner. So, also, the result would be the same, though the proper words were used, if pos- session were not also given of the subject of the wukf. Section Third. Appendages. The right First. The wukf or subject of appropriation is transferred t i^ 1 t T /° r " so as *° become the property of the mowkoof alehi, for he wukf is has a right to the advantage or benefits to be derived from redTcMhe **' an( ^ ^ ie P r °hikiti° n to sell does not negative his right of inon-koof property in the substance, any more than it has that effect in the case of an oom-i-wulud or mother of a child; and indeed, the sale of the wukf is sometimes in a manner valid, as will be seen hereafter. If then a person should appropriate his share in a slave, and subsequently emanci- pate him, the emancipation would not be valid, because the right of property in the slave has passed out of him ; but neither would it be valid if the mowkoof alehi should emancipate the slave, because of the right which future generations have in the slave. How a Second. When a person has made an appropriation " In v-nht " in f] ie wa y f Q oc y jt i a applied to whatever is productive of God" is to reward in a future state, such as religious warfare, the be ap- greater and lesser pilgrimages, and the erection of Musjids or places of worship, and bridges. So, also, if he should say " In the way of God, and way of reward, and way of good," the purposes are all considered as one or the same, and there is no necessity for dividing the proceeds of the wukf into three different parts. In a wnTbf Third. When a man has made a settlement 21 "on on cliil- 21 See ante, p. 214, note u . APPROPRIATION. 221 the children of his children," the children of sons and dren's daughters participate, both males and females, without y|))! f { ien ' any superiority of one over another. But if he should say of sons " those among them who are lineally related 25 to me,'' the f l , , children of daughters would not be included. And if the partici- settlement were " on his children," it should be applied j^^i- only to the children of his loins, the children of his children being excluded. Some maintain that they would all par- ticipate together; but the first opinion is more agreeable to traditional authority, for by the word child, the child of a child would not generally be understood. 26 And if he should say " on my children and children of my children," it would be confined to two generations. While if he said " on my children, and when they fail, and the children of my children, then to the poor," the wukf would be for his children, and though on their failure some of our doctors are of opinion that the proceeds should be expended on the children of his children, and only when they fail on the poor, yet others maintain that the proceeds are not to be expended on his children's children, for they are not comprehended in the wukf their failure being only a condition of the application to the poor ; and this opinion is more likely to be right as being more conformable to the grammatical construction of the words. Fourth. When a person has made a wukf of a musjid, The grant and it has fallen to ruins, or the village or muhullah °f amuSm / -i • • \ ■ • i ■ • -it 3 oes (district) in which it is situated has gone to decay, the not cease property does not revert to the appropriator ; nor does the j? be ™ w */ space of ground on which it was built cease to be wukf, nor the musjid can it be sold. f n 1 ° u : ld fall to Fifth. If the mansion belonging to a wukf should fall decay. into ruins the space would not cease to be wukf nor would Sam f rul e its sale be lawful. But if dissensions should arise among to a man- 9 the persons for whom it was appropriated, insomuch as to s j on - give room for apprehension that it will be destroyed, its sale tion. 25 An inflection of the word nusub is here employed, on which the distinction depends. 28 See L>., p. 570. ■ 222 APPROPRIATIONS AND ALMS. Query, whether the lease of a wiikf is cancell- ed by death of the lessees. In a ivul'f lor the poor, those pre- sent in the town are to be under- stood. would be lawful. And even though there should be no such differences, nor room for such apprehensions, but the sale would be more for the advantage of the parties inter- ested, some are of opinion that the sale would be lawful, but it would rather seem that it ought to be forbidden. And if palm-trees are rooted out of appropriated ground, the same persons would say that it may be sold, on the plea that no benefit can otherwise be derived from it ; but others are of opinion that it cannot lawfully be sold in such circumstances, from the possibility of turning it to some use by letting it on hire; and this opinion seems the more reasonable. Sixth. When the first generation has granted a lease of the wuhf for a certain term, and all die in the midst of the term, then if we can say generally that all leases are cancelled by death, nothing farther need be said in the matter ; if we cannot go so far as that generally, 27 then it may be asked whether it has that effect in this particular case, and there is room for doubt as to the proper answer to be given to the question. But it is more agreeable to traditional authority to say that it is cancelled, for we have already explained that this part of the term does not really belong to the lessors. The second generation would therefore have an option either to cancel the remainder of the lease, or to grant a new lease, leaving the tenant to have recourse to the estates of the first generation for so much of the term as belongs to the second. Seventh. "When a man has made a wuhf for the benefit of the poor it is to be applied to the poor of the town who are present. In like manner when a wukf is for the descend- ants of Aly the income is to be similarly applied to those of them who are present. So also, when it is for the children or descendants of an ancestor who are scattered in different places, the income is to be applied to those extant, and there 27 There are different opinions on the subject, some saying that it is cancelled by the death of the lessor, some by that of the lessee, and others that it is not cancelled by the death of either, which last is the opinion of the moderns, and most approved. — Shuraya, p. 220. APPROPRIATION. 223 is no necessity for following into difficult places those who are not present. It is not lawful for the mowlcoof alehi of a female slave Not law- to have connection with her, for she is not his sole property, mon . lwo f but if he should get her with child the child would be free alehi of a without any liability on his part for its value, as a person £™ e to cannot be creditor to himself. With regard to the mother have con- some of our doctors maintain that she would become an witll her< oom-i-wulud, and be therefore entitled to emancipation on the death of the child's father, his estate being liable for her value to the person next in succession. But this opinion is open to doubt. It is quite lawful to give a female slave who is the subject of an appropriation in marriage, and her dower will belong to the mowlcoof alehi, for this is an advantage arising from the wukf, in the same way as the rent of a mansion. He is in like manner entitled to her children, for they are her increase, whether they be the fruit of mar- riage with a slave or of illicit intercourse. Where, however, they have been begotten by a free man under a valid marriage they are free, unless there was a stipulation in the contract that they should be slaves. And though begotten only under a semblance of legality they are still free, but in that case the father is liable for their value to the mowlcoof alehi. If the wdkif or appropriator should have connection with the slave whom he has appropriated the consequences would be the same as if he were a stranger. 224 APPROPRIATIONS AND ALMS. CHAPTER II. OF SUDUKAH, OR ALMS. Requires declara- tion and accept- ance and putting in posses- sion. Cannot be revoked. Cannot be bestowed on descen- dants of llashem. Cannot be revoked though bestowed without exchange on a stranger. May be bestowed on a Zimmee. This is a contract wHich requires declaration and accept- ance, and also delivery of possession. 1 And if the donee sliould take possession without the assent of the donor, there would be no transfer of property to him. Among its conditions is an intention on the part of the donor of an approach to Almighty God. And after possession has been given it is not lawful to retract the gift, according to the most valid doctrine, for the hire or object in view has been attained, and the gift is like one for .which an exchange has been made. When the sudukah is an incumbent duty, it is not lawful to bestow it on the descendants of Hashem, unless it is a Hashemy sudukah, or when it is any other, except in a case of urgent necessity. But when the suduJiah is voluntary, there is no objection to bestowing it upon them. Miscellaneous Cases. First. It is not lawful to revoke a sudukah after posses- sion has been given of it, whether an exchange has been received or not, and whether the person on whom it has been bestowed be or be not a blood relation, according to the most valid doctrine. Second. It is lawful to bestow charity on a zimmee or infidel subject, though an entire stranger to the donor, by Ikbaz. See ante, p. 204. ALMS. 225 reason of a saying of his, on whom be peace, and of the sacred text, " God has not given any prohibition against those who do not contend with you in religion." Third. It is better to give one's charity in secret than Should be in public, unless to obviate the suspicion of avarice, when vately P it is allowable to do so openly. PART II. 226 AITKOPKIATION AND ALMS. Requires declara- tion and accept- ance with Different names. Words by which it is consti- tuted. It is ren- dered ob- ligatory by seizin, CHAPTER III. 1 OF SOOKNA AND HOOBS. 2 This is a contract which requires declaration and accept- ance, with seizin or taking possession ; and its object or the advantage to be derived from it is the empowering a person to receive the profit or usufruct of a thing, with a reservation of the owner's right of property in it. It is known by different names, according to the difference of connection. Thus, if connected with the oomr or life of the grantee, it is called oomra ; if with iskan 3 or residence, it is called soohna ; and if with a term, it is called rookba. The words of constitution are, " I have bestowed on thee" (askuntoku, admurtolni, arkubtohu, or the like,) " this mansion, or this land, or this dwelling, for thy life or my life, or for a fixed period ; " and the contract is rendered binding or obligatory on the donor by seizin on the part of the donee. Some of our doctors main- tain that it is not rendered obligatory, while others maintain that it is so only when there is an intention on the part of the donor of an approach to God. But the first opinion is the most common or generally received. If one should say, " The residence of this mansion is to thee while thou survivest or livest," the contract would be lawful, and after the death of the person so addressed, the mansion would revert to the speaker, according to the most reasonable and approved opinion. While, if he should say, " When you die it will revert to me," the reversion would take place on that event without any question. If he should say, " I have given this mansion 1 This is the subject of a separate book in the original. 2 Retention ; but also devotion to a particular purpose. 3 Active or causal form of sukunu, " he inhabited." SOOKNA AND HOOBS. 227 to tliee for life, and to thy successor," it would be only an oomra, or for his own life, and there would be no transfer to the life holder, according to the most approved opinion ; just as if he had not said " to thy successor." When a and can- term is specified for the residence, the contract becomes "° ketl binding by possession, and cannot be lawfully revoked until after expiration of the time. So also, if the residence is to be for the life of the proprietor, the contract cannot be revoked, though the life tenant 4 should die, and what was his is transferred to his heir till the death of the proprietor. But if it were for the life of the tenant, and he should die, there would be no transfer to his heir, and the house would revert to the proprietor. If the period is left in general terms without any exact definition, the pro- prietor may revoke whenever he pleases. Of everything of which the vmkfia valid the (dinar b or Every- granting for life is valid also, such as a mansion, a slave, "JJPS of . o . . . which furniture, &c. ; and the grant is not invalidated by a sale mukfis of the thing, for the purchaser must fulfil to the life tenant , valld ™ a ^ ° . . . . be granted whatever was conditioned on his behalf. When the resi- for life. dence is left in general terms, it is restricted to the grantee Grantee of himself, his family, and children ; and it is not lawful for ^annoTlet him to allow any others to occupy the house, unless there it, or allow is a stipulation or condition that he may do so. Nor ° han him _ is it lawful for him to let the house to hire, as it is not self and lawful for him to allow another to reside in it without r e S ide in permission of the mooshin 6 or granter. it. When a man has devoted 7 his house " in the way of A slave or God," or his slave for the service of a house, or of a b 10l ] Sen J a ^ musjid, the act is lawful ; and he cannot lawfully make any in this alteration, so long as the thing lasts. But if he should w . ay ° devote the house or slave to a person without specifying a other pur- time, and the hcibis or devoter should die, the house or slave pos would be part of his heritage. And so also if a time were specified and it should expire, they would be heritage, and belong to the heirs of the hdbis or devoter. 4 Arab, moodmur. 5 Infinitive, of which the preceding is the past participle. 6 Active participle of Iskan, 7 Hubusu, from Jwobs. Q 2 BOOK VI. OF WILLS. 1 CHAPTER I. INTRODUCTORY. To bequeath is to confer a right to the substance or the Defini- usufruct of a thing after death : and it requires declaration tlon ^ nd ° , , , constit u- and acceptance. By declaration is to be understood any tion. word demonstrative of such an intention, as if a person should say, " Give such an one after my death," or, " This is for such an one after my death," or, " I have bequeathed it to him." And by these or the like expressions a transfer is effected to the legatee on the testator's death and the legatee's acceptance. It is not effected by the death alone without acceptance, according to the most authentic Accept- doctrine. If the legatee should accept before the death f e l ^ e tee y of the testator, the acceptance is lawful or discretionary ; necessary, but if interposed after his death, it is established or con- clusive, even though it should be delayed for some time after the occurrence of that event, provided that the legacy has not been rejected. And though a legacy should be rejected during the lifetime of the testator, it may still be accepted after his death, as such a rejection has no effect in law. But if rejected after his death, without having been accepted, the legacy is cancelled. So also, even though possession has been actually taken, provided there has been no acceptance. Where, again, there has been 1 Wusaya, plural of wusiyyut, a will or bequest, or the act of bequeathing. — See I)., p. 613, note -. 2:!(l WILLS. May be partial. In the event of legatee's death, his heirs may accent. Bequest for sinful purposes not valid. no possession, but the legacy is rejected after death and acceptance, it is cancelled, according to some of our lawyers, while others maintain that it is not ; and this opinion is more approved. If, however, there has been both acceptance and possession, and the legacy is subse- quently rejected, there is no doubt that the rejection is ineffectual, and the legacy is not cancelled according to general agreement, because the right of property has then become firmly established in the legatee. If a legatee should reject part of a bequest and accept the remainder, such partial acceptance would be valid, and his right established to that extent. If a legatee should die before acceptance, his heirs come into his place, and may accept the bequest. Hence, if a person being possessed of a female slave who is married and pregnant by her husband, should bequeath both the slave and the foetus in her womb to the husband, and he should die without accepting the legacy, the right of acceptance would descend to his heir ; and if the heir should accept, he would become the proprietor of the child, provided that he is one who can validly become its pro- prietor ; 2 for the child has not been emancipated as against the original legatee (his father), who could not acquire a right of property in him after death ; nor is he heir to his father, being a slave, unless he is so nearly related to the heir as to entitle him to emancipation against the heir, in which case they would be heirs together — the child inheriting by reason of his emancipation before partition. A bequest for sinful purposes is not valid ; thus, if a person should make a bequest of property for the building of Jewish synagogues or Christian churches, or for trans- scribing what are now termed the Towraet and Injeel (the 2 When a man or woman becomes the owner of a parent or ancestor how high soever, or child or descendant how low soever, the slave is emancipated on the instant ; and the effect is the same when a man becomes the owner of any blood relation within the prohibited degrees, though not so when a woman becomes the owner of such a relation. — Shuraya, p. 35G. INTRODUCTORY. 231 Law and Gospels), or aiding a tyrant or oppressor, the legacy would be void. A bequest is a contract discretionary and reversible on A bequest the part of the testator so long as he lives, whether it be Revoked t of property or a nomination of executor ; 3 and the revo- any time cation is established in law either by express language or t J tor ie es " by any act which ignores or contradicts the legacy. Thus, if the testator should sell the subject of bequest, or by another will direct it to be sold, or should bestow it in gift, putting the donee in possession of it, or should pledge it, every such act would be a revocation of the first bequest. In like manner, if he should make such a use' of it that it could no longer be called by the same name ; as, for instance, if he had made a bequest of grain, and should afterwards grind it into flour or meal, or a bequest of flour or meal, and should then convert it into leaven or bread, this would be a revocation of the bequest. Further, if a person should bequeath a quantity of oil, and afterwards mix it with some of a better quality, or of grain, and then mix it with some of another species, so as to remove the possibility of distinguishing and separating one from the other, that likewise would be equivalent to a retractation of the bequest. Whereas, if he should make a bequest of bread, and subsequently break it into crumbs, there would be no revocation of the legacy. 3 Wilayut, literally, power or authority. 232 WILLS. CHAPTER II. OF THE MOOSEE OR TESTATOR. Must be sane and adult. Will by a suicide, when valid. None but a father or grand- father can appoint a guardian to a child. Perfect intellect and freedom in a testator are indis- pensably requisite to the validity of a bequest ; and the will of a madman or a youth under ten years of age is not valid. When he has attained to that age all proper bequests by him in favour of his relatives and others are lawful according to the most common and approved doctrine — if he is capable of discernment. 1 Some have maintained that such bequests are valid though he should be no more than eight years of age, but the tradition in favour of this opinion is uncommon and not well authenticated. If a person should wound himself mortally and then make a will his bequest would not be valid ; whereas if he should first make the will and then commit suicide, there would be no objection to the validity of the bequest. A testamentary appointment of a guardian to children is invalid, except by their father or paternal grandfather ; and a mother can neither be herself the guardian of her children, nor can she make a testamentary appointment of guardians to them. Should she, however, bequeath any property to them, and appoint an executor for its manage- ment, his intromissions to the extent of a third of the estate she may have left, as well as for the payment of her debts, are quite valid, but he has no authority over the children. 1 According to the other sect, a bequest by a person under puberty is not lawful. — D., p. 617. ( 233 ) CHAPTER III. of the moosa-bihi, or thing bequeathed. Section First. What may he Bequeathed. A bequest may be either of the substance or the usufruct A bequest of a thing ; but with regard to both it is indispensable that som ething they are such as can lawfully be possessed or enjoyed, that can Hence the bequest of wine, or a hog, or of a noisy or fu i ly pos . common dog, or of anything from which no benefit can be sessed; derived, is illegal and invalid. 1 Further, legacies whether and can- of substance or of usufruct are restricted to one third of the a tni * rd of testator's estate ; and if the whole of his bequests should the tes- exceed that amount they are void as to the excess, unless estate; allowed by the heir. When there is a plurality of heirs, and one or more of them allows the excess, it is valid to unless • mi /> allowed the extent of his share m it. lhe allowance of an heir is by the effective when conceded after the testator's death. Whether neirs - it is equally valid before his death is a question on which there are two opinions, the more common and approved of which is in favour of its being binding on the heir. 2 When the consent is interposed after the testator's death, it is a ratification of his act, and not a gift de novo from the heir ; consequently it does not require possession by the legatee to complete its validity. 1 All traffic in these is illegal and prohibited. — Im. D., pp. 2 and 3. 2 The other sect differs on this point. — D., p. 615. 234 WILLS. Testator's directions must be strictly followed. The third which a person may law- fully be- queath is a third of what he may be possessed of at his death. If the testator is murdered, the deeut, or fine of death, falls into his estate. Testator may direct the whole of his pro- perty to be em- ployed in moozaru- but. Bequests for the perform- ance of duties, some in- cumbent and others discre- tionary. It is incumbent on the legatee to obey implicitly the directions of his testator in respect of the legacy if they are not contrary to law. The third of a testator's property, and consequently the extent to which he may lawfully bequeath out of it, is determined by its state at the time of his death, and not by its state at the time of making his will. So that if a person who was in good circumstances at the time of making his will should be indigent at the time of his death, no regard is to be paid to his previous wealth in determining the amount of his valid bequests. In like manner if he were poor at the time of making his will, and has become opulent at the time of his death, it is his latter condition and not the former that must determine the legal amount of his legacies. If a man after making his will is murdered or wounded, his legacies have effect over a third of what he has left, and of the deeut or fine of blood, and the irish or com- pensation for the wound ; both of which form a part of the testator's estate. If a person should bequeath the whole or a part of his property to be employed by the legatee in moozaruhut* on the terms of an equal division of profits between him and his heirs, the bequest is valid. Some of our doctors have restricted this kind of bequest to a third of the testator's property ; but the first doctrine is supported by positive tradition. When a person has bequeathed property for the per- formance of certain duties, some of which were incumbent on the testator, and others only discretionary, they are all to be carried into effect if a third of his estate be sufficient for the purpose. If the third should not suffice, and the heirs refuse their consent, those duties that were incum- bent on the testator must first be discharged out of the general mass of his estate, and then the others out of a third of what remains, beginning with the first mentioned by the testator, and so on in order. If none of the duties Set' ante, p. 181, note 1 '. THING BEQUEATHED. 235 are of the incumbent description, but all discretionary, they can take effect only to the extent of a third of the estate, and are to be discharged beginning with the first mentioned by the testator, and so on in order until the third is exhausted. If a person should bequeath a third of his estate to one In be- legatee, a fourth to another, and a sixth to another, and Jj^ r s J t the heirs should refuse to confirm his bequests, a third of portions, the estate is to be given to the first legatee, and the other ° ame * r _ legacies are void. 4 But if he should bequeath a third of tion, to his estate to one person, and then a third, or the same w atees portion, to another, this would be a revocation of the prefer- legacy to the first in favour of the second ; 5 and should a ^eter- doubt arise as to the person first mentioned, it must be mined, determined by drawing lots. If a person should direct by his will the emancipation General of his slaves, the bequest would include not only those bec i ues * of ' ^ y emancipa- who are his exclusive property, but also his share in those tion to of whom he may be joint owner with others ; and such eludes" 1 ' share is emancipated accordingly. Some of our doctors those of are further of opinion that the shares of his copartners in ^stator is the slaves are also to be valued as against him if a third only part of his estate will bear it, and the slaves are to be totally emancipated. Otherwise, that is, if the third will not suffice for their complete emancipation, they must be partially emancipated to the full extent of the third. A tradition is quoted in favour of this opinion, but it is weak or of questionable authenticity. If a person bequeaths one article to two persons, and Distinc- the value of the article exceeds a third of his estate, while t ^g en e a the heirs refuse their assent to the excess, so much of specific the article as is covered by a third of the estate is the ^^^ r . ° joint property of the legatees. If, on the other hand, he sons and 4 According to the other sect, the third is to he divided between the legatees, though as to the proportions there is some difference of opinion between Aboo Huneefa and his two disciples. — D., p. G2G. 5 According to the other sect, the third is to he equally divided anion": the legatees. — Ibid. 236 WILLS. a bequest to each of the two. Assent by heirs to a bequest in excess of the third ; how af- fected by- subse- quent de- claration that they thought the excess was trivial. The be- quest of a third share un- dividedly entitles the legatee to a third of every- thing. And the bequest of a specific thing en- titles him to the whole of it, if not in excess of a third of the estate. bequeath a thing to each of the two, a beginning must be made in favour of the person to whom the bequest was first made, and the deficiency must fall solely on the second. 6 If a person should make a bequest of half of his property, for example, and the heirs at first should assent, but afterwards declare that they thought the amount to be trifling, decree is to be given against them for the amount which they insist that they thought the legacy to be, and they are to be put upon their oaths as to the excess ; but this is subject to some doubt. And if the bequest were of a slave or a mansion, and the heirs, after first assenting to it, should then allege that they thought it was no more than a third of the deceased's estate, or if more, only so in a trifling degree, such claim or allegation on their part cannot be attended to, because their consent in this case involves a known object of the value of which they cannot pretend ignorance at the time of assenting to the bequest. If a person should bequeath a third of his property by way of mooshdd, or undividedly, the legatee is entitled to a third of everything of which he died possessed. If, again, he bequeaths a specific article which is of the value of a third of his estate, the legatee becomes by his death the sole proprietor of the article bequeathed ; nor have the heirs any ground of objection thereto. And if the deceased should have left both present and absent effects (such as ready money and debts, for example), so much of the specific thing must be surrendered to the legatee as a third of the property presently available will admit of, 7 while he will have to wait for the remainder of it until it is recovered by the heirs ; since what is absent is liable to loss or destruction, and may never be realized. Con- sequently, if the bequest were of a third of his slave, two- 6 According to the other sect, they would apparently become partners in the thing bequeathed. — I)., p. 620. 7 There is some obscurity in the passage, but this is, I think, its meaning, and it tallies with what follows, which in the original is marked as a branch of what precedes it. THING BEQUEATHED. 237 thirds of whom prove to be the property of other parties, effect is to be given to the bequest over the whole of that third which belonged to the testator, and it is not restricted to a third of the third ; because effect can be given to the will without encroachment on the rights of the heirs, that is, assuming that the rest of the testator's property is equivalent in value to two-thirds of the slave. If a person should grant a specific' legacy by a name When the which is applicable to what is lawful and to what is gp™ffi° a forbidden, the former construction must be put on the bequest is bequest, to preserve the intention of a Mooslim free from ^ what is what is unlawful; as, for instance, if the bequest were of lawful and an ood out of the eedan 8 in his possession, the name being ^ t milst b ' e applicable both to a staff, or lawful implement, and a flute, taken in which is forbidden, 9 the testator must be held to have sense . intended the former. If, however, no other than the latter is found in his possession, some lawyers have declared the legacy to be void ; while others maintain its validity, but say that the forbidden quality must be defaced from it, and that it is only when that is impossible without destroying all that is of any use in the article, that the legacy is void. Bequests of dogs, the property of the testator, are valid, Bequest of such as dogs trained for hunting, or catching of game, or ^3^^ for domestic purposes — as guarding homes and watching ful. in corn-fields. Section Second. Of Ambiguous Legacies. When a person has bequeathed a joozz, or part of his Meaning property, there are two traditions as to the proper in- ° J00 ~~ terpretation of his words. Of these the most authentic assigns a tenth of the testator's estate to the legatee ; but, according to the other, he should receive only a seventh of the third. If, again, he should bequeath & u suhum"or Of suhum. share, the proper interpretation is an eighth ; while if it 8 Plural of the same word. ° See Im. D., p. 3. 238 wills. were sltci, or a thing, it should be interpreted as meaning a sixth. 10 Executor If a person should make a bequest for several purposes, forgetting ^ w ] 1 j c ] 1 ^ Q exe cutor has forgotten one or more, he should purpose or _ & ' a bequest dispose of it in some good or proper way, 11 although some aDDlvit in °f our law y ers have expressed an opinion that it should some good fall back into the deceased's inheritance. way ' If a person should bequeath a particular sword which a sword i s m a scabbard, the scabbard and mounting or ornaments includes are included in the bequest. In like manner, if he should it s scufo- bard. bequeath a box containing clothes, or a boat or vessel And of a which has merchandise on board of it, or a bag containing box or a li ne n, in all these cases, the things actually bequeathed, contents, and the other things contained in them, are included in the legacy. There is, however, another opinion on this matter, though it merits but little attention. A will ex- If a person should make a will excluding some of his eluding children from their shares in his succession, the exclusion children _ ' from their is not valid. But whether his words are to be treated as d ^ased' entirely inept is a question on which there are two opinions. estate in- According to one of these, they are quite futile and of no efficacy whatever ; but, according to the other, the same effect should be given to them as in the case of the bequest of the whole of a person's estate to a stranger, excluding his heirs, when the bequest is valid as far as a third of his And in- property, and the heirs have their legal portion in the re- effectual mam i nS f two-thirds. 12 The first opinion, however, appears even as to ° . . a third. to be better founded in law, though the other is supported by a tradition which is now rejected. Where the If a person should make a bequest in terms so ambi- bequest is g U0US fj ia t the law affords no interpretation of them, it altogether ° . . . uncertain, must be left to the heir to explain them as he may think 10 The constructions are probably founded on the traditions referred to, as they do not correspond with the literal meanings of the words. 11 Woojooh-ul-birr. See ante, p. 216. 12 That is, those who are of this opinion would deprive the dis- inherited children of any interest in a third of the estate, leaving them only their legal portion in the remainder. THING BEQUEATHED. 239 proper ; as, for instance, where the testator has said, " Give its inter- him a part ,3 of my property," or " a lot," 14 or " portion," 15 g^fj^J or " a little " or " a trifle," " a valuable," or " a handsome to the present." If, again, the testator should say, " Give him ieir " much of my property," some lawyers are of opinion that eighty dirhems should be given to him, as in the case of a vow, whilst others have maintained that this construction is peculiar to the case of vows, as being so limited in the place where this is recorded of them. It is preferable that bequests should be kept below a Modera- third of the testator's property, insomuch that the bequest tlon Jj 1 .^* of a fourth is better than that of a third, and of a fifth better recom- than a fourth. mende(L In cases, like the preceding, of ambiguous legacies, if in dis- the legatee should specify any particular thing, and insist P utes as to ° ,... -, deceased s that such was the testator's intention in the words employed intention, by him in making the bequest, the word of the heir is tlie word preferred, accompanied by his oath, if the legatee should heir to be also assert his knowledge of the fact, but otherwise there P referred - is no necessity for the heir's confirmation of his word by his oath. 13 Huzz. M Kist, 15 Nuseeb. 2-40 WILLS. CHAPTER IV. OF THE LAWS OF BEQUESTS. Repug- When a person has made a bequest, and then another quests 6 " which is repugnant to it, effect must be given to the latter. Bequest of If a person should bequeath a foetus in the womb, and a rd"f *^ e birth should take place within six months from the born time of the bequest, the legacy is valid ; but if the birth months' 31 * should not take place till ten months from the date of the from its bequest, the legacy would not be valid. If, again, the birth should occur at any period intermediate between six and ten months, and the mother should have neither master nor husband, the child is still to be decreed to the legatee. But if the mother has either a master or a husband, the offspring cannot be decreed to the legatee, because, while it is possible that it may have been con- ceived at the time of the bequest, it is also possible that the conception may not have occurred till after it. Case of a When a person has said, " If there be a male in the bequest to wom k f this woman he is to have two dirhems, and if a foetus in . . the womb there be a female she is to have one dirhem, and the varied mother is delivered of both a male and a female, they are ciccordiDsr to its sex. to have three dirhems ; but should he have said, " If what is in her womb be a male he is to have so and so, and if a female so and so," and the woman is delivered of both a male and a female, they are not to have anything. Bequest of The bequest of a foetus in the womb, or of whatever a foetus, or ma y ^ e p r0( j uce d by a female slave, or a particular tree, is future quite valid, as is also that of the residence of a mansion for produce of a f u ^ ure p er i d. Further, if a person should bequeath the THE LAWS OF BEQUESTS. 241 service of his slave, the fruit of his garden, the residence of or of his house, or anything else of a usufructuary nature, for ever y a ™£ or for a fixed time, the advantage or profit to arise there- Usufmc- from must be valued, and should it not exceed a third of tor y be- the testator's estate the bequest is valid, while if more than a third the legatee is to have as much as the third will cover, and the legacy is void as to the excess. When a person has bequeathed the service of his slave When the for a fixed period, the expense of the slave's maintenance a g laV g is must be defrayed by his heirs, as this is a duty which bequeath- follows or is dependent on the ownership of the slave, and m ^ st be the legatee is entitled to no more than the service of the maintain- slave, while all the other rights of ownership appertain heir, to the heirs, as sale, manumission, and the like, none of which, however, has the effect of invalidating the rights of the legatee. If a person should bequeath a hows or bow, this is to How the be construed as meaning an Arabian bow for shooting wo . . * ° ° or bow is arrows, or what is known as a Jcows at nushab, hows al nuhl, to be in- and husban, unless there is some circumstance from which er P retec - it may be inferred that he meant a bow of some other description ; and in all cases where a testator may have Generally employed a term which is common or equally applicable where a i -, . ii-i • n 1 • i word is ap- to several things, the heirs have an option to fix on which- piicableto ever of the things they please and give it to the legatee. f^ ere ^ If, again, the testator should say, "Give him my bow," heirs have and only one is found in his possession, that one must be f 11 ^- 1 ^ given to the legatee of whatsoever description it may be. either. If a person should bequeath to another " one of his So also if slaves," the option of fixing upon one in particular belongs the ^ e ." . to the heirs, and they may give the legatee a young or an "one of old, a perfect or defective one, as they think proper. But |™ t f s " if all the slaves but one should die after the testator's slaves," decease, that one must be given up in terms of the bequests, ^J ™ ay while if they should all die the legacy is null. But not so one they if they are murdered ; for in that case the heirs have still p ease ' their option to fix on a particular slave, and must give the legatee his value if recovered from the murderer, and other- wise leave him to his remedy against the latter. PART II. K 242 WILLS. Wills re- quire two witnesses for their establish- ment ; except where pro- perty only is con- cerned, when one ma}' suf- fice. Appoint- ment of executors or guar- dians re- quires two. Testi- mony of an execu- tor cannot be receiv- ed in matters connected with his executor- ship. Wills or bequests are established in law by the testi- mony of two witnesses who are mooslims, and just persons, or in case of necessity, when two just mooslim witnesses are not to be had, by that of two zimmees or infidel subjects. And in cases where property only is concerned, the testi- mony of one witness on oath may be received, or of one male witness and two females, and the testimony of even a single female witness may be received as establishing the right of a legatee to a fourth part of what she testifies to, of two women as supporting his claim to a half, of three as to three-fourths, and of four as to the whole. 1 But an appointment of executors or guardians by will can be established only by the testimony of two male witnesses ; and in this case the testimony of women cannot be received ; nor further, according to the most obvious analogy, can that of one male witness on his oath be received, although with respect to the latter there is some difference of opinion. The testimony of an executor cannot be received in matters connected with his own executorship, nor as to any thing from which he may derive advantage to himself or to his office. And if appointed executor for the expendi- ture of a specific part of his testator's property, his testi- mony cannot be received in favour of the deceased to prove that this property does not exceed a third of his estate. When the testator has direct- ed the eman- cipation of all his slaves, and the third of his estate is Miscellaneous Cases. First. If a person should direct by his will the emanci- pation of all his slaves, when he has no other property besides them, a third only of the number can be emanci- pated, and these are to be determined by lot. Should the testator have arranged them in any order for emancipation, the first in the order is to be first emancipated, and so on as to the remainder, until the third of the property is 1 In questions relating to debts and property generally, the testi- mony of one man or two women is held to be sufficient ; and in questions relating to legacies and inheritance, the testimony of one woman is enough, but only to the extent above mentioned. — Shuraya, ]>. 306. THE LAWS OF BEQUESTS. 243 exhausted ; and the bequest is void as to any that may be insuffi- over. If, again, he direct a certain number to be set free, tlie p ' ai !_ ow without specifying the individuals, so many are to be deter- ticular mined by lot. According to some the heirs are at liberty to l be Ae _ select the number specified ; but the mode of determining termined. by lot is recommended by its justice, and is the most approved. Second. If a person should on deathbed emancipate a Emanci- slave by free gift without any compensation, and having deathbed no other property besides, some of our doctors have good only- maintained that the slave is emancipated in into, while third of others are of opinion that he is emancipated only to the tlie slave's extent of a third, and that he must perform emancipatory w here the labour to the heirs for the remaining two thirds. This deceased ... r leaves no latter opinion is the more common or approved, should other pro- the deceased have emancipated only a third of the slave, P ert y- he has also in this case to work out the remainder of his value. But if the deceased has left any other property the remainder of the slave must also be emancipated out of the third of his estate. Thirdly. If a person should direct by his will the Where the emancipation of a slave who is a true believer, it is an ^ectsth incumbent duty to give effect to the will, and should no einancipa- slave of this description be found, one must be emancipated s iave°who who is not known to be a nasib or enemy of the sect of is a true Aly : and if the executor, supposing a slave to be a true J^"' believer, should emancipate him, and it should afterwards one must appear that the slave is the reverse of this, the pious f or S ei ^an- intention of the testator is notwithstanding effectual with cipation. regard to him. Fourthly. If a person should bequeath a specific sum Where a for the emancipation of a slave, and none can be found at not^e* 11 " that price, it is not incumbent on the heirs to make any found im- purchase, but they may wait till one can be found at the i th ' e " specified price ; or if they can find one at a less price, they heirs are should purchase and emancipate him, and bestow on him to wait the remainder of the sum. h 2 214 WILLS. CHAPTER V. OF THE MOOSA-LUHO OR LEGATEE. He must be in existence at the time of the bequest. Legacies to stran- gers, heirs, or Zvmmees valid ; but rot to hostile infidels. Legacies to the slaves of others invalid. Otherwise to one's own slaves. It is an indispensable condition that the legatee be in existence at the time of the bequest, and if he should not be then alive the legacy is not valid, in the same way as a legacy to a person deceased, or to one supposed to be alive but who afterwards proves to have been dead at the time of the bequest. In like manner, if one should make a bequest in favour of a foetus hereafter to be conceived by a particular woman, or "to whomsoever may hereafter be found of the children of such a man," the bequest is altogether null and void. A legacy is valid whether it be in favour of a stranger, or an heir, or a zimmee, though he be a stranger. Some doctors, however, have maintained the last, or legacies by a Moohummudan to a zimmee, to be absolutely unlawful, while others have restricted their legality to cases where the legatee is a consanguineous relative of the deceased. But the first doctrine, or that which sanctions the legacy without any qualification, is the most approved. With regard, again, to legacies in favour of Hurubees or hostile Infidels, there is some doubt ; but according to the most authentic traditions they are forbidden and null. Bequests in favour of the absolute slave of a stran- ger, and of his moodubbur, oom^i-umlud, and provisional mookatub, or one who has not paid any part of the stipulated ransom, are all equally invalid, even though sanctioned by the master. But legacies in favour of the testator's own slave, moodubbur. mookaiub^ and oom-d-wulud LEGATEES. 245 are all valid, provided that they do not exceed a third of his estate. Should the legacy to the slave be equivalent to his value, he is forthwith emancipated, and the amount bequeathed reverts to the heirs. Should it exceed his value, the slave himself is entitled to the balance ; and, upon the other hand, should it fall short of his value, the slave must make up the difference by working for the heirs till his full value is completed, unless his value should be double the amount bequeathed, in which case the legacy is void. Some lawyers, however, consider that it is still valid, and that the slave must work out the difference whatever it may be ; and this opinion is the most entitled to appro- bation. When a person who is in debt directs by will the Effect of a emancipation of his slave, and the value of the slave is directlon . 1 ' . , to emanci' twice the amount of the debt, the slave is emancipated, but pate a must labour for five-sixths of his value : but if the value sl t ve ^ ' _ when the of the slave is less than the debt the legacy is void. The testator is reason is that debts taking precedence of legacies must be m e t- first discharged, and it is only out of a third of what remains of the estate that the emancipation can take effect. It is otherwise in the case of a gratuitous emancipation by a master on his deathbed, when the law is as before mentioned, on the ground of an express decision recorded by Abd-oor-Ruhman as of the Imam Jdfer S&dik, on whom be peace. If a person makes a bequest in favour of the absolute Bequest or unconditional mooTcatub of another, and the mookatub a *A^^ " has already paid a part of his ransom, he is entitled to as has paid much of his legacy as is equal to the amount of the ransom 113 ransom so discharged. And when a person makes a Q ues ti n bequest to his own oom-i-wulud, the legacy is valid, as as to a already mentioned, to the extent of a third of the estate. om3 '' s own But whether her emancipation is to be put to the account oom-i- of the legacy, or to the share of her son in the testator's whether it estate, is a question that admits of different solutions, is t ° be • i , . -, .<. -,, applied some saying that she is to be emancipated out of the child s towards share and to have her legacv besides, while others argue n . er e . man * . .. , cipation that she is to be emancipated out of the legacy because or to be 246 WILLS. paid to her. A legacy to several persons to be equally divided among them, without regard to sex, though they should be the testa- tor's chil- dren. Bequestto kindred, how inter- preted ; to howm ; alil-beit ; asheerah ; jceran. A bequest to a foetus valid if it is born alive. there is no inheritance according to law until after pay- ment of legacies. When a legacy is bequeathed to several persons abso- lutely, it is to be construed as divisible equally among them. Thus, if a person should make a bequest to his children, some of whom are males and some females, they all take alike. So also in the case of a legacy to his uncles and aunts, whether paternal or maternal. In like manner if the legacy were both to his maternal and paternal uncles, they would all take equally according to the most valid doctrine, though there is a tradition the other way, which, however, is rejected as unauthentic. On the other hand, should the testator make a distinct allotment of shares to each, giving more to some than to others, his directions must be strictly followed. If a person should make a bequest to his kindred (zuvee hurabut), it is to be understood as intended for all known to be of his race (nusub') or of the same paternal descent. Some writers have said that it includes all those who are related to him through his most remote progenitors, both father and mother, who professed the faith of Islam ; but this opinion is destitute of any testimony in its support. If, again, the bequest be to his howm or nation, it includes all those who speak the same language ; and if to the people of his house (ahl-beit) it includes his children, father and paternal grandfather. Further, if he say to his ashe&rah (family), the nearest only of his nitsub are to be understood as included in the bequest. If a person make a bequest to his neighbours (jeeran), it includes, according to some doctors, all those whose houses are within forty cubits (ziraas) of his in every direc- tion. But there is another opinion which is far fetched and unreasonable, that extends it to the occupants of forty houses one ither side of his. 1 A bequest to a foetus in the womb actually existent is valid as already described, but it requires that the child be produced alive, and if it is still-born the bequest is void. 1 See ante, p. 21 G. LEGATEES. 247 While if it is bom alive, though it should die immediately after, the legacy descends to its heirs. When a Mooslim has made a bequest to beggars (fuJieer) Bequest to it is payable only to those of his own religion ; and in like be^mHed manner if the testator be an infidel, such a bequest is to those of payable only to those of his own persuasion. religion b In all cases of bequest where the legatee happens to die Legacy before the testator, some doctors are of opinion that the j e b legacy is void ; but others have maintained that, although death of if the testator should retract the bequest it would be null, ac c rdin°- whether the retractation take place before or after the death to the best of the legatee, yet if there is no retractation the legacy he has left descends to the heirs of the legatee. This of the two heirs, reports is the most authentic and approved. If, however, the legatee should leave no heirs the legacy reverts to those of the testator. 2 If a person should say, " Give such an one such a sum," When a without specifying any purpose, it must be given to the ^q°7 l I legatee, who may dispose of it without restriction in any to be ap- way he pleases. If again the testator should direct it to particular be expended in the way of God (subeel allahi), the bequest way, tes- must be applied in some way in which reward is promised rect j ons in a future state ; but according to some, exclusively in holy must be warfare. The first opinion, however, appears to be better obeyed, founded. A bequest in favour of one's kindred is highly proper Bequest to whether they be his heirs or not ; and when a person £ ear f^ of bequeaths a legacy to his akrub, or nearest of kin, it is to be construed, regulated by the rules of inheritance, and nothing is to be given to a remote heir while there is a nearer in existence. 2 See D., p. 614, note 2 , where it is inferred " that the death of the legatee before the testator would occasion a lapse of the legacy." The inference is founded on death being a substitute for acceptance, which, according to the Hanifites, " must be after the testator's death." But according to the Sheeahs, it may be in his lifetime. — Ante, p. 220. 248 WILLS. Must be Mooslvms. Query whether they must also be just at the time of appoint- ment. If they subse- quently prove to be fasil :or profligate, they may be remov- ed by the judge. A slave cannot be appointed an execu- tor, nor a minor singly. CHAPTER VI. OF EXECUTORS. 1 It is requisite that an Executor should be a person of understanding and a Mooslim, as also, according to some doctors, that he be an adil or just person, because a fasik or profligate is unworthy of trust. Others again consider that this is unnecessary because all Mooslims are trust- worthy, and may accordingly be agents and depositaries, and also because the appointment of an executor is dependent on the devise of the testator, and is established by it. Yet if one who was adil or just at the time of his appointment should prove to be fasik after the death of the testator, we may say that the appointment is nullified, for the confidence placed in him by the testator was founded on a belief of his probity, and would have been withdrawn on its decline ; the judge should therefore remove him and appoint another in his place. It is not lawful to appoint a slave as an executor without the consent of his master, nor a minor singly, though he may be validly joined with an adult in the office; but even in that case he cannot interfere with the management of the deceased's estate until he has attained to puberty. When two persons are appointed executors, one of whom is a minor and the other adult, the adult executor may act alone until the minor has arrived at puberty, but when that happens the adult executor can no longer act singly. If, however, the minor should die, or on attaining to puberty should prove to be of unsound judgment, the other may Awseeah, pi. of Wusee. EXECUTOKS. 249 continue to act singly, and the judge cannot in this case force an associate on hirn, because there is still an executor to the deceased, appointed by himself. Farther, whatever may have been done by the adult executor during the minority of the other cannot be undone by the latter on his attaining to puberty, unless contrary to the nature and object of the trust. An infidel cannot be lawfully appointed executor to a An infidel Mooslim, even though he be his relation by blood ; but an ma y be • ,. t i i i ■ -n executor inndel may be the executor to one like himself. Jb urther, to an- a woman may be legally appointed an executrix when found other. in possession of the qualities and conditions requisite for ma ^°^ an the office. appointed. When two persons have been appointed in general joint ex- terms, or with an express condition that they are to act ecutors ' x •> cannot act jointly, one of them cannot act singly without the other, singly, and if either of them should persist in doing so, none of his acts are lawful except such as are positively incumbent or necessary, as for instance the providing of clothes and food for the young children of the testator. Further, it belongs to the judge to compel them to act jointly, and if that be impracticable, he may appoint others in the stead of both. Further, should they make a partition of the property between themselves for the purpose of separate management, that also is unlawful ; and if one of them should fall sick or become incapable of performing the duties of the office, the judge must appoint an associate to the other who is competent; whereas if one of them should die or become profligate, the judge has no such power, and the remaining executor is empowered to act singly, 2 the except in iudsfe having no authority while there is an executor of the tne caseof J ° ° t J # survivor- deceased surviving and competent to act. This point, how- ship, ever, is open to some doubt and difficulty. If the testator has made it a condition that the executors are to act or under jointly and separately, the intromissions of each singly are s I J( ^ ial in that case quite lawful. They may also lawfully divide by the testator. 2 According to the Hanifites, the interposition of the judge seems necessary. — D., p. 671. 250 WILLS. the property between them and each take upon him the management of a part, in the same way as they might have acted separately before the partition. An execu- An executor may lawfully reject his office while the tor may testator is alive, provided that he is duly informed of the refuse to L ... accept the rejection ; but if the testator should die before the rejection, or after it without the information having reached him, no effect can be given to the rejection, and it is incumbent on the executor to take upon him the duties of the office. 3 To an in- If an executor is incapable of discharging the duties of com Petent k' g fg ce ^q judge may appoint an assistant to him ; but an assist- if he is guilty of fraud he must be displaced and another be ap-^ appointed in his room. pointed. An executor is an ameen or trustee, and therefore not Executor responsible for any loss or destruction of the deceased's sponsible property, unless occasioned by his departure from the except for conditions or rules of his office, or by some personal neglect. And if he be a creditor of the deceased, he may and may lawfully pay himself out of the property in his hands, pa ^ ?l im " without the order of a judge when he has no proof of the creditor debt. According to some lawyers he may do so absolutely ? l° the * , that is in all cases without a judge's order. But whether and even he can purchase the deceased's property from himself on bis™ ro- 6 n * s own accoun * i s a question that admits of some doubt, perty at a though, according to the most approved doctrine, he may just price. lawfully do so at a j ust valuation. But can- When an executor has his testator's authority for not at bequeathing the management of the estate at his own clcitli cIg- volve bis death, he may lawfully do so by general agreement, But authority w i ie t] ie r he can do so when the testator has neither on another unless authorized nor forbidden such appointment, is a question sanction- on w ] 1 i c } 1 there are different opinions. 4 Of these the ed by the . . . testator ; opinion which forbids such exercise ot power on his part is and the that which is most approved. Accordingly in such case care of the at j^g ^^th the superintendence of the original testator's original 1 3 I think some previous acceptance is implied. See ante, p. 229, and D., p. 6G6. 4 He can, according to the Ilanifites, without any difference of opinion. — D., p. G72. EXECUTORS. 251 estate devolves upon the judge. In like manner, if a estate person should die without appointing an executor, the t^ e °^f c L e superintendence and care of his estate belongs to the judge. And if there is no judge present on the spot, any- true believer in whom confidence can be placed may law- fully assume the care and management of the estate. But on this point there is room for doubt and difference of opinion. If a person whose father is alive should appoint a Aguar- stranger his executor to superintend the property of his not be ' " son the appointment is not valid, and the power over the pointed by orphan belongs to his grandfather, to the exclusion of the to his son father's executor. But some doctors are of opinion that when the the nomination by the father is valid to the extent of a f at h e r is third of his property, and for the discharge of all rights or alive, claims upon his estate. When a person has appointed an executor for the Limited superintendence of one particular matter, his power is ghi restricted to that specific object, and any other intromis- sions by him with the estate are unlawful ; an executor being in this respect exactly like an agent who is strictly confined to the bounds of his commission. Miscellaneous Cases. First. The qualifications required in an executor have Qualifica- reference to the time of his appointment. Some lawyers, Q^fwatoi 1 however, maintain that they should be referred to the have re- death of the testator, and that, accordingly, if a youth tbe tirae should be appointed an executor and become adult before of his ap- his death the appointment is valid ; and in like manner as ment _ to the conditions of freedom and understanding. But the former doctrine is the most generally approved. Second. The appointment of an executor or guardian A testa- to every one over whom the testator has control is valid, as ™f "^^ J guardian for example a child how low soever in descent, provided may be that he is of tender age or a minor. But if a person ^awone should nominate an executor for his children who are over adult and of sound understanding, the nomination is of deceased" no value and cannot be sustained. And even though the has con- trol. 252 wills. appointment should be for the superintendence of property which the testator himself has left to the parties, the exe- cutor has no right to intromit with it, not to the extent even of a third. He may, however, lawfully separate from it what lawfully belongs of right to the deceased, that is, enough for the discharge of his debts and alms. Superin- Third. It is lawful for every one who has the superm- an or- ' teudence of the property of an orphan to take from it the phan's ordinary hire or recompense due for his trouble. Some may de- doctors are of opinion that he is limited to what may be duct bis sufficient for his expenses ; while others maintain that he may take both (that is, hire and expenses). But the first opinion is the most approved. 5 5 That is, I suppose, hire only, as including expenses. ( 253 ) CHAPTER VII. Appendages. These are of two kinds, the first of which comprehends the following cases. First. When a person has bequeathed to a stranger Bequest of the like of his son's portion, having only one child, this is the ^ e 1 ° J ' a sons in fact a partition of his estate between them, and the portion, legatee is entitled to a half of it, unless the heir refuses his consent to the full bequest, in which case the legatee's in- terest is reduced to a third. If, again, the testator has two sons, the legacy is a third of the estate ; and if three, it is a fourth. The general rule is that the legatee be added to the other heirs and treated as one of them, if they are all entitled to share equally in the inheritance ; while if their shares differ, some being more and some less, he ranks with the weakest of them, or the one whose share is the least, unless the testator has expressly said that his share is to be equal to that of the highest, 1 in which case effect must be given to the terms of the bequest. Further, if the testator The like should have said " like the share of my daughter," the °} a o ., _ legatee, according to us, is entitled to a half when there is ter's when no other heir besides the daughter ; but his share is reduced ^o^her to a third if she refuses her consent to the full legacy, heirs, because, according to our doctrine, 2 daughters inherit the whole estate to the exclusion of the asubdli or residuaries, and the legatee thus becomes like a third daughter. If a person having three half-sisters by the mother, The like of one of his 1 Or like some one's in particular, as in the case of the son's portion. 2 As opposed to that of the Hauifites. 254 WILLS. heirs, when he has left only half- brothers and half- sisters. The like of a daughter's when he has left one and a widow. The like of one of them when he has left four wives and a daughter. Bequest of his child's portion ; of the like to the share of a son who after be- comes a parricide ; and three half-brothers by the father, should bequeath to a stranger the like of the portion of one of his heirs, the legatee is to be treated as one of the sisters, and so to receive one share out of ten parts into which the estate must be divided, while the half-sisters take three, and the half- brothers the remaining six, conformably to the rules of intestate succession. If, again, the testator having a wife and daughter bequeaths " the like of the share of my daughter," and the heirs assent, the legatee is entitled to seven parts of the estate, the daughter to as many, and the wife to two, the whole being divisible in such a case into sixteen portions. Nevertheless, it would be more proper to say in this case that the wife is entitled to no more than one part out of fifteen, that being the number of shares into which the estate should be divided. 3 If, again, a person having four wives and a daughter should say " like the share of one of them," the division of the estate would be into thirty-two portions, whereof an eighth or four shares would be equally divided among the wives, the legatee would take one share like one of them, and the remaining twenty- seven would pass to the daughter. Yet if we were to say in this case that the division should be into thirty-three shares, it would be more agreeable to the general principles of law. Second. If a person should bequeath to a stranger "the portion of his child/' the bequest according to some is void, because it is a bequest of what belongs to another ; 4 but it is more agreeable to principle to say that the bequest is valid, and should be construed in the same way as if it were the like to his share . If, again, the testator, having a son who afterwards becomes his murderer, should bequeath the like to his share, here, though some say that the bequest is valid, yet it is more in conformity with the principles of law to say that it is invalid. 3 The original division being into eight parts, of which one is to the wife and seven to the daughter, a " like to the share of my daughter" is seven, and 7 + 7 + 1 = 15. 4 The Ilanihtes appear to be of this opinion. — D., p. G20. AITENDAGES. 25d Third. When a person has bequeathed the double of of the his child's portion, the legatee has two equivalents of the ?? Gild's portion ; and if he were to say zodfan (in the dual) or two portion, doubles of it, the legatee would have an equivalent to four portions, but only to three according to some whose opinion is preferred as being more certain : and the same is the law when the testator has used the expression zodf-i-zodf, or double of the double of his portion. Fourth. When a person whose property is scattered Bequest to about in different places has bequeathed a third of it to the 1^° ° t r v ° poor it is lawful to apply whatever is found in the city to the at differ- poor of the place ; and even the whole of it may be lawfully hoJ^cfloe expended on the poor of the testator's city, and on those of disposed them who are on the spot, without following or searching for any who are absent. The number of those who are to share in the gift must, however, be three or more, by reason of the testator's expression being in the plural, according to the best authority. In like manner, if he should say, " Eman- cipate slaves," in the plural, it is incumbent on the executor to emancipate at least three, unless a third of the testator's estate should fall short of the object. Fifth. When a person has bequeathed a slave to one, Bpquestof and the whole of the remainder of the third of his estate me a nsone to another, and the slave becomes defective previous to his that is not delivery to the legatee, the other legatee is entitled only to e ^ the balance of the third, after deducting the value of the slave, if supposed to be perfect or without defect ; because the testator evidently intended a perfect slave and the balance, as the subjects of his respective legacies. In like manner, should the slave die before the testator, though the first ]egacy is necessarily annulled, the second legatee is entitled to no more than the balance of the third after deducting the value of the slave, as if the slave were still alive and in good condition ; and if such value should amount to a third of the testator's estate, the second legacy would also be annulled. Sixth. When a person has bequeathed his slave to the A slave slave's own son, who accepts the bequest on his deathbed, gdtcfhis" the slave is emancipated as against the whole property of own son, 256 wills. and ac- the legatee, according to all our doctors, without any re- deathbed" ference to the value of the slave coming within a third is cmanci- of it, for this necessarily refers only to what a testator against bequeaths out of his own property, and here the father the whole becoming the property of the son by his acceptance of the perty. l e o ac Yj n ^ s emancipation immediately follows as a necessary consequence. Bequest of Seventh. When a person has bequeathed a mansion which * wmcn f a U s down and is levelled to the ground before the falls down testator's death, the legacy is void because the name of testator's mansion (dar) is no longer applicable to it. But this is death. liable to doubt. Joint be- Eighth. When the testator has said, " Give Zeid and an indi- the poor such a sum," Zeid, according to some doctors, is vidua! and entitled to a half, but, according to others, only a fourth. poor. But the first doctrine is the best supported. Acts on The second kind of appendages relates to disposals of deathbed. p r0 p er ty by a sick person, or on deathbed. These are of are not to two descriptions — or such as are deferred or not to take take effect e ff ec fc -fcill after the testators decease, and such as take effect immedi- . ' ately are immediately. The first are to be treated in every respect *° b f t as legacies according: to the unanimous consent of our treated as ° . & legacies, doctors, and like the acts of a person in health which are done with reference to his death, so as not to take effect till after it. Such as The second description of acts, or such as are of imme- aretotake ,. . . , . effect im- diate operation, like muhabat or connivance at loss m con- f 36 j 1 -^ 8 " tracts of exchange, and gift, appropriation and emancipa- ence of tion. These are good according to some of our doctors as opinion against the whole of the maker's property, and according to regarding D . ... , them. others only as against a third. 5 Both opinions, however, agree in this, that if he should recover from his sickness they are valid against himself and against his heirs ; and the difference of opinion is only when he dies of the same disease. Death, Here it is necessary to note the diseases which restrain illness. ; ' This is the opinion of the Hanifites. See D., pp. 542, G01 ) and 040. APPENDAGES. 257 a man from disposing of more than a third of his property. Upon this point, then, we may say that every disease which Danger- is usually accompanied with apprehension of death, is easeg ls " said to be dangerous, such as hectic fever, consumption, haemorrhage, bilious or bloody swellings, fetid purgiugs, and such as are mixed with oleaginous matter or black excrement, and the like. Diseases, again, from which there Diseases is usually recovery have no other effect on a man's disposal JqL™ u " of his property than if he were in a state of health, such as con- temporary fever, headache whether with continued augmen- S1 erea " tation or not, ophthalmia, and a tubercle on the tongue. Diseases, again, which admit of being classed as either, Dubious, that is as dangerous and undangerous, are putrid fever, diarrhoea, and phlegmatic swelling. It were, however, General better to ascribe the effect under consideration to all ru e " diseases which are in fact accompanied with or terminate in death, whether they are customarily dangerous or not. But occasions of actual conflict in war, or of childbirth in women, or of storms at sea, have not the effect alluded to, namely, that of impairing a person's power to dispose of his property, because, in point of fact, the term disease is quite inapplicable to them. Here some miscellaneous cases present themselves for consideration. First. When a person in sickness has made a gift and Gratu- also entered into a muhabat transaction, and the third of n ^eath- his property suffices for both purposes, there is no question bed take that effect is to be given to both. But if it should fall oo^urto short, the first act of the deceased is entitled to a preference, priority. and so on as to the others in succession, until the third is exhausted, when the deficiency falls solely upon the last. Second. When a gift of immediate operation, and one But pre- whose effect is postponed or suspended, are entered into at „i ven to the same time, a preference is to be given to the former, those of effect being also given to the latter if the third of the estate diate is sufficient for both purposes ; but if not, the latter is operation valid so far as the third will bear, and void as to the as al . e remainder. deferred. Third. When a sick person having no more than a la & mu- habat of PART II. S 258 WILLS. grain on deathbed, where the loss ex- ceeds a third of the estate, how the excess is to be restored so as to avoid the objection of usury. Muhabat of a slave on death- bed for half his value, how to be adjusted between the pur- chaser and the heirs when they re- fuse to allow it. Case of emancipa- tion of a female slave and marriage with her on death- bed, both valid. Jcoorr of grain of some kind, of the value of six thenars, sells it for a Jcoorr of inferior grain of the value of three deenars, the loss by the muhabat is a half of his whole estate, whereas all that he can lawfully dispose of is no more than a third, and the purchaser should accordingly restore a sixth to the heirs, but that would be usurious, and in order to make a valid transaction, it is necessary that he should give back to the heirs one-third of their good l-oorr, and that they should give back to him one- third of his inferior l-oorr ; there will thus remain with the heirs two-thirds of the l-oorr, or two deenars in value, and with the purchaser two-thirds of a Jcoorr, or four deenars in value, which will only be an excess of two deenars or one- third of six (the whole estate), which is just the amount which the seller could lawfully dispose of in his last illness. Fourth. If a sick person should sell a slave of the value of two hundred for one hundred, and afterwards recover of his disease, the contract is necessarily binding. But if he should die, and the heirs refuse to ratify the sale, it is valid so far as a half of the slave is opposed to what he actually paid, and that is three parts out of six, and the muhabat is good as to two-sixths, or one-third of the six, and these together amount to five-sixths of the slave, to which extent, then, the sale is valid, and void only as to the remaining one-sixth, which therefore must be returned to the heirs. The purchaser, however, has an option, and may cancel the sale on account of the partial invalidity of the bargain, or abide by it ; but should he adopt the latter alternative and offer the heirs a compensation for a sixth of the slave, they also have an option either to reject or accept, their right being involved in the substance or person of the slave. Fifth. When a person in his mortal sickness has emancipated a female slave, married and consummated with her, the emancipation and the contract are both valid, and the widow is entitled to succeed as an heir to her husband, if her value is within a third of his estate. But if her value exceeds the third there is the same difference APPENDAGES. 259 of opinion with respect to all three, that is, the eman- cipation, marriage, and right of inheritance, as has been already described regarding the immediate acts of a person on deathbed. 6 Sixth. If a sick person should emancipate his female But if her slave whose value amounts to a third of his property, Amounts marry her at a dower equal to another third of his pro- to a third perty, consummate his nuptials with her, and then die, ° sta 'jp tl the marriage is valid, but the specified dower is void, be- specified cause it is in excess of the third. The widow, however, is VO j^ ei ls entitled to her share as an heir according to the ordinary rules of inheritance. And some doctors are of opinion that she is farther entitled to the muhr-i-misl, or proper dower. On this point, however, there is room for doubt. Others again maintain her right to the whole, or emanci- pation, marriage, and dower. 6 See ante, p. 256. s 2 BOOK VII. OF FURAIZ, OR INHERITANCE. CHAPTER I. introductory. Section First. Causes of Inheritance. The right to inheritance is founded on nusub or con Two sanguinity, and on subub or special connection. Under ?*J^.° nusub are comprehended three classes or series of persons : ance : First, the parents, and the children how low soever. Nusub or Second, the brethren and their children, how low soever, gum 'ity; and the grandparents, how high soever. And third, the maternal and paternal uncles and aunts. Subub is of two Snbub or kinds : zoivjeeut, or the relation between husband and special , . . „ corinec- wife ; and wula, or dominion — of which there are three tion. descriptions : the wula of emancipation, the wula of responsibility for offences, and the wula of Imamut, or headship of the Mussulman community. Heirs may be divided into three classes. First, those Heirs who have no right except byfwrz, or special appointment ^vided by law to a share in the deceased's estate ; second, those classes. whose right is sometimes by furz, and sometimes by liiimhut, or kindred to the deceased; third, those whose right is exclusively by hurabut. 1 The first class comprehends the mother from among First those whose right is by nusub or consanguinity, and the class - 1 The enumeration must not be considered as indicating any order of precedence. The third class, in fact, includes the son. 202 INHERITANCE. Second class. husband and wife from among those whose title is by 8ubvb or special connection. The second class compre- Third class. Kindred who are not sharers the whole estate directly. hends Ihe father and the daughter or daughters, the sister or sisters, and the Tculalut of the mother, or those rela- tives who are connected through her only. The third class comprehends all other heirs besides those who are comprehended in the two first classes. When the heir is a person for whom no share has been appointed, and there is none to participate with him, that is, no other heir equal to him in degree, the whole inherit- stand 6y ance i- s his, whether his right be by nusub or by subub. If alone take there is another associated with him, for whom also no share has been appointed, they take the inheritance between them. When associates in the succession differ in the channels through which they are connected with the deceased, each set (stirjps) takes the portion of the person through whom they are connected with him ; as, for in- stance, when there are maternal and paternal uncles or aunts of the deceased, the former take the portion of a mother, which is a third, and the latter the portion of a father, which is two-thirds. When the heir is a zoo fv/rz or sharer, he takes his appointed portion as such ; and if he has no equal, that is, if there is no other heir in the same degree, he takes the surplus also by rudd or reversionary right. Thus, when there is a daughter with a brother, or a sister with a paternal uncle, the daughter or sister takes first her ap- pointed portion, and the remainder then reverts to her because she is nearer to the deceased. It is to be observed that the surplus never reverts to a wife, and reverts to a husband only in the single case of there being no other heir than the Imam. If the sharer has an equal in degree who is a sharer also, and the shares are not in excess of the whole estate, it is to be divided according to the shares ; and if there is any surplus it returns to them all by reversionary right, unless any of them is excluded by a li,~ or unless a Sharers when alone take their shares, and then the re- mainder by right of return. No return to a wife. When there is a deficiency it falls upon t hose re- lated Active participle of hujub, exclusion, for which see post, p. 270. INTRODUCTORY. 263 single one of them is entitled to the surplus by virtue of through tip i his connection with the deceased. If there is a deficiency, cease ^» a it falls upon the portion of the daughter or daughters, father. or those who are related by the lather to the deceased, and not upon those whose relationship is only through the mother. 3 As examples of the first case, or that where the shares Examples. are not in excess of the whole estate, suppose that the deceased has left both parents, and two or more daughters, — or two children of his mother, that is, half-brothers or sisters on her side, with two full sisters or two half-sisters on the father's side — or a husband with a half-sister by the father. As an example of the second case, or that where there is a surplus, suppose that the deceased has left both parents and a daughter. And as an example of the third case, or that where there is a deficiency, suppose that the heirs are both parents, a husband and two daugh- ters, — or both parents, a husband and a daughter, — or a husband or wife and two children of the mother only, with two full sisters or half-sisters on the father's side. 4 If the equal of the sharer is not himself a sharer, he A non- takes the whole of what remains after satisfying the shares ; ^^ a ' as in the case of both parents or one of them, and a son, sharer, — or a father with a husband or wife, — or a son with a wno i e SU r- husband or wife, — or a brother with a husband or wife. plus. Section Second. Impediments to Inheritance. Three im- The impediments to inheritance are three : — Infidelitv, pediments Homicide, and Slavery. 5 to inherit- J ance. By infidelity as an impediment to inheritance is to infidelity, be understood everything that excludes the believers in 3 According to the Hanifites, it is distributed among all the sharers by what is called the Awl, or increase. — See M. L. I., p. 89, and IX, p. 713. 4 Illustrations of these cases will be found post — of the first at p. 395, of the second at p. 399, and of the third at p. 396. •' According to the Hanifites, difference of religion generally, and difference of country, are impediments to inheritance. — M. L. Z,p. 21. 264 INHERITANCE. Conver- sion after the an- cestor's death re- moves the impedi- ment. Excep- tions. it from the title of Islam. And no unbeliever, whether a subject or an alien, nor an apostate from the Moohummudan faith, can inherit to a Mooslim ; but a Mooslim may inherit to an original infidel or to an apostate ; and if an infidel should die leaving several heirs who are infidels and one heir who is a Mooslim, the whole inheritance would go to the Mooslim, though he were only an emancipator or a patron by responsibility, 6 to the total exclusion of the infi- dels however near they might be by blood to the deceased. If, however, an infidel should have no heir whatever who is a Mooslim, another infidel may in that case inherit to him, provided that the deceased were an infidel by origin ; but if he were an apostate, the inheritance would devolve on the Imam upon failure of Mussulman heirs. According to one report the infidel heir would in that case also be entitled to inherit ; but the report is not considered authentic. If a believer has left only infidel heirs, they do not inherit his property, which goes to the Imam upon failure of Mussulman heirs. If, however, an infidel should embrace the faith after his ancestor's death, previous to the partition of the property, he would be entitled to participate with those who are equal to him in degree, or be preferred to the whole inheritance if nearer to the deceased than the other heirs. But if the conversion does not take place till after the partition of the estate, or if there is only one other heir (when of course no partition would be required), the conversion of the infidel is of no avail, and he has no share in the inheritance ; except that in cases where there is no other heir than the Imam, and an unbelieving heir embraces the faith, he is to be preferred to the Imam according to a report by Aboo Buseer. Some, however, have alleged that conversion only when previous to the transfer of the property to the public treasury confers a preferable title on the heir, and that after such transfer it confers no right whatever. While others, again, have denied his right in both cases, upon the ground that the Imam ought properly to be considered the same as a single See post, p. 30] , INTRODUCTORY. 2G5 heir. If the heir is a husband or wife, and there is another heir who is an infidel but embraces the faith of Islam, he is entitled to the surplus after payment of the share appointed to the husband or wife. Such at least is the prevalent opinion, but it is liable to some difficulty arising from the impossibility of making a partition in the case of the husband; and if therefore it were said that the convert participates with a widow only, and not with a husband, it would appear to be the most just decision, because in the case of the widow partition is possible as the convert has a preferable title to the Imam, whereas a husband in virtue of his reversionary right becoming entitled to the surplus, there is no room for partition in his case, — which is like that of a believing daughter and an infidel father, or a believing sister and an infidel brother. Connected with this impediment of infidelity are the four following cases : — First. If one of the parents of an infant be a believer, Construc- the construction of law is in favour of the Islam of the infant, tionof law and if one of the parents of a child, both being infidels f a child at the time of its birth, should embrace the faith during' or ! e of . „ . . whose its infancy, the rule of law is the same. If the child on parents is attaining to puberty should reject the faith, he is to be Mousl ' m . , -. . .or con- treated rigorously and accounted an apostate if he persist verted in in his rejection of it. l ts in " a • • fancy. Second. If a Christian should leave infant children, children and a brother's son and a sister's son who are believers, the of a estate must be divided between the believers, the brother's w hose ian son taking two-thirds, and the sister's son one-third, but heirs are they must maintain the children of the deceased by con- mus t ^e tributions proportionate to their respective shares. If on main- attaining to puberty the children should profess the faith them in of Islam, they have a preferable title to the inheritance, proportion according to a report of Malik Urn Ayoon\ but if they shares, make choice of infidelity, the property of the heirs is established in what they first inherited, and the children are entirely excluded. This decision, however, is not free from difficulty, because, in the first place, an infant is in the same situation as its parent in respect of infidelity; 266 INHERITANCE. Difference of sect no impedi- ment. Male apo- states who were born in the faith ac- counted dead from the date of their apostasy ; but females not so. And males not born in the faith are allowed time to repent. Homicide when in- tentional prevents succes- sion, but not when acci- dental. and secondly, because a partition of property previous to an adoption of Iddm precludes any future right to it. Third. Believers inherit to each other, though they belong to different sects ; and infidels inherit to infidels, though of different persuasions. Fourth. The property of an apostate who was by birth or parentage a believer, is to be divided amongst his heirs at the date of his apostasy ; and his wife also becomes immediately divided from him, and must observe an iddut as in the case of her husband's death, whether he is imme- diately slain or continues to live ; and he is not to be called on to repent. A woman, however, is not to be slain for her apostasy, but is to be imprisoned and scourged at the times of prayer, and her property is not to be divided until her actual death. With regard to a male apostate who was not by birth or parentage a believer, he is to be first called to repentance, and if he repent, well ; if not, he is then to be slain, but his property is not to be divided until his actual death, either naturally or by the hand of justice. The iddut of his wife, however, commences from the date of his change of religion ; and if he returns to the faith before the expiration of the iddut he has still a preferable right to her ; but if the iddut has once expired his right is gone for ever, and he has no means of retaining her. By homicide as an impediment to inheritance is to be understood that a person who has slain another wilfully and unjustly is precluded from inheriting to him ; but if the deed has been done rightfully, it is no impediment. Homicide by mistake also is no legal bar to succession, according to the most prevalent doctrine, 7 although Mofeed has, apparently with some propriety, excluded from the operation of this rule the deeut or fine to be paid in expia- tion of the deed, which the slayer is prevented from in- heriting. This impediment applies equally to the father and the child, and all others connected with the deceased, whether by consanguinity or special connection ; and if there is no other heir besides the slayer, the inheritance must go to the public treasury. 7 It is, according to the Ilanifites. — M. L. I., p. 23, and D., p. 697. INTRODUCTORY. 267 If a person should slay his father, and the parricide Child of a has a child, this child may inherit from the grandfather, ™" r ^ r should he leave no issue of his loins, for the crime of a barred father is no bar to the succession of his children ; but if cess i on ^ y the heir of the murderer be an infidel, they are both his excluded together, and the inheritance goes to the Imam, c 'rime • unless the infidel should embrace the faith, when he would unless an be entitled both to the inheritance and the quest of blood. w hen the But upon this point there are the following cases : — Imam is the heir. First. If a murdered person leave no other heir than j w ^ mmay the Imam, he may either demand retaliation, or the expia- follow the tory fine with the consent of the murderer, but he is not blood °but at liberty to forgive the offence altogether. cannot Second. The fine of blood is considered by law as the ^ on f ' property of the person slain, and is subject to the payment blood is in of his debts and legacies, whether the homicide were inten- ^ h ^ ar tional or murder, supposing the fine to be accepted, or by estate of mistake. *•£— Third. All persons connected with the deceased, whether an d may by consanguinity or special connection, may lawfully in- beinherit- herit the deeut or fine of blood, except those connected heir ex- only through the mother, with respect to whom there is a ce l 3t one , conncct(j< 1 difference of opinion. And a husband or wife does not only inherit the right of retaliation for the murdered spouse ; by * be but if the right is commuted by mutual consent for the deeut or expiatory fine, they enjoy their appointed shares of the amount. The third impediment or slavery operates with respect slavery to both the heir and the ancestor. 8 If therefore a person °P erates 11-iTi- . -, both as to should die leaving an heir who is free and another who is a the heir slave, the whole inheritance would go to the former, though and the . ° ' ° ancestor. remote, to the exclusion of the latter, though near. But if the slave heir should have a child who is free, he is not debarred from the succession by the slavery of his parent. And, further, if there are two or more heirs, one of whom is a slave at the ancestor's death but is emancipated before the partition of the property, he is entitled to participate in 8 Mowroos, literally, inherited. 2 68 INHERITANCE. the succession if equal iu degree to the others, or to take the whole alone if he is nearer to the deceased. But emancipation after partition confers no title to a share in inheritance. So, also, it is ineffectual when there is only one person who is entitled to the inheritance, and there is consequently no occasion for partition ; — in which case the slave gets nothing by his emancipation. When a When the deceased has left no other heir than a slave, slave is f.] ie s j ave i s £ fog purchased out of the estate and then the sole . L heir he is emancipated, whereupon he becomes entitled to the residue, to be pur- an( j ^-g proprietor may be compelled to dispose of him. chased out L * J x * of the es- Should the property left by the deceased be inadequate to tate and ^ Q p U1 -chase, some doctors have said that the slave must be emanci- x ' pated, and ransomed to the extent of the property, and left to work to the ° u * *^ e remam der of his price by emancipatory labour, while residue. others have maintained that he is in no respect to be ran- somed, but that the whole property goes to the Imam ; and this opinion is better supported by traditionary authority. So, also, if the deceased have left two or more heirs who are slaves, and the share of each or of one of them should fall short of his value, none is to be ransomed, but the whole estate passes to the Imam. If, however, a slave is partially emancipated, he is entitled to receive out of his share a part proportioned to the extent of his freedom, while he is debarred from a portion proportioned to the extent of his slavery. The same rule is applicable to the person from whom an inheritance is derived ; and female slaves are considered by law in the same predicament with males. Upon these points two cases arise : — Slaves to First. It is universally agreed that parents are to be somed'out ransomed out of the property of free children ; but with of pro- respect to the converse of this, or the ransom of children by their ou ^ °^ the estate left by their deceased parents, there is free chil- some doubt. The affirmative is, however, the better founded opinion. With regard to all others besides parents and children, whether they are to be ransomed or not, there is also a difference of opinion, but the negative of this proposition appears to be the more prevalent and is better founded. INTRODUCTORY. 269 8econd. An oom-i-wulud, or female slave who has borne An oom-i- a child to her master, has no claim to inherit from him. ^ gliare So, also, neither has a rnoodubbur, or person to whom free- in her clom has been granted at the proprietor's death, though } n 'i ier i_ he should happen to be in the predicament of heir to tance. his moodubbir or person who has so granted him his freedom. And in like manner with respect to a mooka- tub or person who has stipulated to pay a ransom for his liberty, whether the contract were conditional or absolute, 9 provided that no part of the ransom has been paid. As appendages to the whole subject of impediments to inheritance the following cases present themselves for consideration : — First. Lidn, or imprecation, has the effect of cutting Lidn cuts off the nusub, or descent of a child. But if the child be . succession subsequently acknowledged by the husband, the connection of a child, between him and the child is so far restored that the child can inherit from him, though he cannot inherit from the child. Second. When a person is absent from his home or The pro- country, at so great a distance as not to be known or heard P erfcv of . t • -i • -i an absent of, Ins property cannot be divided among his heirs until or missing his death is fully established, or until such a period shall P erso °- J ' L . cannot be have elapsed as to remove all probability of a person like divided him being still alive. His property may then be decreed ^ 0U S h ™ to his heirs who may be in existence at the time of the it may be decree. Some, however, have said that the division should re ^ son " ' ' ably pre- be made after the expiration of ten years, while others have sumed denied the legality of the distribution altogether, directing j™* 1S that the property should be entrusted to the keeping of an heir in opulent circumstances. But the first opinion is to be preferred, as best founded in reason and justice. Third. A foetus, or embryo in the womb, is entitled to A/cetus inherit if born alive, but if still-born it has no title to any u^.V^" 9 The distinction between the two kinds of Moolcatubut is, that in the one there is a condition that, on any failure in payment of the ransom, the mookatub shall revert to a state of absolute slavery ; and in the other, the contract contains merely the term, the ransom, and the intention. — Shuraya, p. 320. 270 INHERITANCE. produced alive. Debt ex- cludes any claim of inheri- tance until it is paid. portion ; whereas if born alive, though death should ensue immediately after its birth, its share belongs to its own heirs. If miscarriage is produced by violence, regard is to be had to any motion which may be exhibited by the child, whether it be such as cannot proceed except from a living being, or is merely a quivering 10 of the limbs, which sometimes takes place involuntarily after death, and the child is to be pronounced as having been born alive or dead accordingly. Fourth. When a person has died involved in debt to the full amount of his property, it is not to be transferred to his heir, but remains subject to the same conditions as if it still belonged to him. If the debts should not absorb the whole of his estate, so much of it as is required for the payment of his debts remains subject to the same condi- tions, while the surplus is to be transferred to his heirs. Entire or partial. Entire — the nearer excludes the more remote. Illustra- tions. Con- tinued. Section Third. Exclusion from Inheritance. Exclusion is either from the whole inheritance or from a part of one's share. With regard to the first, the rule of law is that respect is to be paid to nearness of blood to the deceased. Thus the child of a child cannot inherit with a child whether male or female, in so much that there is no inheritance for a son's son, when there is only a daughter ; whilst, when there are several children's children toge- ther, the nearer of them always excludes the more remote. Further, a child excludes all persons who are related to the deceased through his parents, or one of them, — as bro- thers and sisters and their children, grandfathers and their parents, paternal and maternal uncles and aunts and their children ; and none can participate with children in the inheritance, except the immediate parents of the deceased and a husband or wife. Upon failure of parents and children of the deceased, brothers and grandfathers succeed, a brother excluding the 10 Arab. Tukulloos. INTRODUCTORY. 271 child of a brother, and when there are several generations together, in different degrees of descent, the nearer is always preferred to the more remote. Further, brothers and sisters and their children, however remote, exclude all those who are related through grandfathers — as paternal and maternal uncles and their children — but do not exclude the parents of these grandfathers, for a grandfather, how high soever, is always a grandfather, though when there are several generations together, in different degrees of ascent, the lowest in descent, or nearest to. the deceased, is always preferred to the more remote. Uncles, paternal or maternal, and their children, how Con- low soever, exclude the paternal and maternal uncles of tinueo -- the father, and, in like manner, the children of the father's paternal or maternal uncles exclude the paternal and maternal uncles of the grandfather. Further, a person who is related to the deceased by the Full kins- father only is excluded by one who is related to him by ™ ei l ex " both father and mother, provided they are equal in class half by j j father and degree. only . Lastly, a relation by blood, however remote, excludes an but ,.-.,. . . „ , , . , , , is in itself prevalent doctrine maintains the father s right, notwitn- invalid.. standing his renunciation. The ivulud-ooz-zina, or illegitimate child, 1 has no nusub An ille- or parentage. Consequently, neither the zanee, or he who g p|?u te has unlawfully begotten, nor she who bore him, nor any of no parents their relations, can be his heir, 2 nor has he any title to ^ndhis their succession. His inheritance, therefore, is only for only heirs his own children, and on failure of them it goes to the c hndren Imam. This law, however, does not affect the rights of a and fail- husband or wife, who accordingly receive their appointed ^| imdn shares, the lowest if there be issue of the deceased, and the highest if there be none. According to one report, the mother and her relatives can inherit the property of a widud-ooz-zina in the same way as that of the child of a woman separated from her husband by lidn ; but this report is now rejected. 1 Literally, child of fornication or adultery. 2 There is a remarkable difference between the Imameea and Hanifeea codes on this point, for which see Digest, p. 411. PART II. 30G INHERITANCE. Section Second. Of a Foetus or Embryo in the Womb, and of Lost or Missing Persons. 3 Title of a A foetus inherits if brought forth alive ; so also if still- inherit 10 born m consequence of violence to its mother, or without such violence if it has shown any signs of life at the birth. But if when half-born these signs of life should appear, and totally cease before complete separation from the womb, no right of inheritance is established. In like manner, if it exhibits motions that are not indicative of life, as those of an animal just slaughtered, it has no claim to inheritance. But, on the other hand, it is reported by Rubdy, from Aboo Jdfer, 4 on whom be peace, that when an infant displays at its birth evident motion as if it were alive, it both inherits and is inherited from. And there is a report to the same effect by Aboo Buseer, from Aboo Abdoollali? on whom be peace. It is by no means a ne- cessary condition that the child should be produced alive before the death of the ancestor ; insomuch that, if born at six months from the death of its father, the right of inheritance is established ; or even if born at nine months, if its mother has not married again. In cases of When a deceased has left both his parents, or one of an exist-^ them, or a husband or wife, and also a foetus in the womb, ing all the sharers take their lowest appointed shares, and the take the residue is secured till the birth of the child ; and if born lowest dead the shares are then to be completed in full, shares. If a person deceased should leave an existing son and a foetus in the womb, the Sheikh, to whom God be merciful, has declared that only one-third is to be given to the existing son, and two-thirds must be reserved for the event of the birth, because it is probable that these may be twins ; but more than two is extremely rare, though possible. If, on the other hand, the existing 3 The first part of this section, which, in the original, is occupied with hermaphrodites and monsters, has been omitted as of little practical use. 1 The Imam Mohvmmud Bdkir. 5 The Imam Jdfer Sddik. SUCCESSION TO AN EMBRYO. 307 child be a female only, a fifth part of the estate is to be given to her, and the remaining four-fifths reserved for the event of the birth. This doctrine is good or univer- sally approved. The fine or penalty for occasioning the death of an Fine erf embryo is inherited by both its parents and relatives blood how through them jointly or through the father only, whether inherited, by descent or special cause, as emancipation or otherwise. If two persons mutually acknowledge each other as Mutual relations, thev inherit as such from each other, and are acknow- * leagnienc not obliged to prove their connection. But if generally of rela- known to be of a different numb or descent than that co ^g r g P ~ implied in their acknowledgment, their word alone cannot mutual i . n title of be received. succes . Of lost or missing persons, the property is to be sion. reserved for a term ; but with respect to the length of °f lost or • • o t 1 missing this term there are various opinions, feome doctors nave persons, prescribed four years, and this is founded on a report of the P r ?' pcrty is Asman Ben Eesa from Summit, as having been so decided no t in- by Aboo Abcloollah, on whom be peace ; but this report is heritable . • -i /-a i i until their weak or not sufficiently authenticated. Others have death is alleged that the mansion of such a person may be sold after ten years ; and this is approved by Moofeed, on the ground of a report of Alt/ Ben Muhria/r, as having been so decided by Aboo Jdfer, on whom be peace, with respect to the sale of a small part of a mansion ; but a general inference from a decision of this nature appears to be un- reasonable. And the Sheikh, to whom God be merciful, is of opinion that the property may be lawfully given up to persons who are present on their becoming responsible for it. Further, according to a report by Ishdk Ben Omar of a decision by Aboo Abdoollah, on whom be peace, the property of the absent person may be divided among his heirs when they are in opulent circumstances, to be re- stored to him if he should return. But, with regard to Ishdk, there are some doubts of his fidelity, and though his report is maintained by Suit til Ben Zeead, it is stl considered weak or insufficiently authenticated. Upon the whole, the opinion upon the point stated in the Khilaf, x 2 ascer- tained. 308 INHERITANCE. that the property of a missing person is not to be distri- buted among his heirs until such a time has elapsed that there is no probability of a person of his age being alive, is that which is preferred or most generally approved. Persons drowned or over- whelmed in ruins, if the time of the death is unknown, are heirs of each other, if connected so as to form a title to in- heritance. This rule applies only to the original property of each, not to what one has in- herited from the com- panion of his fate. Section Third. Of Persons drowned or overwhelmed in Ruins. These inherit from each other when all or some of them leave property, and they are so connected as to be heirs to each other, and that they died in such circum- stances as to render it doubtful which of them died first. If, therefore, they had no property, or if there were no mutual right of inheritance between them, or if one was heir to another without his companion being heir to him, as in the case of two brothers one of whom has left a child, in none of these cases has this law any effect ; nor further when their death is not from the same cause, nor where they are all known to have died at the same instant of time, nor where one is ascertained to have died before another. Whether, again, the application should be ex- tended to the case of dying together by any other cause than that of being drowned or overwhelmed in ruins, where a doubt prevails as to the time of the respective deaths, is a question upon which there is a difference of opinion, though the Sheikh, in his Nihayah, has expressly extended it to all cases where this doubt may prevail. Supposing all the conditions to be established, the parties dying together succeed respectively to the original property of each other, but not to that which is inherited from himself by the other, as maintained by Mofeed, because the principle of law in this case proceeds upon the supposition of a possibility, whereas making a person the heir of propertj^ inherited from himself would require him to be alive after we have supposed him to be dead, which is impossible. Moreover, there is an express tradition to the effect that " where one only of the parties has property, it goes to him who has none." As to the necessity of presuming that the person SUCCESSION AMONG PERSONS DROWNED TOGETHER. 309 having the weakest right of inheritance — that is, the smallest share — should have survived the other, there is considerable doubt. The Sheikh, in his Eejaz, has posi- tively rejected the maxim. But in reality, as observed by him in the Mubsoot, its application does not alter the effect of the law, unless we follow out the doctrine of Mofeed, in which case the effect of the preference is obvious. The opinion, however, expressed in the Eejaz, that there is no necessity in law for observing the arrange- ment, seems to be by far the best founded ; and even if the necessity for the supposition were established, it could be of no advantage to either of the parties. Thus, if a husband and wife are drowned together, Case of a we first suppose the death of the husband, and append hu ^ ban ^ to the widow her share in his estate; we then suppose the death of the wife, and append to the husband his share in her original estate ; but by no means a share in that which we suppose her to have inherited from himself. In like manner, if a father and son are drowned together, Of a father the share of the father is first assigned, and then that of anc son ' the son ; but if each should have a preferable title to the remainder of the other's estate than his other heirs, a mutual transfer, or an exchange of property takes place, and the succession of each devolves upon the heirs of the other. For example, the son leaves brothers or sisters on the mother's side only, and the father also leaves brothers, in which case the property of the son is trans- ferred to the father, and the property of the father is transferred to the son, and then what has thus become the property of each devolves upon his own heirs respec- tively. If, again, we suppose that each one of the parties has associates with him in his right of inheritance, as, for instance, when the father had other sons than the one drowned with him, and the son leaves also children of his own, the father, in this case, being first supposed the survivor, has a sixth part of the son's property added to his ; and then supposing the son to have survived, a portion of the inheritance, in common with the other children, is set apart in his name, which portion, together 310 INHERITANCE. JVvsub and subub in the case of m ujonsees may be valid and invalid. Nvsnb a good ground of inherit- ance whether valid or invalid, but suhnb so only when valid. with the remainder of his own original property, descends to his own children. Where, again, the heirs who perish together have equal rights in the succession of each other, as, for instance, two brothers, neither is supposed to have preceded the other, and the rights of both being equal, the estate of each one of them is transferred to the other: and if neither of them leaves any heir, the succession to both devolves on the Imam ; or if one of them leaves an heir, what has become his property by the transfer goes to such heir, and what has become the property of the other goes to the Imam. Section Fourth. Of the Inheritance of Mujoosees, or Fire-Worshippers, Mujoosees sometimes enter into unlawful marriages which have a semblance of right, as being permitted by their own religion. Hence arises both a valid and an invalid nusub, or consanguinity, and a valid and invalid subub, or special connection, as causes of inheritance among them. By invalid, we mean what results from a marriage that is unlawful with us but not so with them ; as, for example, when one of them marries his mother and begets a child by her, the numb of the child is invalid, and also the subub, or marriage relation between the parties themselves, is invalid. Some of our doctors have held that there is no true title of inheritance except for a valid nusub and a valid subub ; and this was the doctrine of Yoonus Ben Abdooruhman and his followers. Others, again, allow the title by a valid and invalid nusub, and by a valid subub to the exclusion of a subub that is invalid, and this was preferred by Fuzl Ben Shazan as the doctrine of the ancients on the subject. It has also been adopted by our Sheikh Mofeed, and is generally approved. The Sheikh Aboo Jdfer admitted succession by both nusub and subub, whether valid or invalid ; — and upon this supposition, if two causes of succession should meet in the same person, he or she would be entitled to inherit by virtue of both, as, for example, a mother who is also a wife SUCCESSION TO FIRE-WORSHirPERS. 311 would have both a wife's share, which is a fourth on failure of issue, and a master's, which is a third if there were none to participate with her such as a father, while the remainder would revert to her in the latter capacity ; — or a daughter who is also a wife would have a half and an eighth, while the remainder would revert to her by reason of propinquity to the deceased when there is no other heir associated with her; — or a sister who is also a wife would have a fourth and a half as her shares, with the remainder by reversionary right if there is no other heir. If two causes of succession are combined, one of which When two would have the effect of excluding the other, inheritance ^herit can only be by virtue of the excluding cause ; as for instance ance com- in the case of a daughter who is also a half-sister on the delusive mother's side and would have a half as a daughter's share of the and nothing in the other capacity, because with us a sister ^ rs ^J nly has no title to inheritance when the deceased has left a effectual, daughter, — or a daughter who is also a daughter's daughter, and would have a share in the first capacity but none in the second ; — or a paternal aunt who is also a half-sister on the father's side, and would have a share only as a sister, to the exclusion of her title as an aunt ; — or a paternal aunt who is also the daughter of such an aunt, and would have only an aunt's share. Miscellaneous Cases. First. A Mooslim has no title to inheritance for an An invalid invalid subub. So that if we were to marry a relative sububno .. ground of within the prohibited degrees, neither of them would be inherit- heir to the other, whether the prohibition is one as to which a ," ce /. or a ' , L . Mooslim. all are agreed, as for instance when a man marries his mother by fosterage, or one with regard to which there is a difference of opinion, as when he marries the mother of a woman with whom he has had illicit intercourse ; and it otherwise makes no difference whether the husband were aware of the as to , nusub, illegality or not. which is a Second. A Mooslim. however, may inherit for both a good , ' ' J > ground valid and invalid nusub ; for a semblable contract is like a whether valid one in establishing the paternity of a child. invalid 1 312 INHERITANCE. Extrac- tors are numbers by which the shares can be extracted without a fraction. CHAPTER VII. of the computation of shares. Section First. Extractors of the Six Shares, and hoiv they are to be treated when severed Persons are entitled to the same Share. By the extractor of a share we mean the smallest number by which the share which it represents can be extracted from the mass of the deceased's property without a fraction ; and for the six appointed shares there are five such numbers. Thus, a half can be extracted by the number 2 ; a fourth by 4, an eighth by 8, one-third and two-thirds by 3, and a sixth by G. So that every case that presents two halves, or one half and a remainder, is to be arranged by the number 2, and every case that presents a fourth and a half, or a fourth and a remainder, is to be arranged by the number 4. Where, again, there is an eighth with a half, or an eighth with a remainder, the arrangement is by 8 ; where one-third and two-thirds combine, or there is one of these with a remainder, the arrangement is by 3 ; where there are a sixth and a third, or a six and two-thirds, or a sixth and a remainder, it is by 6 ; where there is a half with a third, or two-thirds and a sixth, or with one of these two, it is by 6 ; but if for the half we substitute a fourth, the arrange- ment must be by 12 ; while if, in the place of the half, we put an eighth, it must be by 24. ' 1 In all cases the estate is to be divided into the number of parts indicated by the extractor. COMPUTATION OF SHARES. 313 This being premised, we have next to consider whether the number of parts into which the deceased's estate has to be divided agrees with the shares, or exceeds, or falls short of them. I. Let us suppose that the parts agree with the shares, When the and that each of the shares can be divided among the indi- ^ichan viduals entitled to it without a fraction. On this supposi- estate is tion no difficulty can arise; as, for instance, where the aoT eewith deceased has left a sister by the same father, with her the shares, And picti husband, and the estate is to be divided into two parts, or sfia re is where the survivors are two daughters and both parents, divisible or both parents and a husband, in each of which cases the fraction, division is by six, and the estate can be distributed among extractor . \ r • remains the persons entitled to it without a traction. unchang- But though the parts into which the estate is to be ed - . When the divided may agree with the shares, yet the shares may not ts be divisible among the individuals entitled to them without agree a fraction; and this may happen with one share, or with shares, but several. When there is only one share in this predica- one of tne . . P . . . , . , shares is ment, the original extractor ol the case is to be multiplied not by the number of the individuals entitled to the share, that divisible . . , . , . among the is, when there is no common measure between the indi- individu- viduals and their share. Thus, take the case of the de- a . ls , e "" titled to ceased being survived by both parents and five daughters ; it, the here the extractor is six, and the share of the daughters extr ^t°r ' ° must be four-sixths, but these cannot be divided among five without multiplied a fraction ; and there is no common measure of four and f * b g f five : the extractor is accordingly to be multiplied by the the par- whole number of the daughters, and the product (6x5 = 30) | es ' will be the new extractor of the case ; the share of each heir, as it stood before the multiplication, being now also multiplied by five, the product will be the amount that unless each is entitled to. When, again, there is only one share C o^ mo s n a that cannot be divided without a fraction among the in- measure dividuals who are entitled to it, but there is a common share^nd measure between the individuals and the share, the ex- of the tractor is to be multiplied by the measure out of the als wrien number of individuals, not out of the shares ; or, in other the latter words, the number of individuals is to be divided by the divided 314 INHERITANCE. by the measure, and the extractor multiplied by the quotient. When there is more than one share indivisible without a fraction, the same course to be follow- ed with the shares in that predica- ment. And the resulting number operated with different- ly, accord- ing as they are inootu- mathil, measure, and the extractor multiplied by the quotient. Thus, take the case of two parents and six daughters ; here, the share of the daughters being four-sixths, it cannot be divided among them without a fraction ; but there is a common measure (2) of the share (4), and the number of individuals (6) ; the extractor is accordingly to be multiplied by half of the number, or three, by which means it will be raised to eighteen, and as the shares of the parents, in the original division, were two, they are now also to be multiplied by three, by which means they will become six, while the four shares of the daughters, in the original division, being multiplied in the same way, will become twelve, giving two portions to each. "When there is more than one share that cannot be divided without a fraction among the persons who are entitled to it, there may be a common measure of all the shares that cannot be so divided, and of the individuals entitled to them, or there may be no common measure in any of the cases, or there may be a common measure in one of the cases and none in the others. In the first of these cases, the number of the person is to be reduced in correspondence with the common measure ; in the second, the numbers are to be dealt with as they stand ; in the third, the single class in which there is a common measure between their numbers and their shares is to be reduced in correspondence with the common measure, and the others to be dealt with as they stand. After all this has been done, the resulting numbers will be found to be mootumatlril (equal), or mootudakhil (one an aliquot part of the other), or mootuwafiJc (commensurable), or mootu- bayyun (prime) to each other. If they are the first or equal, it is sufficient to take one of the numbers, and multiply the original extractor by it, as, for instance, where the deceased has left two brothers by the same father and mother, and two brothers by the same mother only. Here, the extractor being three, the shares cannot be divided among the persons entitled to them without a fraction, but one only of the numbers or two is to be COMPUTATION OF SHARES. 315 taken to multiply the extractor, or three, which will thence become six, and give two parts to the brothers by the mother only, and four parts to the brothers by father and mother, to be divided among them equally. Where again the numbers are mootudakhil, or one a measure of the or moot u- other, reject the least of the numbers, and multiply the ** extractor by the greater. Thus, where the deceased has left three brothers by the same mother only, and six by the father, the estate is to be arranged into three parts ; but these cannot be divided among the parties without a fraction ; the number, however, of one of the classes is half that of the other, the numbers being mootudahhil, the extractor is accordingly to be multiplied by the higher of the numbers, or six, and will thus be raised to eighteen, by which it will be found that the estate can be arranged without a fraction. When the numbers are mootuwafik or mootu- or commensurable, you are first to multiply one of the 7Va J l » numbers by the measure of the other (that is, by the quotient of the other when divided by the measure), and then multiply the original extractor by the product. Thus, where the deceased has left four wives and six brothers, the extractor is four, but the estate cannot be so divided without a fraction ; there is, however, a measure of four and six, which is two, and you are to multiply one of them (six) by half of the other (four), and you have twelve, by which you are now to multiply the original, which is four, and you have in the result a number which will satisfy the case. If the numbers are mootubcvyyun or or moot u- prime to each other, one of them is first to be multiplied by the other, and then the original extractor by the pro- duct. Thus, when there are two brothers by the same mother only, and five by the same father, the original extractor being three, the estate cannot be divided without a fraction among the persons entitled to it, and the num- bers are neither commensurable nor one a part of the other ; one of them is accordingly to be multiplied by the other, which will give ten, and that number multiplied by the original extractor, when the product will be found to satisfy the case. 316 INHERITANCE. Difference of num- bers ex- plained. When the number of parts into which an estate is divided falls short of the shares. Numbers are either equal 2 or different, and if different, they are mootudakhil, mootuwafilc, or mootubayyun. They are mootudakhil when the smaller being subtracted once or more times from the greater, exhausts it completely, and the smaller does not exceed half the greater. If you like, you may call them mootunasib or proportional, as three to six and nine, or four to eight and twelve. They are mootuwafik when the smaller being subtracted once or oftener from the greater, the remainder is more than one ; as, for instance, ten and twelve, for when you subtract the former from the latter, the remainder is two ; and if you subtract two from ten several times, the latter is com- pletely exhausted. 3 When the remainder 4 is two, the numbers are said to agree in a half; when it is three, the agreement is by a third ; and so on up to ten. When it is eleven, you must take one part of that number to express the agreement. 5 The numbers are mootubayyun when, if you subtract the less from the greater once or oftener, the remainder is unity ; as, for instance, thirteen and twenty, for if you subtract the former from the latter, there remain seven ; and if seven from thirteen, there remain six ; and if six from seven, there remains only one. II. Let us now suppose that the number of parts into which the deceased's estate must be divided falls short of the shares to be provided for, — a case that can only happen when a husband or a wife intervenes ; as, for example, when the deceased has left both parents, two or more daughters, and a husband or wife, — or both parents, a daughter and a husband, — or one parent, two or more 2 These are what are previously described as mootumathil, which literally means similar. 3 If it be considered that, division is only a continued subtrac- tion, this rule is the same as our own for finding the greatest common measure. 4 That is, a remainder which, being subtracted from the last subtrahend, completely exhausts it. 6 The numbers in Arabic above ten are compound, as 1-10, 2-10, &c, and there is no word to express a part of them, as an eleventh, or a twelfth, Sec. COMPUTATION OF SHARES. 317 daughters and a husband. In all these cases the husband or wife takes the lowest share appointed for them respec- tively, each parent has a sixth, and a daughter or two or How the more daughters the remainder, as the extractor is never to ig e t0 be y be increased. In like manner, when there are two brothers adjusted, by the same mother only, two or more sisters by the same father and mother, or by the same father only, with a husband or wife, — or one brother or sister by the same mother only, with a sister and a husband, — in these cases the husband or wife takes the highest share appointed for them, and the deficiency falls specially on the sister or sisters by the same father and mother, or the same father only. If the estate can now be divided without a fraction, well ; if not, you must multiply the shares 6 of those whose portions will not divide among them without a fraction by the original extractor. As an example of the first case, let us suppose that the deceased has left both parents, a husband, and five daughters ; here the extrac- tor being twelve, the husband has three ot the parts, the parents four, and the remaining five, which are the daughters, are divisible among them without a fraction. As an example of the second case, let us substitute three daughters for five, when the remaining five shares will not be divisible among them without a fraction ; and here we must multiply the original extractor by three, when it will be found that the product will divide among them without a fraction. III. We have now to suppose that the number of When the shares into which the estate is to be divided exceeds the nulnber of parts into amount of the shares. When this happens,' the excess or which an surplus is to be returned to the sharers, excepting the |? •5 e i s husband and wife, the mother, when there are brothers, exceeds according to what has been already stated, and a person j^e shares, who has only one cause of inheritance when there is plus is another who has only two causes, — in which case the ^ t u ^" e master of two causes has a preferable right to the return sharers. ^^ Excep- tions. 6 Arab. Si/tam. But from the second example it would appear that it is the number of individuals that is to be multiplied. 318 INHERITANCE. Examples of the return. over the master of one. As general examples of the return, take the following cases: — 1st. Both parents and one daughter : here, if there are no brothers, the return is in fifths ; but if there are brothers, it is in fourths, and the original extractor of the case is to be multiplied by the extractor of the return. 7 2nd. One parent and two or more daughters : here the surplus reverts by fifths, and the original extractor is to be multiplied by five. 3rd. One brother or sister by the mother only, with a sister by the same father only : when the return is in fourths, according to the most authentic report. 4th. Two brothers or sisters by the same mother only, with a sister by the father: when the return is in fifths, and the original extractor is to be multiplied by five, when it will be found that the product will dispose of the case without a fraction. Section Second. When one of the heirs dies before partition, his portion to be separated from the general mass ; Of Moonasulihat, or Vested Interests. By this we understand that a man has died, and that before a partition has been made of his estate one of his heirs has died also, so that two partitions are to be made of one original estate. The way to dispose of this case is to arrange the first estate, and take a portion out of it for the second, then if the heirs of the second deceased are the heirs of the first, without any difference in the parti- tion, there is, in fact, but one estate to divide; as, for instance, when the deceased has left three brothers and three sisters, all related on the same side, and one of the brothers dies, then another, after which one of the sisters dies, and then another, leaving one brother and one sister surviving, among whom the property of the original 7 From the author's extreme brevity it is difficult to follow him ; but this, I believe, is his meaning: — The return being a fifth, its extractor must be 5 ; and the original extractor (6) multiplied by it becomes -'iO, which being divisible into fifths, gives 2-5ths, or 12, to the parents, and 3-5ths, or 18, to the daughter. COMPUTATION OF SHARES. 319 deceased is to be divided in thirds. But if there is any and if it difference in the right or in the heirs, or in both right and ^^out a heirs, then it must be considered whether the portion of fraction the deceased heir will divide among his own heirs without own^feirs* a fraction, and if so, nothing further is necessary ; as if a nothing person should die leaving a widow, a father, and a daughter, necesS ary. and the widow's share being an eighth is three parts out of twenty-four, but she dies leaving a son and a daughter, when her share is obviously divisible without a fraction. If the share ascribed to the second deceased cannot be If it can- divided among his own heirs without a fraction, the case j — j 6 / o divided, presents two aspects : — First. If there is a common measure of the portion but there is a of the second deceased out of the first estate, and of the ' _ t common number of parcels into which the second is to be divided, measure w r e multiply a portion of this latter number correspond- a ndthe ing to the measure (that is its quotient when divided by persons the measure) by the whole number of parcels into which quotient the first estate was divided, and the product will arrange of the both estates. Thus, if the deceased should have left two divided bv brothers by the same mother, and also two by the same the mea- father, with a husband, and the husband dies leaving a multiplied son and two daughters : here the original extractor, which bv tlie is 6, must be raised to 12, on account of the fraction (as T11 ' ' ' v Illustra- one-sixth, the share of the two brothers by the mother, tion. cannot otherwise be divided among them), and the hus- band's share being a half of these twelve parts, or 6, is plainly indivisible, without a fraction, into four parts (as required for the distribution of his estate) ; but there is a common measure of 6 and 4, which is 2, and the part of four corresponding to it, or a half, that is 2, is accordingly to be taken, and the original extractor (12) to be multi- plied by it, when the product (21) will be found to satisfy the whole case, and each person who had anything in the first estate will now have that share also multiplied by two. 8eco7id. When there is no common measure of the If there is portion of the second deceased out of the first estate no com " -, if i • • mon lrie a- and the number of parcels into which his own must be sure, the divided, then the whole number of the parcels is to be f xtractor 1 to be mul- 320 INHERITANCE. tiplied by the whole number of persons entitled to the second estate. Illustra- tion. Similar course to be adopt- ed when two or more heirs die before partition as in the case of taken, and the original extractor multiplied by it, and every one who had anything in the first estate is to take his portion multiplied by the same number also. Thus, when the deceased has left a husband, two brothers or sisters by the same mother, and a brother by the same father, and the husband has then died, leaving two sons and a daughter, the original estate being divisible into six parts, three of them, which is the husband's share, cannot be divided without a fraction into five parts ; and there is no common measure between three and five, three is accordingly to be multiplied by five, and the product will satisfy both estates. When the moonasuJxhat presents more than two estates, that is, when more than one of the heirs has died before partition of the first estate, you are to proceed, with respect to the third in reference to the two first estates, in the same way as you proceeded with one of them in respect of the other. And so on, if we suppose that there has been a fourth death or more. Section Third. How to ascertain an Heirs Portion of the Twrkah or Deceased's Estate. Several methods have been devised for this purpose, of which the following is the simplest : — Set aside for the heir so much of the assets of the estate as may be proportionate to his part in the Fureezut, or number into which the whole must be divided to give each heir his portion without a fraction. With this view you may either divide the amount of assets by the fureezut, and multiply the quotient, or result of the division, by the number in the fureezut allotted to the heir, or you may multiply the assets by the heir's allotment, and divide the product by the fureezut, when the result will be the same. 8 8 Thus, if the assets are 24 deenars, the fureezut 12, and the heir's allotment a fourth, or 8-12ths, you either divide 24 by 12, and multiply the quotient (2) by 3; or multiply 24 by 3, and divide the product (72) by 12, when the result is in either case 6 deenars, as the heir's allotment. COMPUTATION OF SHARES. 321 So far when the assets are a whole number. Now suppose that there is a fraction above the whole number, as for instance so many deenars and two-thirds of a deenar. Here you are first to multiply the whole number by the denominator of the fraction, and add its numerator to the product ; you are then to proceed with the sum thus obtained in the same way as you have been directed to do in the first instance. When you have thus arrived at the heir's portion, you are to divide the amount by the denominator of the fraction, as by two if the fraction were a half, three if it were a third, and so on. If there is a remainder which does not amount to a deenar, you are to expand the remainder by reducing it to kerats, and then to divide the product. If there is a remainder which does not amount to a kerat, you are to expand it in like manner by a reduction to hoobbas, dividing the product as before, and so on to aroozz and jooza as far as may be necessary. 9 To prove the work you are to add all the portions of the different heirs together, and if they make the exact sum of the assets the work is right ; if not, there is an error some- where. 9 There is some obscurity in this case, but it may be illustrated thus : Taking the assets at 24 and 2 thirds, and substituting for deenars, pounds sterling, the subdivisions of which are more familiar, we have first 24 x 3 + 2 = 74 ; then 74 x 3-^12 = 18, with a remainder of 6-12ths, which is the portion of the heir as exhibited in thirds, and being divided by 3 gives 6 and 2-12ths ; now reducing 2-12ths of a pound to shillings and pence, we have 6/. 3s. Ad. as the heir's one-fourth share of 24 2-3rds of a pound, or 24/. 13s. Ad. PAKT II. ( 323 ) BOOK VIII. 1 INHERITANCE. INTRODUCTION. The causes which operate in law a title to succession are Grounds three, as prescribed by our holy religion : first, nusub or of inheiifc - i • i p • i ance, consanguinity : that is, the connection ot one person with three. another by any of the ties of blood or descent established by birth ; second, subub or affinity : that is, the connection of one of two persons with the other, produced by marriage which is established betwixt them by contract ; and third, ivula, dominion or patronage : 2 that is, the connection of one with another by manumission, or other legal cause to be hereafter explained, not however produced either by birth or marriage. Of Inheritance by Consanguinity. Under the first title are comprehended several classes The right or series, each of which, in the order here described, enjoys of . c ° nsan - . . . . gumity a preference in succession over that which follows it, to the involves utter exclusion of the latter : and thus, whilst of the first j? r f. e , ' ' , distinct class a single member, whether male or female, exists, classes of there is no title of inheritance in the second ; and the s- same of the second with respect to the third. 1 This additional book on Inheritance is from a manuscript by the late Lieutenant-Colonel John Baillie, who translated the first volume of the Du/est of Imameea Lcnc, compiled under the superintendence of Sir William Jones, and it is believed, for the reasons mentioned in the Introduction, to be a translation of a further part of that digest. 2 Included by the Shuraija under Subub. — Ante, p. 261. — Ed. y 2 124 INHERITANCE. Class first, immediate parents and children how low soever. Parents inherit with children how low soever, but grand- children are ex- cluded by children, and great- grand- children by the former Any indi- vidual of this class excludes the two following, as grand- fathers, brothers, and uncles. The first class in- volves two descrip- tions : the deceased's root, and his off- spring. Of whom neither excludes the other from succes- sion, be- cause proximity of degree can only operate In the first class are included by law the father and mother, or immediate parents only, of the deceased, with- out extending to more remote ancestors, and his children, extending to the lowest, as grandchildren, great-grand- children, and so on, however remote in descent, with this proviso, that of these the nearer always excludes from succession one more remote in degree. Thus the father and mother of a person deceased inherit with his children, his children's children, and his children's children's chil- dren, and so on ; whereas grandchildren do not inherit with the immediate offspring of the deceased, nor do great- grandchildren with the latter ; but, on the contrary, each degree of posterity totally excludes that more remote from any title to succession. Further, no member of the two following classes can inherit, whilst any individual, even a female of this series, exists, and however remote in descent such female may be. Thus, a grandfather of the deceased cannot inherit with any one of the immediate parents, nor of the children how low soever; and in like manner a bro- ther of the deceased is completely excluded by the existence of any member of this series ; as are also all uncles both paternal and maternal, whom we shall hereafter describe as being placed in the third series of consanguineous heirs. The first class, as may have been observed, comprehends two descriptions, viz., first, the root of the deceased, which is limited in number, as including only the immediate parents, whose place in succession with children cannot be supplied by ancestors more remote ; and second, the branch or offspring of the deceased, which is unlimited in number and degree, as comprehending children and children's children however remote in descent, observing always the rule of precedence by proximity in degree, and thus supplying the place of each step in event of failure, by the next thereto in descent. It is further to be observed of these two descriptions, that no member, even the nearest one, as a father, for example, of the deceased, can exclude from succession the most remote of the other as a great-grandchild ; but, on the contrary, this exclusion by proximity of degree takes effect HEIRS BY CONSANGUINITY. 325 only where the heirs are of one and the same description, exclusion like a son, for instance, or a daughter of the deceased, who heirs are 6 necessarily excludes a grandchild from inheritance. of one These principles of law are established as well by t jo^ rip " unanimous consent of most of our doctors as by express p r00 f by traditions of the two holy Imams, 3 on whom be peace, tradition reported by Zuraru in these words : " Not one of the foregoing creation of God can inherit with a child of the deceased, principles, except the immediate parents and the husband, or wife ; should there be no immediate children, grandchildren, whether male or female, supply their place in succession : those from a son inheriting the share of a son, and those of a daughter taking her portion of the inheritance ; and be these ever so remote in descent, whether two or three generations, or more, still they inherit the portion of immediate offspring, and exclude from succession every description of heirs that a child begotten by the deceased would have excluded if in existence." Further, by a report of BooliGyr from the Imam Mohummud Bdkir, on whom be peace, in these words, '*' no brother or sister even by the full blood, and no brother or sister by the father's or by the mother's side, can take any part of the inheritance with the father of the deceased." Likewise by a decision of the same Imam, quoted by Aboo Baseer in the case of a person who died, leaving his father, paternal uncle and grand- father, to this effect : " The succession rests solely with the father, and neither uncle nor grandfather can inherit any part thereof." Also by a tradition of this holy Imam, recorded by Yuzeed Kunsaij in these words : " Your son is preferred in succession to your grandson, and your grandson excludes your brother." To the same effect are a grand- various other reports generally known, in some of which, motner however, a species of exception from the foregoing rules in inherit a favour of a grandmother only, 4 although not positively ®! xth with enjoined, would appear strongly recommended, viz. that immediate 3 Mohummud Bakir, the fifth Imam, and his son Jafer Sadik, or the Just. 4 According to the Shuraya the benefit of the exception extends to the grandfather also. — Ante, p. 279. — Ed. 326 INHERITANCE. parents, which is recom- mended as a gratuity. But not in virtue of a legal title. Class second, remote ancestors and brothers and sisters. Grand- fathers exclude great- grand- fathers, as do brothers and sisters nephews and nieces, by reason of prox- imity of degree. Two separate descrip- tions : in each of which the heirs are preferred by prox- imity, but not in both promiscu- ously. she shall receive a sixth part of the inheritance in cases where, from failure of children, the portion of the immediate parent, her child, whether father or mother, is increased ; this, however, is to be understood as a gratuitous subsis- tence, and by no means in virtue of a legal title to suc- cession, from which, as we have already seen, all more remote ancestors are entirely excluded by the existence of an immediate parent. The second class of consanguineous heirs comprehends grandfathers and grandmothers of the deceased, how high soever in degree of ancestry, and brothers and sisters and their children however remote in descent, the nearest always excluding one more removed ; — thus, a grandfather's father cannot inherit with a grandfather or grandmother, and even a brother's son has no title with a brother or sister of the deceased ; a brother's grandson is excluded by a brother's or by a sister's son ; and, in short, the arrange- ment respecting children and children's children of the deceased, formerly explained, has a similar influence exactly over members of this class ; of which, further, no individual can possibly inherit whilst any member, even a female of the first series, exists. This second class likewise involves two separate de- scriptions of heirs : one comprehending all grandfathers and grandmothers of the deceased, how high soever in the line of ancestry, with application of the rule of precedence by proximity, to the nearer first and then the more remote ; and the other including all brothers and sisters and their children, how low soever, always observing the same rule. To each of these descriptions there belong unlimited degrees of ascent and descent — thus, the degree of grandfathers and grandmothers is nearer to the deceased, and necessarily excludes that of their parents, and the degree in like manner of brothers and sisters nearer than that of their children ; but no member of one description, even the nearest in de- gree, can exclude even the most remote of the other from inheritance, because exclusion by proximity can only take effect amongst heirs that are of one and the same descrip- tion, in the same manner as a child of the deceased, even HEIRS BY CONSANGUINITY. 327 the most remote in descent, is not excluded by the exist- ence of both father and mother, or any one of them. For example, a grandfather of the deceased, however near, in- herits with the immediate offspring of a brother or sister, and their children's children how low soever ; but does by no means exclude them from succession ; and in like manner a brother or sister of the deceased may be associated with a great-grandfather or grandmother however remote in as- cent. Upon this principle, if a brother dying should leave his brother, his grandfather's grandfather, and a brother's or sister's son, the inheritance would be divided betwixt his brother and grandfather's grandfather, and no part thereof would fall to the nephew who is excluded in this example by a nearer in degree of the same description. Upon the same principle, were the deceased to leave a brother's or sister's son, his grandfather and a grandfather's father, the property would in the case be divided betwixt the two former, and no part whatever thereof could be claimed by the great-grandfather, he being, in this example, excluded by one nearer in degree of the same description of heirs. 'Further, whilst any individual, whether male or female, Any in- in whatever degree or description of this series, exists, Jj id | no member of the third or following class can have any excludes title to inheritance. f\ the . following. These principles regarding the second class of heirs by Tradi- consanguinity are established not only by what has been tional already stated in treating of the first, and by the general assent of our doctors, but also by a judgment of the Imam Jdfer Sddik, on whom be peace, reported by Humza Elm Humrdu in the following words : "I inquired respecting Kulalut or distant kindred : he replied, ' These inherit only upon failure of children and parents' " — likewise by a report of Ismdiil Jdfy in these words : " I heard the Imam Mohummud Bdkir, on whom be peace, declare, that a grandfather divided the inheritance with brothers of the deceased, (that is, inherits with them,) be their number what it may, even to an hundred thousand." Further by what is related of the Imam Jdfer Sddik, on whom be peace, by Ahdn Ebn Tughlib, in these words : " I asked 328 INHERITANCE. regarding a brother's son and a grandfather ; he answered, ' They divide the inheritance by halves.' " Again, by a decision of the same Imam, in the case of a person who left his daughter, and a sister by the same father and mother, viz., " that the whole property descends to his daughter, and the sister inherits no part thereof." By another, in a case where the deceased had left a daughter's daughter and his brother, to this effect, " the succession is to the nearest of kin, viz. the grandchild only," and by a third, when the Imam was interrogated respecting an uncle's son, and a grandfather, he replied, " the whole property goes to the grandfather alone." To the same effect are various other authentic traditions generally known, which demonstrate the association of grandfathers with brothers in the right of succession, com- prehending as well the most remote as the nearest in degree, with application always of the rule of precedence by proximity in each, as laid down by express traditions, which, whilst they require a preference to the nearest grandfather in exclusion of one more remote, leave the common right of succession in this description with that of brothers perfectly established. Nor does it by any means affect this principle of law whether a brother's son, for example, of the deceased, be in a more remote degree than that of the grandfather in ancestry or otherwise, because proximity of degree can only have effect where the heirs are of one description, that is, in the same relation to the deceased, and by no means where their relation is different, which is indeed clearly proved by the traditional report of Abdn, formerly quoted, directing an equal distribution of inheritance by halves in the exact example before us of a brother's son and a grandfather. Class Under the third class of consanguineous heirs are com- third, prehended brothers of the deceased's father, brothers of uncles ana . aunts and the mother, and the sisters of both ; commonly known t ! 1 ?, 1 ^ bv the characteristic appellation of paternal and maternal children J l r , * • how low uncles and aunts ; and upon failure of these, their children soever. anc j Q^i^en'g children, and so on, the nearest in descent always excluding one more remote. Thus, the son of a HEIRS BY CONSANGUINITY. 329 paternal uncle does not inherit with a paternal uncle or aunt ; and in like manner the son of a maternal uncle is excluded by a maternal uncle or aunt. This class, it may be observed, involves only one All form- general description of heirs, because their title to succes- ge f, era i sion is derived from one general relation to the deceased, descrip- viz. that of brotherhood or sisterhood to his parents, for brothers and sisters we have already seen to be included in one description of the second series ; and consequently all persons connected by this tie must also be considered in one and the same description, which, however, like the former unlimited, possesses numberless degrees of proximity and distance that are necessarily referred to in settling the succession. Thus, a paternal uncle or aunt is obviously nearer in degree to the deceased than the son of a paternal or maternal uncle, and an uncle or aunt by the mother's side, nearer than the son of a paternal or maternal uncle Without or aunt. It follows, therefore, that with a maternal uncle t jQ n mc " only of the deceased, or with a single maternal aunt, not betwixt one of their children, nor the children of a paternal uncle ancTma^er- or aunt, can have any title to inheritance ; and by the same nal, but rule, if a paternal uncle or aunt of the deceased exist, no c \ n ^ es the part of the succession can go to their children, or to those descend- of a maternal uncle or aunt. In short, the rule of preference t h e ther in succession by proximity of degree has an uniform in- as well as fluence over this description of heirs, their children and children's children ad infinitum, with one only exception, With one which the ereneral assent of all our doctors has ratified and exception ° _ in favour confirmed, viz. that the son of a paternal full uncle 5 ex- of the son eludes a paternal half uncle only of the deceased, and takes ° , , the whole inheritance preferably to the latter^ although excludes a nearer in degree, if the succession should be limited to , a " l ! nc e o ' from m- these two ; and it is in virtue of this exception that, had heritance. the Prophet of God, on whom and his posterity be blessing and peace, left no issue at the period of his dissolution, his whole succession must by law have devolved on the 5 That is, the son of an uncle who was full brother to the deceased's father by the same father and mother. 330 INHERITANCE. Proof by- traditions of the general rule. Commander of the Faithful Alt/, on whom be the blessing of God, in preference and complete exclusion of Abhass ; for Aboo Tdlib was the full brother of Abdoolla, both by- father's and mother's side, and consequently his son, the Commander of the Faithful, although more remote in degree, must have excluded Abbass, half-uncle of the Prophet, as being brother to Abdoolla by the father's side only. The general principles of law first described regarding this third class of consanguineous heirs are established in part by the reports and traditions formerly quoted, and further by a judgment of the Imam Jdf&r Sddik, recorded by Aboo Buseer, in the case of a person who dying had left an aunt by the father's side, and also a maternal aunt, to this effect: "Two-thirds of the succession to the deceased's paternal aunt, and one-third to his aunt by the mother's side." Likewise by a tradition of the same Imam quoted by Aboo Buseer in these words : " A maternal uncle and aunt may inherit the whole property of a person deceased, if there be none other nearer in degree, as Almighty God hath declared ' Relatives by blood are preferred in succession some of them to others.' " Further by a decision of the Imam Mohummud Bdki/r, on whom be peace, recorded by Iloosein Ebn Hufcum, in the case of a person who dying had left two maternal uncles and his master, by whom he was emancipated, upon which the Imam decreed, applying the sacred text " Relatives by blood are preferred," " that the property is between the two uncles." Also by a report of Ebn Mohurez to this effect, " that he put the case of a paternal uncle's son and maternal aunt to the Imam Jdfer Sddik, on whom be peace,, and was answered, 'The property goes all to the aunt.' " Likewise the case of a paternal uncle's son with a maternal uncle, which was decided " The whole inherit- ance to the uncle." Farther, the case of a paternal uncle's son with the son of a maternal aunt, which was answered in the words of the Koran, "To the male the share of two females." And, lastly, by the same Imam, in the case of a paternal uncle and aunt, in confirmation of the foregoing principles, we have the following decision : "To HEIRS BY CONSANGUINITY. 331 the uncle two-thirds of the inheritance and one-third to the aunt." To the same effect are many other authentic traditions Proof of generally known, and with respect to the particular excep- tion exce P" tion above described, in addition to the unanimous assent of all our doctors, it is established by an express tradition of the Imam Jdfer Sddik, on whom be peace, recorded by Hoosein Elm Amaru in these words. " The Imam, on whom be peace, put this question to me : ' Who is preferred in succession to a jDerson deceased, the son of a paternal full uncle, or his paternal uncle by the same father only ? ' I replied that I had heard a tradition from the Commander of the Faithful to this effect : ' The sons of paternal full uncles are preferred to kinsmen by the father's side only.' He observed, ' You have explained it in a clear and obvious manner. Verily, Abdoolla, father to the Prophet of God, was full brother of Aboo Tdlib by the same father and mother, whence the Commander of the Faithful, as son of Aboo Tdlib, had no issue of the Prophet remained, would have excluded Abbass, his uncle by the same father only, from inheritance.' " And hereupon a question has arisen whether the This exception is by law restricted to the particular instance exce P t i° r ^ . " l restricted before us without application to any other, or may be also to the leafaliy extended to all similar cases. The most common P articular ° J case and prevalent doctrine has restricted its influence to this described. particular case alone, and the author of the Shuraya has expressly declared that if with these two persons, viz., the son of a paternal full uncle and a paternal uncle of the half blood, any other heir, even a maternal uncle, should exist, the decision of law would be completely altered, and the title of the uncle's son entirely cut off. Upon failure of the various degrees already mentioned On failure of this third class, viz. paternal and maternal uncles and JL^^g aunts and their children, however remote in descent, the the inheritance of a person deceased falls by law to the paternal goesTcT 011 and maternal uncles and aunts of his father and mother, grand- and after them to their children's children how low soever, !L. an( j_ observing always the rule of precedence by proximity and aunts and their 332 INHERITANCE. descend- arrangement conformable thereto, already so often described. ants These may be denominated the second step of this third the second series of consanguineous heirs, and if of them no individual ff"? p of . should exist, the inheritance reverts to paternal and maternal this series; ' r after uncles and aunts of the deceased's grandfather and grand- whom are j^q^qj, a ft er whom to their children and children's chil- the great- ' grand- dren, how low soever, observing the rule of precedence by auntf and proximity as above. These form the third step of this forming series ; and upon entire failure of them the uncles and steo of aunts of a great-grandfather and grandmother succeed to this series; the deceased; after whom their children and children's upon children, and so on. These latter constitute the fourth failure of & ^ e ^ f ^ e ger i es . an ^ ? upon the same principle, we may great- suppose a further progression, ad infinitum, which principle f r f, nd " of law is fully established by the preference expressed in uncles and the sacred text to " relations by blood, and by the universal aunts maxim of inheritance which places " every zoo rult/um, or succeed, _ . . forming distant kinsman, in the exact situation of that person nearer to the deceased, through whom his relation is derived." Full This leads us to describe the following three general relations, ru ] es respecting succession, to which it is particularly neces- male or sary that attention should be paid. The first of these is female, ^^ ever y p erson related to the deceased by both sides, those by viz., the father's and mother's, in any degree of consan- f th r's guinity, excludes from inheritance a person in the same side from degree by the father's side only, and this whether a male o^ r ;f";„ or female* the latter being deprived of every title to sue- hucg ir in * o j. •/ the same cession. Thus, a brother, for example, or a sister of degree, ^ e deceased by the same father and mother, excludes a an d b brother or sister being in the same degree by the same sisters, father only. The same principle likewise applies to paternal uncles and aunts of the deceased, and also to maternal uncles and aunts, provided they are in one and the same degree of propinquity. Thus the son of a brother by the same father and mother does not exclude a brother by the same father only, because those degrees of relation- ship are different ; whereas the son of this latter, as in the same degree, would be entirely excluded by the former. the fourth step uncles and aunts, GENERAL RULES OF SUCCESSION. 333 A paternal uncle, again, related by both sides, meaning paternal thereby a brother of the deceased's father, by the same father and mother, does not exclude a brother of the de- ceased by the same father only, nor even the son of such brother ; but certainly excludes an uncle by the same father only. Further, the son of a full paternal uncle does not exclude an uncle, whether paternal or maternal, by the father's side only, except in the particular case formerly quoted, on which all our doctors are agreed ; but would, of necessity, exclude the son of such uncle, as being in the same degree. If, for example, therefore, a person dying should leave a brother by the same father only, and a sister by the same father and mother, the brother could in this case take no part of the inheritance, which would descend entirely to the sister ; and this rule universally applies not only to all brothers and sisters with regard to each other, and to their children in like manner, but also to all paternal uncles and aunts with respect to each other, and to their descendants ; and likewise to all maternal maternal uncles and aunts, and to their children, how low soever. uncles and It does not, however, we observe, apply to paternal uncles and aunts, with regard to those on the mother's promise^ side, promiscuously, although these are all, as already ously , observed, included in one description of the same class or both the series. Their general relation to the deceased, it is true, as derived through one medium, viz., brotherhood with his father and mother, would appear to require the general application of this rule without distinction to them all, in the same manner as it applies to all those related by brotherhood with the deceased himself; for of the latter a full brother excludes entirely a sister by the same father only, and vice versa, as has already been stated. This objection, however, is removed when we consider that the relation of paternal and maternal uncles and aunts being derived through the father and mother, or roots of the deceased, betwixt whom, though equal in degree, no ex- clusion can take place, their shares or ranks in succes- sion being separate and distinct, it follows that these uncles and aunts, related through them respectively, must latter. 334 INHERITANCE. have likewise separate and distinct ranks in succession ; and hence the rule of exclusion cannot operate promis- cuously, notwithstanding their equality in degree. It is therefore established by unanimous assent that a paternal uncle or aunt of the deceased, being of the full blood in manner above alluded to, does not exclude from in- heritance a maternal uncle or aunt of the half-blood only, but certainly excludes another paternal uncle or aunt of this latter description. In like manner, a maternal uncle or aunt, who is full brother or sister to the mother of the deceased, does not exclude a paternal uncle or aunt of the half-blood only, but would certainly exclude another maternal uncle or aunt who bore only this imperfect relation. For example, if a person dying should leave a paternal half-uncle and a maternal full aunt, no exclusion here taking place, the former would inherit two-thirds of the property, and one-third thereof would descend to the latter. Again, if he should leave a maternal half-uncle and a paternal full aunt, the division of inheritance would be guided by the same rule, viz. to the former one-third, as deriving his title from the mother, and two-thirds to the latter ; for it is reported by Ahoo Ayoob, from the Imam Jdfer Sddik, on whom be peace, to be written in the book of Alt/, on whom be blessing and peace, " That a paternal aunt is by law in the exact situation of a father ; a maternal aunt in that of a mother ; and, in general, every distant kinsman in the situation of that relation more near through whom his title is derived." Proof by The principle of exclusion by double tie or full blood relationship is established by the following tradition of the Imam Jdfer 8ddik, recorded by Ynzeed Kunasy in these words : " Your full brother by the same father and mother is preferred to your half-brother by the same father only ; and also the son of your full brother is pre- ferred to the son of your half-brother only ; your paternal uncle, the full brother of your father, to your paternal uncle his brother by the same father only ; and the son of such paternal full uncle to the children of a paternal half- traditions. kinsmen exclude residue. GENERAL RULES OF SUCCESSION. 335 uncle only." Likewise, by a tradition of the Commander of the Faithful, quoted by Earns in these words : " Surely kinsmen by the same father and mother shall inherit in preference to kinsmen by the same father only." The second general rule regarding inheritance to be Full described is, " That every person related to the deceased by both sides, viz. the father's and mother's in any degree those by of consanguinity, excludes a person having the same rela- *J* e mo " tion by the mother's side only from all title to the residue from the or surplus of an estate after distribution of the shares, but not from his appointed share of inheritaDce, provided they are both in the same degree ; " for a paternal uncle having this full relation does not exclude a sister of the deceased by the same mother only, either from her residuary title or her appointed share, by reason of their disparity in de- gree. As an example of this general rule, if we suppose the case of two sisters of a person deceased, one his full sister by both parents, and the other his half sister by the mother only, the appointed share of the former being a half, and of the latter a sixth as one, or a third in the event of plurality, which leave a surplus of a third in the first case, and a sixth of the estate in the latter, this surplus or residuum would go exclusively to the full sister, in addition to her share, and no part thereof to the other. Again, if we suppose two brothers of the deceased, one by the same father and mother, and the second by the same mother only, the latter, as one in this case, receives only a sixth, or a third, in the event of plurality, viz. his ap- pointed share of inheritance, and all the residue thereof goes to the full brother. The rule is exactly the same with respect to children of brothers and sisters, and to paternal and maternal uncles and aunts and their de- scendants in the order so often adverted to. Such, at least, is the most common and prevalent doc- trine amongst our lawyers, of whom many have asserted its confirmation by general assent, seeing that the deficiency or loss by defalcation of an estate, howsoever occasioned, must invariably affect the relation by both sides ; and con- sequently the surplus or residuum after the distribution of 336 INHERITANCE. the appointed shares should in justice be applied to com- pensate their loss. For example, if we suppose, together with a full sister and one by the mother only, a husband also, or a widow of the deceased, to exist, the full sister can only receive what remains of the estate after distribution of the appointed shares to the other two ; and thus, as the husband, for example, is entitled to one-half of the whole property, and the sister, by the mother's side, to a sixth, there remains only a third for the full sister, who conse- quently, in this example, suffers a deficiency of one-sixth in her appointed share of succession. There is, besides, an express tradition of the Commander of the Faithful, upon whom be peace, in confirmation of this rule recorded by Aboo Omar al Abdy, in these words : " Brothers or sisters by the mother can never inherit more than a third, nor can their share be less than a sixth." As do also It is further to be remarked that a person related by * latedbv ^ ne Cher's side only supplies the place of a full kinsman the upon failure of the latter in all cases, and therefore excludes skle 6r S those related by the mother's side from all residuary title, in like manner as the former. This is agreeable to the doctrine of SudooJc and most of our lawyers, because the full kinsman and he by the father's side only, on failure of the former, suffering alike the loss or deficiency, they ought in justice to have a similar exclusive title to the residuum or surplus. Besides, there is a positive judgment to this effect of the Imam Mohummud Bdkir, on whom be peace, quoted by Mohummud Elm Mooslim, in these words : "I inquired respecting the son of a sister by the father's side, with the son of a sister by the same mother only. He replied, 'To the latter a sixth, and all that remains to the former.' " A person The third general maxim alluded to is, " That every having person having two different relations to the deceased of a tions does nature whereof one impedes not the other, does not exclude notex ,". a person having only one relation, provided it be in the elude him having same degree ; but the former receives two portions of one,_but inheritance in virtue of his double title, and the latter receives a . }J twofold has only oue portion in virtue of his single relation. GENERAL RULES OF SUCCESSION. 337 This principle is ratified by unanimous assent without portion of any difference of opinion, because exclusion from inherit- ance ance is founded by law on the disparity of degrees in pro- pinquity and distance, and by no means on the unity or plurality of relationship. If, therefore, a person deceased should leave one maternal uncle, and a paternal uncle who is also uncle by the mother's side, the maternal uncle would receive first a third of the inheritance, the paternal uncle as such alone would inherit two-thirds ; and further, in virtue of his relation by the mother's side, would be entitled to half the portion first allotted to the maternal uncle ; in reality the latter's portion would be only one-sixth of the estate, and five-sixths thereof would go to the former, in the same manner as if the deceased had left one paternal uncle and two uncles by the mother's side, because each of the sides by which the first is related founds equally a title to succession, as is clearly proved by the absolute terms in which the various traditional documents to this effect are conveyed. To illustrate the possibility of these two relations Example being combined in one person, let us suppose that Zuyd, of tl ^. for example, marries Tulha, who is half-sister to his half- nation, brother, either by the father's or mother's side, but in such manner as that no relation subsists between the spouses: that Zuyd has a son by a former wife, and Tulha has had a daughter by a former husband ; these two in- termarry, and have a son named Omur; Zuyd also has a son by his wife Tulha, whom we shall call BuJcur. Now this Biikur is consequently paternal uncle to Omur, being the half-brother of his father, whilst he is also maternal uncle, being half-brother by the mother's side of his mother. But a more simple and obvious example occurs in supposing any person whom we shall name Zuyd to have a half-brother by the father's side, and a half-sister by the mother's, and these two to intermarry, in which event Zuyd is manifestly both paternal and maternal uncle to all the offspring of that marriage. PART II. Z 338 INHERITANCE. Marriage. A husband and wife univer- sally re- ceive a fixed share of inherit- ance from which no heir can exclude them : the former a half or a fourth, and the latter a fourth or an eighth Of Inheritance by Affinity. The second cause which operates in law a title to succession is affinity or marriage, by virtue of which a surviving husband and wife enjoy respectively a definite and fixed share of the deceased spouse's inheritance, nor can either be excluded from that share by any heir what- soever; but, on the contrary, they are associated and inherit with every class and description of heirs, whether by consanguinity or patronage, and this by unanimous assent, agreeable to the word of Almighty God : " And for you is the half of what your wives shall leave if they have no issue ; but if they have issue, then ye shall have a fourth part of what they leave after the legacies they may bequeath and payment of their debts. They also shall inherit the fourth of what ye shall leave in case ye have no issue ; but if ye have issue, then they shall receive an eighth part of your inheritance, after the legacies ye may bequeath and payment of your debts." Further, there is a tradition of the Imam Mohummud Bdkir, upon whom be peace, quoted by Aboo Midzd in these words : " Verily, Almighty God hath included a husband and wife amongst every description of heirs, and their shares of inheritance can, therefore, never be less than a fourth and an eighth of the property." Another tradition of the same Imam is reported by Mohummud Elm Mooslim in these words: "A husband can never receive less than a half, if there be no issue, nor can the share of a wife be less than a fourth, if there be no issue ; but if there should be issue, the husband in this case takes a fourth, and the share of a widow in this event is an eighth of the property." To the same effect are many other authentic documents. Thus, a husband and wife have each their appointed shares of inheritance in every possible situation, and the remainder of the estate, only after payment of these, descends to the other heirs, whether by consanguinity or patronage, if such exist ; if otherwise, as where a wife may die leaving no heir of any description, save her husband, and the succession is thus limited to him and HEIRS BY AFFINITY. 339 the Imam or public treasury, the husband in this event A husband takes not only his appointed share, viz., a half, but has res ^a u ^L a also a residuary title to the remainder. Such, at least, is title in the most common and prevalent doctrine, which, further, eric/to the two Shaikhs, 6 as well as Suyd Moortuza, have declared the public to be incontestable, by reason of an authentic tradition t ' u y ' related by Aboo Buseer in these words : " I was present with the Imam Jdfer Sddik when he assembled the people to prayer, and was informed of a woman's decease, who had left her husband, and no other heir. He replied, ' The property goes all to her husband.' " And another decision of the same Imam., in the case of a woman who left her husband, and no other relations known, viz., " The succession is for the husband entirely ; " as well as several other authentic documents to a similar effect. It is otherwise in the case of a husband's decease leaving A widow no heirs of any description save his widow, for she receives r^^uai-v only her appointed share, viz. a fourth part of his pro- title, perty, and the remaining three-fourths go to the Imam or public treasury, as a widow has no residuary title in any situation whatsoever, according to the most prevalent opinion, and to a positive judgment of the Imam Mohinn- mad Bdkir, on whom be peace, quoted by Mohummiid Ebn Mooslim, in the instance of a man who died leaving only his widow, to this effect : " She receives only a fourth part, and the residue goes to the Imam." To the same purport are several other authentic documents ; aud the distinction between a surviving husband and a widow is further expressly confirmed by Allamee in his Tuhreer, by the Martyr in his Loomaa, and likewise by the Shaikh. 7 It is a prevalent opinion amongst all our doctors, that marriage contracted in sickness or upon deathbed does not found a title to inheritance in the widow ; that deathbed divorce, on the other hand, does not operate her exclu- sion; and, further, that temporary marriage, or contracts Shaikh Aboo Jdfer Tocsij and Shaikh Moofeed. Aboo Jdfer Toosy, ' i 2 340 INHERITANCE. of Mootd, by no means establish a title to succession in either of the parties. To illustrate these principles of law, the following three sections are requisite : — Deathbed contracts of mar- riage if not con- summated found no title to in- heritance. If the husband consum- mates or recovers, and after- wards dies, the right of inherit- ance is esta- blished If the wife should die Section First. If a sick man contract marriage with a woman, whether his distemper be dangerous or otherwise, and die of that distemper, without intervenient recovery or convalescence, previous also to consummation of his nuptials, such contract of marriage is thereby null, or in other words, is not con- sidered to be established in law, until consummation, or recovery of the husband from that disease with which he was afflicted at the time. It follows that in this case there can be no title of inheritance between the parties, no dower even incumbent on the husband, and that the woman is not bound to observe an Iddut or term, of probation. This law of annulment of contracts entered into by parties legally qualified to contract, without divorce or voluntary dissolu- tion, may certainly at first sight appear irreconcilable, but all objection and doubt is removed necessarily by a refer- ence to those authentic proofs of their nullity, already detailed in the " Book of Marriage." 8 If, on the other hand, the contracting party should die of any other complaint, or of that same distemper after in- tervenient recovery, or after consummation of his marriage, the contract is, in this case, valid and binding, consequently the right of succession fully established beyond the possi- bility of doubt by reason of the absolute and comprehensive sense of the sacred text already quoted, and the particular traditions establishing, in this case, the validity of contract which were formerly referred to in treating of marriage. 9 If, again, the woman should die previous to consum- 8 This Book, which was probably added to the Digest compiled under the superintendence of Sir William Jones, by the translator, was never published, and has not been found among his papers which have come to my bauds. — Ed. e See last note. HEIRS BY AFFINITY. 341 mation of the marriage with a man who was sick at the the hus- period of contract, and notwithstanding survives her, his inherits, right of inheritance is liable to difficulty and doubt, arising, on the one hand, from the validity of contract, which, if allowed, gives room for the application of the sacred text ; and, on the other, from a consideration that its validity is suspended upon recovery, or consummation of the husband, neither of which is in this case established. The first suggestion, however, appears the stronger, as, from the husband's survival, in whose prior death alone, without con- summation or recovery, the objection to validity of contract could in such cases occur, there appears full ground for the application of the sacred text regarding inheritance by marriage. Upon this principle, further, if a woman on her death- As also bed, or whilst afflicted with any distemper, should contract ^ on e t "^ ct g ••herself in marriage to a man in health at the time, but who herself in dies without consummation, and she thus survives him, the ^nd sur- contract is perfectly valid according to the best authority, vives, her and the right of inheritance fully established, which doctrine su g ccess i on both Alldma and the Martyr have approved. The various is esta- arguments and further examples connected with this subject may be found at large in the " Book of Marriage."' Section Second. If a husband divorce his wife upon deathbed or whilst Deathbed afflicted by any distemper, of which, without intervenient ^^not recovery, he afterwards dies, such divorce has no operation cut off the in law to deprive the widow of her right of succession, ^ ce ^ on unless a full year shall have elapsed from the date thereof unless a until his death, or that she herself in the meantime have elapse ^ married another. If, on the contrary, the husband survive a full year from the date of divorce, or recover of that dis- temper, and afterwards die within the year ; or the widow herself has during his illness taken another husband : in each and all of these cases, she has no title whatever to inherit any part of his property. This principle is established by various authentic Proof. 342 INHERITANCE. traditions generally known, of which one is reported by Aboo Abbass from the Imam Jdfer Sddik, on whom be peace, in the following words :— " If a man divorce his wife whilst in sickness, she is still considered as having a right to inherit whilst he continues in that sickness, even after her iddut has elapsed, should he not recover therefrom." The reporter thus proceeds : "I inquired what if his distemper should be prolonged ? He replied, ' She inherits although it should last for a year ; ' ' or, as this answer has been conveyed by another reporter, " She inherits if he should die of that distemper during the influence of which he divorced her without intervenient convalescence." A further judgment of the same Imam is recorded by Abdool Ruhman Elm Hujjaj upon the question of deathbed divorce to the following effect : " Should the husband die of that disease and the woman have continued single, she enjoys her share of his succession ; but should she marry another person, as this clearly demonstrates her satisfaction at what he has done, she can have no claim to inheritance." This decision is reported by Sumda in a manner somewhat differing from the above, viz. : " She inherits as long as she continues in her iddut (i.e. does not marry another), and if he has divorced her with an inten- tion to injure her by depriving her of this title, she inherits although he should survive a full year ; but if beyond this time even a single day, she has no longer, in any event, a claim to inheritance." In another report it is expressed that the following question was particularly put to the Imam : " What is the longest term of sickness during which the right of a divorced wife to inherit may be preserved ? " and this answer is also recorded : " that the husband shall continue ill thereof until he dies, and that within a year." Another tradition of the Imam Jdfer Sddik, on whom be peace, as recorded by Yoonas Ebn Ycukoob in these words : "I inquired of him the cause why a wife when divorced by her husband in sickness with the intention to injure her should, notwithstanding, enjoy her portion of inheritance, whilst the husband, should he survive her HEIRS BY AFFINITY. 343 after divorce, has no title whatsoever to her succession." He replied, " That intention to injure is itself the mani- fest cause ; for as the husband, conceiving himself to be on deathbed, thus attempts to deprive his wife of her inheritance, the right is protected and secured by law as a punishment for his unjust attempt." In consequence of this report a question of some diffi- Distinc- culty has arisen, viz. whether the right of a wife in these t^t; 6 " cases of divorce depends upon the suspicion of intended divorce injury by the husband; or whether it is a consequence ^Lnt^L of deathbed divorce alone, even although the suspicion be to injure, obviated. A majority of our lawyers have adopted the ^" mu t l ua i latter opinion, founded on the absolute and general sense consent. of most traditions upon this subject ; but the Sheikh,, in his Estulisdr, has expressed a decided preference of the former doctrine, on account of the particular cause assigned in some traditions as above, from which it may be obviously inferred that if the suspicion of injury be removed, as where a wife solicits her own divorce, she can have no title to inheritance. This opinion is further strengthened and confirmed by a report of Mohummud JEbn Basem from the Imdm Jdfer Sddik, on whom be peace, in the following words : " No woman who solicits and obtains her own divorce, whether by Jchoold or paying a compensation, by mabaraat or mutual release, or in any other mode, at her own request, from her husband in sickness, can in- herit his property if he dies, because all connection and mutual regard betwixt them is thereby dissolved." And doubtless such transactions as these have an obvious effect to remove all suspicion or reproach against the divorcer, whose act, on the contrary, under such circumstances, can only be considered as proceeding upon the wife's consent and acquiescence in the surrender of her rights; conse- quently the general sense of those traditions alluded to, must be restricted by this latter, nor are they by any means difficult to be reconciled. At the same time the obvious meaning of all traditions recorded upon this subject must lead us to consider death- bed divorce as improper and highly unbecoming in a 344 INHERITANCE. A husband has no claim to inherit from a wife irre- versibly divorced. But a re- versible divorce does not preclude his right of succes- sion. husband, from its tendency to injure as depriving his wife of her right of inheritance, although such act of divorce is valid in law, and entitles the woman to marry again after lapse of her iddut. Should she avail herself of this privi- lege, and should the husband's illness be prolonged above a year, or should he recover for a period and die of a new distemper, in all and each of these cases there is no right of inheritance betwixt them ; whereas in every other case a wife divorced upon deathbed takes her share of the hus- band's succession, provided she observe the appointed iddut, or term of probation and abstinence after his death. All that has been hitherto observed proceeds, however, solely on a supposition of the husband's death after irre- versible divorce of his wife. If, on the other hand, the wife should die after the divorce, there is no difficulty whatever in pronouncing the husband's total and universal want of title to her succession, provided the divorce was irreversible, in the same manner as our doctors have agreed that reversible divorce, should the wife die before expiration of her iddut, does not debar her husband from inheritance, because a woman repudiated by a reversible divorce is still, in law, considered a wife, as long as she continues in her iddut ; and, consequently, the right of inheritance continues established betwixt them, whether he or she dies first ; which principle is further confirmed by an authentic tradi- tion of the Imam Mohummud Bdhir, on whom be peace, quoted by Zurara, in these words: "If a man divorces his wife they are still the heirs of each other so long as she continues in her iddut ; but should he repudiate her by three divorces, he can never after return, and there is no longer inheritance betwixt them." Tempo- rary mar- riage, or Mootd, founds no title of in- heritance. Section Third. There is no right of inheritance betwixt persons con- nected in temporary marriage, or under a contract of mootd, according to the most general and prevalent opinion, because the name of a wife does not in reality apply to a woman contracted in mootd, for of these a man may lawfully HEIRS BY WULA OR PATRONAGE. 345 possess more than four at a time, agreeable to a report of Aboo Buseer from the Imdm Jdfer Sddik, on whom be peace, in the words : "I inquired respecting women contracted in mootd, whether their number was restricted to four. He replied, ' No ! nor to seventy ; ' " whereas of wives it is universally agreed that their number cannot exceed four. Since then it appears that these women are not in reality- wives, it follows that they cannot be included in the law of marriage, nor comprehended in the sense and intention of the sacred text already quoted. Besides, we have an express tradition of the Imdm Jdfer Sddik, on whom be peace, to this effect, quoted by Sdeed Elm YuJiar, in the words: — "I inquired regarding a woman who contracts herself in mootd without stipulating the right of inherit- ance. He replied, ' There is no such title betwixt them, whether it be stipulated or not.' " To the same effect are various other authentic traditions generally known, of which one is quoted by Foozei/l Ebn Yusdr, from the Imdm Jdfer Sddik, on whom be peace, in these words : " I asked repecting a woman contracted in mootd. He replied, ' She is one of your female slaves.' " Another tradition of the same Imdm is in these words : " Connection 10 with women is of three sorts : one establishing the right of inheritance, which is that by permanent marriage ; one that does not establish this title, viz. mootd ; and, thirdly, milk ool yemeen, or property." Of Inheritance by Dominion or Patronage* The third cause described in the opening of this book Wula, or as founding in law a title to succession was wula, a term P atrona g e - of various application, but signifying in this place the connection of one of two persons with the other, produced Of three first by emancipation from slavery ; second, by responsibility descnp- for crimes, observing, however, this order in succession ; and inheriting thirdly, upon failure of these two descriptions, bestowing ln order a title of succession upon the Imdm or public treasury failure of at his disposal, who is by law the heir of every person 1 . pre " * J j i ceding. 10 Literally, " Pudenda Mulierum." 346 INHERITANCE. But neither with blood relations. deceased having no heir besides, and thus may be con- sidered in the third class or degree of succession by wula. It is scarcely necessary to remark that no right of in- heritance can be founded on this title expect upon entire and absolute failure of all connections by blood ; and that whilst of the latter any individual, however remote, exists, no matter if an enfranchised slave, no patron or surety for offences can claim any right of succession, nor can this right by any means devolve on the Imam. This principle is established by unanimous assent, both on account of the sacred text, " Eelations by blood are pre- ferred," &c, and of a tradition reported by Jdber Ansary from the Imam Mohummud Bdkir, on whom be peace, to this effect, " The Commander of the Faithful Alij uniformly bestowed the inheritance of persons deceased upon their blood relations in preference of manumittors and patrons." Also of a tradition quoted by Mohummud Elm Keys from the same Imam, in these words : " The Commander of the Faithful, on whom be blessing and peace, was appealed to in the case of a maternal aunt who disputed with the master of a freedman deceased regarding his succession, upon which, pronouncing aloud the words of the sacred text" (above quoted), "he adjudged the whole inherit- ance to the aunt, excluding the manumittor entirely," to which effect there are many other authentic traditions generally known. Under this third title of inheritance there are three classes of heirs to be considered ; and, first, The manu- mittor is heir to his freedman, but not the freedman to his manumit- tor. Of the Wula of Manumission. The inheritance of a freedman or enfranchised slave is particularly ordained by law to descend to his manumittor, or the person who had set him free, but by no means that of the latter to the former according to the most prevalent opinion, on which the Sheikh has even denied the possibility of doubt by reason of various authentic traditions, particularly that recorded by Ilulby and Mohummud Ebn Mooslim from the Imam Jdfer Sddik, on whom be peace, in these words : " The Prophet of HEIRS BY WULA OR PATRONAGE. 347 God hath declared that the ' Wula of a slave belongs to the person who emancipates him ; ' " and another of still more obvious effect recorded from the Prophet in these words : " Verily Wula is to him only who emancipates." Because the restrictive sense of the word only applied in this tradition clearly proves the exclusion of him who has not emancipated or the person set free. Further, it is recorded by Sabil Elm Dinar as part of a discourse upon rights and duties by the fourth Imdm, u on whom be peace, that he thus expressed himself, " But with regard to your slave whom you have benevolently set free, know that Almighty God will render his ransom a medium of your approach to Himself, and of your salvation from the fire of hell, that your reward in this life is his inheritance should he have no relation by blood, as a compensation for your loss of property, and heaven in the life to come." Besides, a title to inheritance can only be established by a legal cause in law, and there is obviously no cause in law why a person already benefited by obtaining his freedom should be heir to his benefactor, whence a mani- fest distinction occurs betwixt the right of inheritance by blood and marriage where the parties are reciprocally heirs to one another, and that by wula when the title is limited to the benefactor alone. In cases, however, of mutual wula betwixt two par- c ase f ties, mutual or reciprocal succession may necessarily be reciprocal _ veil L'lC established by reason of the existence of a legal cause, viz. manumission on both sides ; and thus if a freedman should purchase the father of his emancipator and set him free, such freedman might necessarily inherit from the father of his benefactor, in the same manner as the latter would be heirs to the freedman. In order to establish the right of inheritance by emanci- The eman- pation, certain conditions are imposed by law. Of these, ^^be the first is that it should be a voluntary and gratuitous voluntary, act, not urged by necessity or legal obligation of any sort. Thus, if a person emancipate his slave through necessity, 11 Zeyn ool Abedeen, surnamed Sujjad. 548 INHERITANCE. Tradi- tional proof of this condi- tion. as an atonement for a crime, performance of a vow, and the like, or if a slave become free, sui juris, as where maimed by his master, infected by a pestilential disease, or by relation to his master within the prohibited degrees, all these modes of emancipation constitute the slave what is termed in law a Sdeeba, and by no means establish the right of wvla in the master ; but, on the contrary, of such freedmen the Imam is sole heir, should they have no patron or surety for their offences, in which event the patron's right of inheritance is preferred. This principle is demonstrated by several authentic traditions, of which one is reported by Elm Bubdb in the following words : " I asked the Imcim MoJtummud Bdkir, on whom be peace, respecting Sdeebas; he replied, ' Observe in the Koran wherever the freeing of a slave is enjoined, and every such slave is in law a Sdeeba over whom there is no wula (i.e. no right of inheritance,) to any person save God, and whatsoever appertaineth to God belongs of necessity to the Prophet, after whom to the Imam, who is therefore liable for the fines or offences of such slave, and consequently takes the inheritance.' " To the same effect is a report of Omar Ebn Alij Alvwas, from the same Imam, on whom be peace ; but the general law expressed in both these, as well as in many other similar traditions, for vesting succession in the Imam, must obviously be limited to such cases where no individual has taken upon him- self responsibility for the slave's fines or offences, which restriction is indeed fully established by several other documents. The above condition is further supported by a tradition of the Imam, Jdfer Sddik, on whom be peace, quoted by Hashemy in these words: "I put the case of an eman- cipated slave, inquiring the extent of his freedom and whether he could nominate whom he pleased, his patron or heir ? The Imam replied that if emancipated gratui- tously and voluntarily for the sake of God, the emancipator is still his patron and heir ; but if created a Sdeeba he is entirely at his own disposal, and may constitute whom he pleases his heir ; " that is, in other words, if a master should HEIRS BY WULA OR PATRONAGE. 349 voluntarily, with a pious intention, liberate his slave, he is the patron and heir of that freedman, unless at the period of emanc ipation he should disavow and renounce all future responsibility for his fines or offences ; in which case any other person taking upon himself this responsibility is the heir, as will hereafter appear ; but should the manumittor continue responsible he is still the heir of his freedman. To the same effect is a tradition of the Imam Mohummud Bdkir, recorded by Aboo Buseer in these words : " The Commander of the Faithful, on whom be blessing and peace, passed judgment in the instance of a person who had maimed his slave, that such slave is thereby absolutely free, his former master has no authority over him what- soever, and he is Saeeba, may go where he pleases, and may constitute whom he pleases his patron, such person becoming liable for his fines or offences, and eventually inheriting his property under this latter title, not by the right of manumission." This doctrine is further confirmed by the obvious sense of his saying, on whom be the blessing of God, wula is for him who emancipates, because hence it is evident that the act of the manumittor establishes this title, and consequently the slave's emancipation sui juris, or by a necessity of law, cannot possibly found a claim thereto. The second condition required to establish inheritance by emancipation is : " That the manumittor shall not have qualified his act with a renunciation of all future responsi- bility for the freedman's fines or offences ; " because should he declare himself absolved of these he can have no fur- ther claim of wula whatsoever against the freedman by unanimous assent of all our doctors ; but, on the contrary, whoever becomes responsible is the heir ; and of coarse the succession is vested in the Imam, as is demonstrated by the report of Hashemi/ above quoted, and by another of Aboo Rooba from the Imam Jdfer Sddik, on whom be peace, in these words : " Being asked regarding a Sdeeba or absolute freedman," he replied, " As where a man emancipates his slave, saying, Go wherever you please, I have nothing to do with your inheritance, nor am I here- Emanci- pation must not be quali- fied by renuncia- tion of future pa- tronage or liability for fines. 350 INHERITANCE. Renuncia- tion as a bar to in- heritance does not require that wit- nesses be adduced. The freed- man must have no blood rela- tions qua- lified to inherit. after liable for your offences ; and calling two witnesses to witness his renunciation." To the same effect there are also other authentic docu- ments, and hereupon a question of some importance has arisen amongst our doctors, viz. " Whether or not it is necessary, in order to do away the right of wula in a master by renunciation of responsibility, that he shall have called evidences to witness his release ? " The opinion of the Sheikh, as well as of Sadook and of Askofy, would lead us to consider this evidence as indispensable to the validity of the master's renunciation, as is the case in declarations of divorce, and which is doubtless also appa- rently intended by the sense of the foregoing and other similar traditions ; yet it is by far the more general opinion that adducing of evidence is required merely to establish the master's release where alleged in disputes with third parties, and by no means to the validity thereof, as doing away the right of inheritance. This latter would appear also the best supported doctrine ; for the intention of those traditions in directing evidence is that, since the establish- ment of release from responsibility before a judge neces- sarily depends upon proof by the claimant, it is proper that the master should be prepared by having called wit- nesses at the time, lest he be afterwards subjected for the consequence ; but not by any means that the validity of his renunciation as a personal bar to inheritance is sus- pended upon this form; and to this effect we have many documents on traditional record. Thirdly. It is an obvious indispensable condition of inheritance by manumission that the freedman shall leave no consanguineous heirs, because these have a necessary preference in law over every description of claimants by wula : as has already been particularly detailed from express traditions. With respect, on the other hand, to the exist- ence or failure of relations by affinity, this is no condition by unanimous assent ; for these may be associated and inherit with heirs of every description, as has already been observed in treating of inheritance by marriage. Thus, if an emancipated slave should leave either a husband or a HEIRS BY WULA OR PATRONAGE. 351 wife, these take their appointed share of the estate, and the remainder goes to the manumittors. The fourth condition required bylaw to establish the If any of title of succession by emancipation, is, " That none of the parents parents of the freedman or freed woman shall have been were ori- originally a free subject ; because, if one of the parents f™ t ^ ere was originally free, the children are by law dependants is no title upon that one in original freedom, and consequently there can be no emancipation of them, nor any right of wula in the emancipator of their other parent. This principle would appear to be established by the unanimous assent of all our doctors, although certainly contradicted by a tradi- tion to be hereafter quoted as on record by Ayees Ebn Ka&im, and to which, therefore, we now refer. If, however, all those conditions required in wula should exist, the manumittor, whether male or female, one or more invariably succeed to the property of their eman- cipated slaves, and this without any dispute or difference of opinion by reason of the various traditions already quoted, and many others to a similar effect. Upon failure, again, of the immediate manumittor, the settlement of succession admits of more difficulty, and has given rise to a variety of opinions. The Sheikh, in his Nelidyut, and others who follow his doctrines, have declared that the inheritance in this case descends to the male children of the manumittor, but not to the females ; and on failure of those, to his dsbdt, or those paternal male relations who are his akilas, i.e. liable for the payment of all fines that may be imposed upon him by law for offences committed through error or misadventure. These are his brothers by the same father and mother and by the same father only, paternal grandfathers and paternal uncles and their sons, both full uncles and those by the same father only. This, however, upon the supposition that the manumittor was a man. Where, on the other hand, a woman emancipates her slave, his inheritance, should she die before him, goes to her dsbdt, or paternal male kindred above mentioned, in preference and exclusion of all her children, whether male or female, who have no portion whatever. 352 INHERITANCE. This doctrine of the Sheikh's is the best and most approved of all the various opinions recorded on the subject, and is confirmed by many authentic traditions generally known. Of these, one is reported by Booreyd Ajaly, in the following words, from the Imam Jdfer Sddik, on whom be peace : "I stated the case of a person who had resolved to emancipate a slave, but dying before he could execute his intention, directed by will that his son should perform it. The son accordingly purchases a slave, and sets him free, in name of his deceased parent. Should this freedman die leaving property, who is his heir ? The Imam replied, 'If the emancipation resolved on by the father was voluntary, so as to establish the right of wula, and he directed the son to perform it in his name, the inheritance of such freedman descends in common to all the male children of the deceased, and this particular son, who has purchased and emancipated by the father's command, is merely as one of the others, although the purchase may have been made with his own exclusive property.' " Another decision particularly in point is quoted by Mohummud Ebn Keys, of the Imam Mohiimmud BdMr, on whom be peace, in the instance of a man who had eman- cipated his slave, stipulating the right of ivula, and died leaving no children, except females, after which the freed- man dying possessed of property, a dispute arose between the daughters and paternal male relatives of the manu- mittor respecting the succession, and the Imam adjudged the whole inheritance to the latter or akelas, who were responsible for his fines. A second tradition from the same Imam is quoted in the following words : " The Commander of the Faithful, upon whom be peace, was appealed to, in the instance of a woman deceased, who had emancipated her slave, stipulating wvla, and left a son, who claimed the freedman's succession ; he adjudged, however, the whole inheritance to her cLsb&t or paternal kindred and akelas, in preference and exclusion of her children." The imme- It is further a common and established maxim amongst diate pa- HEIRS BY WULA OR PATRONAGE. 353 our doctors that the father and mother of a manumittor rents of a must be associated with his male children in the right of ?™ numit - o tor are as- succession to his freedman, and also upon failure of his sociatedin immediate male offspring that their children supply their ] e 7 ^ a places, observing always the rule of precedence by prox- with his imity in degree, already so often described in treating of c | ren u ^ consanguinity. Thus, if a manumittor should leave his failure of father and mother and also male children, each of the t j ieir c j e _ parents enjoy their appointed share of the freedman's sue- scendants cession, as do also the sons their regular portion, in the place. same manner as under a consanguineous title, being all in the same class and degree ; and if only one parent or one son of the manumittor exist, such individual takes the whole property of his freedman. With respect, further, And to grandchildren upon failure of immediate sons, each of th e °huter these takes the share allotted to him through whom their males and f i relation is derived, without distinction of male or female ; are witn . for amongst the lower descendants this distinction is not out dis- cs ,. . observed, their first ancestor from the manumittor being j nc i uc i e( j. a male. Brothers, again, of a manumittor do not inherit with All these his sons, or with their descendants, how low soever in the ^^ degree, nor do paternal uncles with brothers ; and, in who in- general, the same arrangement is here to be observed accorc iing respecting succession to the right of wula, and prece- to proxi- dence therein by proximity, as formerly detailed for in- da^a'cd heritance by blood. Thus, if a manumittor leave his degree, father and one son, the former takes a sixth part of the freedman's succession, and all the remainder goes to the son. If, in the room of a father, we substitute in this example the manumittor's grandfather, the whole property of the freedman would descend to the son; and, further, if we suppose a brother and grandfather of the manumit- tor to exist, the property would be divided equally betwixt them. Also, if we suppose a brother's son and a grand- father to remain, each of these would inherit half the freedman's property, neither excluding the other as being of separate descriptions iD one series or class, whereas, in the case of a grandfather and paternal uncle, the former PART II. A A 354 INHERITANCE. Sisters and grand- mothers have no right of mula, nor have any ma- ternal re- lations a claim thereto. A title to succession by mula, like all other ground of inherit- ance, is in- capable of transfer in property. would take all the succession, excluding the latter entirely by reason of his precedence in class, as has already been proved by many authentic reports and traditional docu- ments. As a necessary consequence of this settlement of suc- cession to emancipated slaves in the dsbdt or paternal male kindred above mentioned, who are akelas of the manumittor, after failure of his male offspring and their descendants, however low, which has been established by express traditions, it follows that sisters and grandmothers, whether by the father's or mother's side, have no title whatsoever of inheritance by imda, in the same manner as all relations by the mother's side only are totally excluded from the benefit of this title, like brothers and sisters of the manumittor by the same mother only, his maternal uncles and aunts, and grandfathers and grand- mothers by the mother's side, because neither of all these are considered dsbdt in law, nor do they bear any respon- sibility for crimes or offences, as will appear from a refer- ence to the book of Deedt on fines. It has never been disputed by any of our doctors that tvula is a legal ground of inheritance ; but whether it is to be considered as actual property in the person who possesses this title, capable of transfer and the other uses to which property may be applied, is a question that has admitted of opposite solutions. A majority, however, have decided in the negative, as being the radical condition of all legal claims, to oppose or obviate which no traditional authority or other just cause can be alleged ; and besides to demon- strate that ivula is not property we have the saying of him, on whom be blessing and peace: "The relationship of wula is like that of consanguinity, which can neither be sold nor given away." Since, therefore, the right of inheritance by blood is not considered property in law, and neither admits of sale, donation, reservation in sale, or any of the other modes of transfer, so also the title of wula, which is expressly as above declared to resemble it. Further, to prove the invalidity of its reservation in sale, we have an express HEIRS BY WULA OR PATRONAGE. 355 tradition recorded by Ai/ees Elm Rasem from the Imam Jdfer Sddik, on whom be peace, in these words : " Aysha reported to the Prophet, on whom be blessing and peace, that the family of Boorei/ra had sold a female slave, re- serving by stipulation the right of wula to themselves in event of manumission by the purchaser. He replied, ' Wula belongs to the emancipator,' and annulled their stipulation." It is to be observed that, in the same manner as a Manumit- manumittor and his heirs above specified succeed to the *° r5 ! a ° . property of his enfranchised slave upon failure of con- inherit sanguineous relations to that slave, so also they inherit the h °j™ }l !gn property of his children, should these latter leave no con- of their sanguineous heirs. Thus, if a man dies leaving no consan- iee men ' guineous heir, his property goes to his manumittor ; if not himself an enfranchised slave, his inheritance is for the manumittor of his father : if his father was not emancipated, the succession is with his grandfather's manumittor, and so on ; as is expressed in a tradition of the Imam, Jdfer Sddik, on whom be peace, quoted by Ayees Elm Rasem in these words : "I inquired respecting a person who had purchased a slave, having children by a free woman, and afterwards set him free : he replied, ' The wula of these children belongs to his manumittor.' " If a man dies who was not himself emancipated, but his The fa- father the enfranchised slave of one person, and his mother nt ^;^p* emancipated by another, it is the common and prevalent is pre- opinion that the right of succession in this case is vested in th ' e mo _ the father's manumittor, in preference and exclusion of the ther'a in mother's, because parentage is stronger and more noble on tneir the father's side than on the mother's ; and consequently offspring, that side must be preferred in law. True, in cases where the father is still a slave, and the mother only has been emanci- pated, the right of wula must belong to her manumittor of necessity from failure of the father's ; which necessity, however, being the sole cause of its establishment, should the father be afterwards set free and the cause thereof thus obviated, the title reverts to his master, in whom it is permanently established. This is termed in law Jmr-ool- A A '2 35G INHERITANCE. Case of a mother emanci- pated whilst both fa- ther and grand- father are slaves. If the grand- father is first set free tvula shifts from the mother's master to his. If the father be ivula, i.e. shifting or transferring the right of inheritance by emancipation, first established in the mother's manu- mittor from necessity by failure of the father's, to its radical possessor upon the removal of the cause. It is, however, to be observed that this transfer can only take place in those instances where the necessity may be obviated previous to the child's death : for after decease and possession of the inheritance by the mother's manumittor, there can be no transfer to the father's master in consequence of his subsequent emancipation, by reason of the prior title on the mother's side, which cannot be done away after possession, as all our doctors have agreed. If of the child above mentioned the mother had only been emancipated, whilst both father and grandfather were slaves, consequently the right of ivula from necessity established in the mother's manumittor, and we suppose the grandfather now to be set free previous to the father, a question of some importance upon this example may arise, viz. " whether the right of wvla would here shift and be transferred from the mother's master to the grand- father's ? " The Sheikh has expressly decided in the affirmative, considering the grandfather invariably in the place of a father, i.e. on the strongest side of parentage, and consequently that by the same rule which transfers wula from the mother's manumittor to the father's, this title must also be shifted to the grandfather's should he be first set free, which decision is further confirmed by Allama Hilly and several others. The author of the Shuraya, V2 however, would appear to have entertained doubts as to this decision, founded upon the objection stated by many to a grandfather being considered in reality the same as a father during the existence of the latter even in slavery, who, as obviously nearer in degree, although himself debarred from succession bv slavery, ought nevertheless to impede the establishment of this title in one more remote. Considering, however, the doctrine of the Sheikh as 12 About Kasim, suraauied MohuTcMk. HEIRS BY WULA OR PATRONAGE. 357 established, and deciding the example above, if we sup- subse- pose the father's • subsequent emancipation after transfer /» l master to the master oi a m other; and hence if a persons father to the be emancipated whilst his mother is a slave, and the motners « father's manumittor dying should leave no male children or dsbdt, the mother's subsequent emancipation cannot shift the title of wula to her master for the exact reason already described. It is otherwise when a female slave being emancipated afterwards conceives and bears a child to a husband in slavery, for here the wula of such child must evidently belong to the mother's manumittor, by reason of the father's bondage, and consequent incapacity of his master, whilst the mother's manumittor has a right of property in the child, whose freedom, depending in this case upon that of the mother, is an effect of his bounty, and consequently he alone can be entitled to the wula. To conclude, the arrangement of law with respect to inheritance by the wula of manumission may be thus computed in a few words. Upon failure of the immediate manumittor of a freedman, his children and dsbdt, the in- heritance goes to the manumittor's manumittor if he had any, after whom to his children and dsbdt. Should there be no wula by immediate emancipation, the inheritance goes to the father's manumittor, after whom to his children and dsbdt, and on failure of those to the manumittor of the father's manumittor, after whom to his children and dsbdt, in the same manner and by the same rule which applies to immediate emancipation. Lastly, upon failure of all right of wula by manumission on the father's side : that is, where neither the deceased, his father, grandfather, or other male ancestor has been emancipated, then the inheritance must go to the mother's manumittor and his dsbdt, on failure of whom to her manumittor's manumit- tor and his dsbdt. After these to the manumittor of the maternal grandfather, and so on ; observing the foregoing 360 INHERITANCE. The pa- tron by contract is heir to his client. Upon failure of all blood relations and claims in virtue of manu- mission. But a con- tract of clientage, should any of these exist, is totally null. Whilst its validity is totally in- dependent arrangement and the rule of precedence in each class to the nearest, as already so often described. Of Wvla by Responsibility for Offences. The second class of heirs by wvla comprehends such persons as undertake by contract with a person who has no heir either by blood or manumission, the responsibility for all crimes and offences to be by him committed through error or inadvertency, and thereby requiring expiation by fine. That this species of responsibility is one of the causes which operate in law a title to succession, all our doctors are agreed, by reason of a tradition of the Imam Jdfer Sadik, on whom be peace, quoted by Husham Elm Salim in these words : " If one person becomes bound for another by Muvdldt, or contract of amity and patron- age, he has a title to his inheritance, and is respon- sible for his fines." Another judgment of the same Imam to a similar effect is recorded in the case of a person who had embraced the faith and entered into a contract of clientage with a believer, viz., " If that be- liever has become responsible for his fines and offences he is his patron and heir." And to the same purport are many other authentic traditional documents. The right of inheritance, however, upon this title cannot of necessity be established except upon entire and absolute failure of all heirs by consanguinity, and also by manumission, in whatsoever class or degree, whereas its establishment does by no means depend upon the exist- ence or failure of heirs by affinity or marriage. Thus, if a person who enters into an engagement of clientage have a single consanguineous heir, however remote, if his emanci- pator, or any other person capable of claiming under this title should exist, the contract is totally invalid, and founds no title to succession whatsoever, as is clearly demon- strated both by the sacred text respecting blood relations formerly quoted, and by the various traditions introduced regarding inheritance by manumission. If, on the other hand, the party contracting should have a husband or wife, these take respectively their highest appointed shares of HEIRS BY RESPONSIBILITY FOR OFFENCES. 361 the property, but do by no means affect the validity of of the title contract, in virtue whereof the remainder of the client's r ia^ ar ' estate goes to his patron who became responsible. This contract, it is further to be observed, does not This con- found a mutual or reciprocal title to inheritance betwixt not f oun( j the parties, but, on the contrary, he who becomes respon- a mutual sible, or the patron, alone enjoys this right over his client, h er it anC e. and not the latter by any means over the former. Hence, if one person should say to another, " I have contracted with you that you shall be liable for all my fines, surety for my offences, that you shall assist and protect me, and when I die you are my heir," which treaty the other ratifies and accepts, he the acceptor, or responsible person, alone is the heir, and by no means the declarer or client, unless the responsibility should be mutual, in which case Except doubtless the advantage or title of succession must be in cases also established in favour of both ; as where, for example, responsi- one person should say, " I have contracted with you to * JT V 5 this effect, that you are my akila, or responsible for my fines, and I also become liable for yours ; that you afford me your aid and protection, and I shall assist and protect you ; that you are my heir, and I also am yours," which mutual engagement the other ratifies and accepts. This principle is established as well by unanimous assent as by the obvious spirit and intent of the foregoing traditions. This contract, being evidently suspended upon mutual Requires consent of the parties and formal expression of that con- ^ ^^ sent, requires, like all other valid contracts, declaration of acquies- one, and acceptance of the other party, to be conveyed in the manner laid down for similar transactions in the former books of this digest ; but whether it is to be con- sidered in law one of those permanent and binding con- tracts which cannot after conclusion be annulled by either party without consent of the other, is a question upon which our doctors have disagreed. A majority, however, have decided in the affirmative, by reason of the common and general rule of law : " That contracts and conditions must be adhered to;" whilst the Sheikh, in his KhUaf, i ,! ,-.!-!. -,. But may has, on apparently strong grounds, declared it to be dis- be dis- 362 INHERITANCE. solved by either party at pleasure so long as both con- tinue in statu quo ante pactum. Is re- stricted to the patron alone. cretionary, and that each party therein is at full liberty to dissolve the contract whenever he pleases, so long as the client shall have committed no offence which the patron has expiated by paying the fine ; because in this event there can be no doubt that it becomes perpetually binding in regard of the offender, and can never afterwards be by him dissolved to the injury of his patron suffering by responsibility. To conclude, this title of inheritance does not descend to the heirs or relations of the patron, but is limited by law to himself alone, conformably to the nature and con- dition of his contract, as well as to guard, in matters which oppose radical principles of law, against trans- gressing the bounds of certainty on infallible traditional proof; for since the responsibility for the client's fines or offences cannot extend to the children or relations of his patron, so it necessarily follows that the advantage con- nected with this responsibility, viz., inheritance at his death, can be enjoyed by the patron himself alone. Of the Wula of the Imam, or Doctrine of Escheats to the Public Treasury. Nature of The last species of wula, or legal title to inheritance orthetitle thereby, is that enjoyed by the Imam, in virtue whereof if a person die leaving no heirs by consanguinity, no hus- band or widow, with the provisions and restrictions already quoted respecting the latter, no emancipator and no surety for fines, the property or inheritance of such person is by law entirely vested in the Imam, who is, in other words, the sole heir of every person deceased leaving no individual member of any of the foregoing classes. This principle is established, according to the Sheikh, as well by universal assent as by an authentic tradition of the Imam Mohummud BdJcir, on whom be peace, quoted by Booreyd Ajaly in these words : " If a person should not have engaged in a contract of clientage with any believer previous to his death, the inheritance of such person is vested in the high priest of the Faithful," that is, the Imam • to which effect there are many other traditions generally known. of the Imam EXCLUSION. 363 With respect to the application of this fund, during The fund the absence of the Imam, the doctrine of Mdh ukMk in his a p p necl to Shuraya, as well as of most other lawyers, prescribes its the poor partition amongst the poor and indigent of our sect, by sect reason of the impossibility to deliver it to him upon whom be blessing and peace, and consequently the preferable title of his indigent posterity and followers to enjoy it, in the same manner as they enjoy his fifth of spoils taken in battle, of mines, and of the various other subjects with which this right is connected. To this effect we have also a tradition recorded by Hulby from the Imam Jdfer Sddik, on whom be peace, in explanation of the sacred text, " They will ask you concerning spoils," &c, which is in these words : " If a person should die who has no heir or Mowla (patron) his property is as spoil." Another tradition of the Imam Mohummud Bdkir, on whom be peace, quoted by Mohum- mud Ebn Mooslim, is in these words: ""Whosoever dies leaving no heirs either by relationship, manumission, or responsibility for fines, verily his property is as spoil." And to the same effect there are various other documents, from all which it is evidently deducible that such property belongs to the Imam ; for since, by the word of the most High, " the division of the spoils belongeth unto God and his Apostle," and whatsoever belongs to God and his Prophet appertains of right to the Imam, and these have expressly applied them to their followers, this affords an obvious proof of their being made over to the poor and needy of our sect, as well as also in reality to the rich, for both are alike comprehended in the division of spoils. Of Exclusion. Exclusion from inheritance is described by the author Exclusion of the Shuraya as being of two sorts, either entire or par- tial, that is from a part of the share. With respect to the Entire by first, the uniform criterion of law is that respect and atten- £f Ibi 1 "^ tion be paid to nearness of blood, upon which principle it as of follows that a grandchild cannot at all inherit with a child Irenlf 111 " of the deceased, whether male or female, not even a son's imme- son with a daughter, and that whenever an assemblage of diate off- spring ; 3G4 INHERITANCE. also of brothers, grand- fathers, and uncles, by these. A brother excludes a nephew, &c. : also an uncle and his de- scendants, but not a grand- father in any de- gree of ascent. Uncles exclude grand- uncles ; Full kins- men those by father's side only. Any blood relation excludes a rnanumit- tor, who excludes a patron, &c. Partial ex- clusion of children's children occurs, however low in descent, the nearer always exclude those who are more remote. Further, chil- dren in whatsoever degree exclude all persons related to the deceased through his parents or one of them, as brothers or sisters and their children, grandfathers and their parents, paternal and maternal uncles and their children ; and, in general, no relation can inherit with children of the deceased, except immediate parents and a husband or wife. Upon failure of parents and children of the deceased, brothers and grandfathers form the second class ; of these therefore, upon the same principle, a brother, for example, excludes a brother's son, and if we suppose an assemblage of the members of this class in different degrees of descent, the nearest always excludes one more remote. Further, brothers and sisters of the deceased or their descendants in any degree, exclude all those related through grandfathers, as uncles paternal or maternal and their children, but do not exclude the parents of those grandfathers, for a grand- father in any degree of ascent, however remote, is still considered a grandfather with respect to the other descrip- tion of this class ; whilst, at the same time, if we suppose an assemblage of them in different degrees of ascent, the lowest or nearest to the deceased would always exclude one who is higher or farther removed. Uncles again, whether paternal or maternal, of the deceased, and their children how low soever, exclude entirely all uncles of his father, who, in like manner, and their descendants exclude all uncles of a grandfather. Further, every person related to the deceased by both father's and mother's side excludes entirely from inherit- ance a person related by the father's side only, provided they are equal in class and degree. Lastly, a blood relation, however remote, excludes en- tirely a manumittor, a manumittor or his representative excludes a patron by contract or surety for offences, and the latter precludes escheat of his client's effects, or, in other words, prevents the title of the Imam. Partial exclusion or diminution of shares is of two kinds : EXCLUSION. 365 that by a child, and by brothers or sisters. A child or parents by descendant of the deceased, however remote in degree, c * restricts the share of his immediate parents to two-sixths of the inheritance, except in the case where, with one, two, or more daughters, there is only one of the parents remain- ing. Further, a child of the deceased, whether male or And also female, restricts also the husband or widow to these lowest jjLf'.jlJf" appointed shares of inheritance, agreeable to the words of widow, the sacred text formerly quoted. Husbands and wives there- fore may be said to take in three cases : first, with a child in any degree of descent, the husband takes a fourth, and the widow an eighth, of the property ; second, upon failure of children and children's children how low soever, the husband has in this event a half, and the widow a fourth of the inheritance : but neither of these shares can be diminished by Aid or increasing the divisor, because this practice is totally forbidden by our law ; thirdly, upon failure of all other heirs whatsoever, whether by consan- guinity or patronage, the husband takes not only his highest appointed share, viz. a half of the wife's estate, but receives also the remaining half by return in virtue of the resi- duary title formerly specified. The widow, also, in this case receives first her appointed share, viz. a fourth of her husband's estate ; but with respect to her residuary title there are three opinions : one confirming her right, another which totally rejects it, and a third admitting her claim during the absence of the Imdm, but rejecting it, were he present. The most approved doctrine, however, as formerly expressed, denies any title to the return on the part of a widow. Brothers and sisters, again, of the deceased restrict Brothers the share of the mother to one-sixth of the inheritance °, r . 8i . st . e * 3 t • t-v dimmish upon these four conditions : First, that they consist of the mo- two or more males, or of one male and two females, or of ^^ 3 > share upon four females without a male ; second, that they be neither four con- infidels nor slaves, as will immediately at more length dltions ' appear in treating of the impediments to succession. Whether on the part of a murderer this exclusion can take place, is a question admitting of doubt, but the most 366 INHERITANCE. But not their chil- dren. Impedi- ments. Infidelity. Conver- sion sub- sequent to the an- cestor's death re- prevalent doctrine has decided in the negative. Third, that the father of the deceased shall also be in existence ; and, fourthly, that the brothers or sisters themselves be either of the full blood, that is, by both parents, or by the father's side, as also agreeable to the best founded opinion, that they exist separate from the mother, not in her womb, for a foetus does not operate this limitation of her share. Further, the children of brothers or sisters do not in any degree affect the share of a mother, nor of hermaphrodites a less number than four, by reason of the possibility that they may all be females. Of Impediments to Succession. Impediments to succession (as described in the Shuraya) are three — Infidelity, Murder, and Slavery. By infidelity, as impeding succession, is here to be understood every belief or persuasion which excludes its votaries from the title of Islam, for no alien, whether hostile or tributary, and no apostate from the Moohum- mudan faith, can inherit the property of a believer : whereas the latter may be heir either to an original infidel or an apostate ; and hence if an infidel should die leaving several heirs unbelievers, with one who has embraced the faith, the whole inheritance would go by law exclusively to the latter, however remote, even an emancipator or patron by contract, although the former were the nearest relations by blood. If, however, the deceased infidel should leave no heir whatsoever a believer, an infidel would in this case succeed, whereas of an apostate the inheritance devolves on the Imam upon failure of Moohummudan claimants ; and this decision is applied in one report to the case of an original infidel, but the report is considered unauthentic. If a believer leave infidel heirs, they do not inherit his property, which, on the contrary, goes to the Imam, upon failure of heirs who are believers. If, however, an infidel should embrace the faith after his ancestor's death, previous to division of the inheritance, this impediment is thereby removed, and the proselyte is associated with all other IMPEDIMENTS. 367 heirs who are equal in degree, or preferred to the whole moves the succession if nearer ; but after distribution of the estate, ™P® 1_ or total appropriation thereof to a single heir, his conver- sion has no effect to remove the impediment except in cases of competition with the Imcim, to whom, even after the transfer is made, his conversion bestows a preference, according to a tradition reported by Aboo Buseer. Some doctors, however, have alleged that conversion only when previous to transfer of the property into the public trea- sury confers a preferable title on the heir, whereas after this transfer is made he can have no claim whatsoever. Others, again, have disputed his title in both cases, upon the ground that the Imclm ought properly to be considered in the exact situation of a single heir, to whom, therefore, independent of any transfer, the inheritance belongs upon the ancestor's death, and cannot be wrested from him by subsequent conversion of a nearer heir. If the husband or widow of a person deceased is a believer, and there be also some other heir who is an infidel, but embraces the faith after the ancestor's death, such proselyte becomes thereby entitled to the residue of the estate, after payment of the appointed share to the former. Such, at least, is the prevalent opinion, liable, however, manifestly, to difficulty and doubt, which arises from the impossibility of distribution in the case of a husband ; and if, therefore, we pronounce that the pro- selyte is associated with a widow only, and not with a husband, it would appear the most just decision ; because with the former the Imam's title being likewise invalid, distribution is obviously possible, — whereas a husband, in virtue of his reversionary title becoming alone sole pro- prietor of the estate, there is no room for division, and consequently no claim through subsequent conversion. The case is, in fact, therefore, like that of a daughter professing the faith and the deceased's father an infidel, or a sister believing with an infidel brother, in neither of which, evidently, subsequent conversion could have any effect. If any one of the parents of an infant child be a believer, Cons truc- ' tion of 3G8 INHERITANCE. law in favour of an infant should one of the pa- rents be a believer. Case of in- fant chil- dren of an inridel with more distant re- lations who are believers. Difference of sect is no im- pediment to succes- sion. Apostates are con- sidered dead in law from the date of their apo- stasy. Bu1 fe- male apo- states are otherwise. the construction of the law is in favour also of the infant, and if further any one of the parents, both infidel at its birth, should embrace the faith during its infancy, the rule is exactly the same ; but should such infant when arrived at maturity reject the profession of faith and persist in denial, apostasy is thereby established. If an infidel dying should leave infant children and a brother's son and sister's son, for example, who are believers, the estate must in this case be divided betwixt these two, two-thirds to the former and one-third to the latter, and they maintain the children of the deceased until maturity by contribution proportionate to their respective shares. If on maturity the children profess the faith, they are still preferred and assume the succession agreeable to a decision reported by Malek Ebn Ayoon, but if they avow infidelity the property of the former heirs is established by virtue of the first distribution ; and the children are excluded entirely. This decision, however, is by no means free from difficulty, because in the first place children of infidel parents ought naturally to be considered infidels themselves, and secondly at all events the distribution of property previous to their profession of faith would appear to preclude any future title. Difference of sect or persuasion in Mohummudism is no impediment to succession, and thus it is to be observed that all professors of our faith inherit from one another promiscuously, without regard to their particular tenets, as on the other hand do also all infidels in general although of even different religions. The property of an apostate who was by birth or parentage a believer comes under the law of inheritance and is devisable amongst his heirs at the date of his apostasy, which period fixes also the date of divorce from his wife, and commencement of her iddiit, which is exactly that appointed for a widow, whether he is immediately put to death or survives in apostasy. It is otherwise with respect to a female apostate, because she is not liable to immediate death, but must be imprisoned and scourged at the appointed times of prayer : IMPEDIMENTS. obU consequently her property cannot be devisable as inherit- ance until her actual death. Further, with regard to a male apostate not by birth or parentage a believer, but who had himself first embraced the faith, and afterwards apostatized he also is not subject to immediate death, but must be called to repent, and only on persistence is liable to capital punishment ; consequently, his property does not become devisable until his actual decease, either natural, or by the hand of Justice, but his wife nevertheless commences her iddut from the date of his apostasy. Should he therefore return to the faith previous to expiration of this iddut, he is entitled to take her back, but if the iddut has once expired the divorce is thereby irreversible, and he has no future claim whatsoever. By murder as an impediment to succession, it is here Murder to be understood, that a person who slays another wilfully P revents J- J J succes- and unjustly is not permitted by law to inherit from the sion, bin slain, but that a person put to death for a just cause as by *j° , a( J cl " retaliation may be inherited from by his slayer. Accidental homicide. or unintentional homicide also is no legal bar to succession according to the most prevalent doctrine, although Shaikh Mofeud has expressed an apparently very proper limitation of this rule, viz., that the slayer can inherit no part of the fine he has paid in expiation. This impediment applies equally to parents and children and to all relations, whether by blood, affinity, or otherwise, and if therefore a person thus wilfully murdered should have no other heir than his murderer, his inheritance must go to the public treasury. If a person should murder his own father and the par- Children ricide has a child, this child may inherit from the grand- °, a mur " J & derer are father, should he leave no issue of his loins, for the crime not de- of a father is no bar to the succession of his children ; f^m sue- but if the heirs of the murderer be infidels, they are all cession on excluded together, and the inheritance goes to the Imam, their 111 unless they should embrace the faith, in which case both father's the right of inheritance and retaliation is established. This latter title leads to the following cases : — Murder First. If a murdered person leave no heir but the Imam, cannot be i'oreriver. PART II. 1? 6 370 INHERITANCE. he may either demand retaliation or may accept the ex- piatory fine should the murderer tender it, but is not at liberty to forgive altogether. The fine of Second. The fine of blood is considered by law as heritable property of the person slain, subject therefore to the pay- as pro- ment of his debts and legacies, and this whether the murder pe y ' was wilful, supposing the fine to be accepted, or uninten- tional, when it follows of course. By all re- Third. All relations, whether consanguineous,by affinity, lations ex- Qr otherwise, may lawfully inherit the Deeut or fine of blood, cept those ' J J by the except those connected by the mother's side, with respect mother s ^ Q w } lom there is a diversity of opinion, but the most approved doctrine excludes them. A husband or widow further can- not inherit the right of retaliation for the murder of the deceased spouse, but if commuted by mutual consent for an expiatory fine they enjoy their appointed shares of the amount. Slavery The third impediment to succession, or slavery, has by botlTaTto ^ aw an ec l ua l operation both as to the heir and ancestor, the heir If 5 therefore, a person should die leaving one heir who ^ or " is free and another in servitude, the inheritance goes all to the former } however remote, in preference and exclusion of the latter, however near in degree, but should such slave have a child who is free, the latter is not debarred from succession by the parent's bondage ; and further, in the case of two or more heirs who are free with one a slave at the ancestor's death, but emancipated previous to distri- bution of the property, he becomes thereby entitled to his portion if equal in degree, or takes the whole succession if nearer than the others. Emancipation, however, subsequent to distribution confers obviously no title to a share of the inheritance, and consequently, upon the same principle formerly described regarding conversion to the faith, should there be only one heir of the deceased besides a slave, so as to obviate the necessity of division ; manumission after the ancestor's death is also ineffectual to found a claim of succession. A slave it is, however, to be observed, if a person deceased bole heir should have no heir except a slave, his property must be IMPEDIMENTS. 371 applied to the purchase and emancipation of such slave, must be who, upon being set free, inherits the residue, and the p"^ cl " proprietor may be legally compelled to dispose of him. from the This on the supposition that the deceased's property is ^ n d in- adequate to the purchase ; should it fall short, some doctors herit the are still of opinion that the heir must be released from bondage to the extent thereof, and perform emancipatory labour for the balance of his price. Others have rejected this doctrine, and adjudged the succession to the imam, which latter decision appears better supported by traditional authority. In like manner, if the deceased shall have left two or more heirs who are slaves, and the shares of all or of any one should fall short of their price, not one is in this case entitled to manumission, but the property must all descend to the Imam. Further, if an heir is partly emancipated and partly a slave, he receives a part of his appointed portion of inherit- ance proportioned to the extent of his freedom, and is de- barred or excluded in proportion to his bondage. The same is exactly the rule in every situation with respect to ancestors ; and female slaves are considered by law in the same pre- 3 . . .,i t Parents of dicament with males. free cnil _ It is established by unanimous assent that parents dren, if who are slaves must be emancipated by succession to the must {, e property of their free children ; and with respect to the emanci- converse, or emancipation of children by succession to their f rom the free parents, doubts have been suggested, but the affirm a- lnDent - tive is the best founded opinion. With regard, however, v - we versa, to this necessity in the case of more remote relations, bu , fc ^ ls rUiG GOGS although by some extended even to a husband and wife, not apply and to all other heirs whatsoever, the negative appears far to ar >y ° other more more prevalent and better supported. remote An Oom-i-widud, or female slave who has borne a child neirs - to her master, has nevertheless no claim to his inheritance, ^f^oj nor further a Moodubbur, i.e. a slave to whom freedom has Moochib- been granted at the proprietor's death, although related in c ^ m + n ° a degree, which founds by law a title to succession if not inherit- thus counteracted. The same is the case of a Mookatub or person who has stipulated to pay a ransom for his liberty, Mookatub, n n 2 6TI INHERITANCE. unless some part of his ran- som has been paid. Leaan impedes the right of succes- sion. The pro- perty of absent or missing persons cannot im- mediately be inhe- rited. A/wti/s ma} r in- herit if produced alive. whether such stipulation was absolute and in general terms, or limited to a particular term of payment, unless somo part of the ransom has been paid. As appendages of, and connected with the impediments to succession already detailed, we describe the four follow ing circumstances : — First. Leaan, or accusation of adultery upon oath by a husband, as disproving the descent of his nominal off- spring, necessarily cuts off their right of succession to his estate. If, however, subsequent thereto he should acknow- ledge their parentage, such confession removes the impedi- ment as to them, and they inherit their father's property ; but he is for ever debarred by a personal objection from claiming any part of their inheritance should he survive them. Second. Absence. If a person absent from his house or country at so great a great distance as not to be known or heard of, should be reported dead, his property cannot come under the laws of inheritance, until his death is fully established, or until such period shall have elapsed as by the death of all his contemporaries to remove the pro- bability of his existence, after which it may be divided amongst the heirs who are then existing, without retro- spect to such as may have died previous to the division. Some doctors have prescribed a period of ten years from his absence, and others have disputed the legality of distribution altogether, directing the surrender of his pro- perty in trust to the nearest relation in opulent circum- stances, but the first doctrine is obviously best founded on reason and justice. Third. Aftetus or embryo in the womb at the ancestor's death is by law considered an heir upon condition of being brought forth alive, but if produced dead, no portion of inheritance can be claimed in its name. Whereas imme- diate death, if once seen in existence separate from the womb, does not impede the right of succession. In cases again of miscarriage by violence, the criterion of law is that there be observed in the child that species of motion by which life is proved, or which cannot proceed from a CLAIMANTS UNDER AN APPARENTLY LEGAL TITLE. 873 dead body, but not merely a shaking or contraction 13 of the limbs, which is often observed to take place after death involuntarily. Fourth. Debt. If a person die who is involved in debt to the full amount of what he leaves behind him, his property cannot be transferred to the heirs, but must continue as if in possession of the deceased burthened with payment of his debts. Should these not involve the full amount of his estate, the excess is considered inherit- ance, and may be immediately transferred to the heirs, leaving a proportion adequate to the debt still attachable by his creditors, as if in possession of the deceased. Debt of the de- ceased excludes every claim of inherit- ance. Having thus described all the legal causes which ope- rate a title to succession, and the various impediments that prevent in law the operation of those causes, we proceed to consider the situation of claimants under an apparently legal title, but whereof the cause was originally contrary to law. All our doctors are agreed that such cause cannot in any situation found a valid title to inheritance betwixt believers ; and thus if a Mohummudan should marry a woman who is forbidden to him, or with whom marriage is unlawful, either radically, that is, from their birth, or by some recent occurrence, such as fosterage, former marriage, or any other cause, there is no right of inherit- ance betwixt them in virtue of such marriage, whether it proceeded upon an error or otherwise, because it is not established in law, like the right of wula claimed by a person who emancipates the slave of another without his authority or consent ; and of the same nature is the birth or descent of children begotten under such unlawful con- tract of marriage, except in the case of error, for they cannot inherit from their parents, as will hereafter be more fully explained in treating of children whose mother is divorced for adultery. It is otherwise with respect to children produced Children begotten under an illegal contract of mar- riage, and their pa- rents, do not inherit each other. 13 Arab. Tukulloos. Except in the case of error. 374 INHERITANCE. by erroneous connection of their parents, for these have an undoubted title of inheritance by unanimous assent, although the cause of their birth is certainly illegal as unsupported by valid marriage, and thus, if a man should have carnal connection with a woman through error, supposing her to be his wife, which proves not to have been the case, the offspring of such connection is held in law to be the child of both its parents, if both were alike in error, or of that one alone who was influenced by the mistake, because the laws of descent or establishment of parentage expressly include the case of erroneous connec- tion, and consequently the right of inheritance founded upon descent must be equally established. Infidels From this principle it would appear as a necessary in lent consequence to follow, that if a man have carnal connection grounds with his own wife, supposing her the wife of another, and unlawful wishing to commit adultery, the offspring of this connec- according tion is not to be held in law as of the father, although viidhul'" 1 ' ne cessarily the child of his wife, if she did not labour faith. under the mistake but knew him to be her lawful husband. All our doctors are, however, agreed that the parentage of such child is established in this case in the father also, because the mother, being in reality his wife, any doubt or error upon his part can only prove him guilty of a carnal intention, and has no other effect whatsoever in law. With respect again to zimmees, or tributary infidels, the right of succession may be fully established betwixt them upon grounds, whether of descent or marriage, that are prohibited by our law, provided they are authorized in the belief or according to the rites of their own religion, or have proceeded upon doubt or ignorance of the parties that they are forbidden ; but if, on the contrary, these grounds are illegal also in their own belief and to their knowledge, we decide upon them according to our law. Such is the opinion of the Sheikh as expressed both in his Nehdyut and Tuhzeeb, as well as of many other authors ; and, indeed, appears fully supported by what Sukoony relates to have been told him by the Imam Jdfer Sddik, as a judgment MUTUAL ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF RELATIONSHIP. 375 of Aly, upon whom be blessing and peace, viz. that he confirmed the title of a Mujoosy, 14 who had married his own mother, to a twofold portion of her inheritance, one as being her son, and the other her husband. This report, if its authenticity or the fidelity of Sukoony be questioned, would not only reflect discredit upon the judgment of many of our doctors who have uniformly adopted his authority as the guide of their opinions and decision, but would also appear unjust as to himself, who is reckoned amongst the number of our best and most accurate tra- ditionists. It is, besides, further strengthened by a say- ing of the Prophet, on whom and his posterity be blessing and peace : " Every nation or tribe professing a par- ticular faith or religion is bound to abide by the laws thereof; " and another quoted by SudooJc in these words, " Every individual who professes the religion of any nation or tribe, is bound to abide by their laws ; " also by a report of Obbry to this effect, " I heard the Imam Jdfer SddiJc declare that the Prophet of God, upon whom and his pos- terity be blessing and peace, expressly prohibited the custom of reviling female slaves as bastards, or unlawfully begotten, because every nation has particular rites and laws regarding the marriage state or connection betwixt the sexes." Further, it is related by Abdoolah JEbn Imam that a person having once in the presence of the Imam Jdfer Sddik reproached a Mujoosy for being casually connected with his own mother and sister, the Imam rebuked that person severely, observing, " that such was a lawful marriage amongst them according to the tenets of their religion," which tenets did we not apply in our decisions respecting their professions, these various traditions could never have appeared upon record. And here, as an appendage to the legal causes of Acknow- succession by birth and affinity, we observe the mutual f^f- acknowledgment of two persons with respect to each other estab- of a relationship establishing the right of inheritance, ^ht of 14 Magician, or worshipper of fire. $7$ INHERITANCE. succes- sion, with- out any- further proof. Except when the parties are of known parentage and con- nections. provided both these persons be of unknown parentage and connections. Thus, if two persons mutually recognize each other by the titles, for example, of father and son, or any other founding claim to succession, who are not known to the contrary, they are by law acknowledged as the heirs of each other, nor can either be called upon to prove the truth of his confession, because the right is confined to themselves, and there is no person to oppose it, as well as by the saying of him, on whom be peace, " Acknowledg- ments of sane people are valid and binding as to them- selves." Further, it is related by Abdool Ruhman Eon llijuj Bijlly that he asked the Imam Jdfer Sddik, upon whom be peace, respecting a woman brought prisoner from her own country, and with her an infant child whom she called her son ; and a man also a prisoner, who, meeting by accident with his brother, recognized him by that title, and they both knew each other, but neither could adduce any proof of their relation except this mutual acknowledg- ment. The reporter thus proceeds, " The Imam inquired of me my own opinion of these cases ; I observed that the parties could not inherit from each other as having no proof of their relationship from being born in a foreign country. He exclaimed, ' Almighty God ! if a mother has brought with her into captivity a son or a daughter, whom she constantly acknowledges as such, or when a man re- cognizes his brother, and they both being of sane mind continue to acknowledge the relations, surely they must be considered the lawful heirs of each other.' " If, however, the acknowledging parties should be generally known as not related to each other by the tie, whether of blood or affinity, which they allege, such ac- knowledgment cannot in law be received, as obviously in this case tending to affect the rights of third parties ; for the title of succession is established by law in the known heirs of the acknowledger, and his simple confession in favour of another, as tending to exclude these, or at least to introduce a sharer in their rights, cannot be received without proof, although verified by the person in whose favour it is made. DOCTRINE OF SHARES. 377 With respect, again, to the case of parents and their Acknow- infant children reciprocal acknowledgment is not required o ^ _f™^_ n by law to establish the right of succession, but on the con- rent is trary, the simple declaration of the parent, or adoption of ^ esta _ the child as his own, is perfectly sufficient to establish in- blish the . child's heritance betwixt them, as has already been fully explained title to in treating of the acknowledgment of parentage, and there succes- is no distinction upon this point betwixt a father and mother, as a majority of our doctors have decided. This right of inheritance by mutual acknowledgment, except in the instance of parent and child, is invariably restricted to the acknowledging parties themselves, and does by no means, according to the most prevalent opinion, descend to their heirs, unless the latter should also verify and avow the connection. Thus, if a person declare another to be her brother, who on his part also avows the relation, and they are not known to the contrary, the right of in- heritance is thereby established betwixt them as to each other, but does not extend to the other brothers for example of either, nor to any relations besides. It is otherwise with respect to parents and children. If one person acknow- ledges himself the father of another, who verifies and avows the filial tie, these are not only by law the heirs of each other, but this right also extends to all the heirs or de- scendants of both. This distinction betwixt the two cases, however, is founded upon a principle whereof the grounds are by no means obvious ; and the various objections thereto may be seen at large with their answers in their proper place. Of the Doctrine of Shares and Mode of distributing Inheritance. Know that every heir whom Almighty God hath named Distriba- in the Koran, and for whom He hath allotted a specific heritance" portion of inheritance, is by us denominated Zoo furz, or a sharer ; in the same manner as we term that portion of sharers, inheritance assigned furz, or a share ; and further, that every heir to whom a specific share has not been allotted in the and resi- Book of God is called Zoo Kurabut 15 or a residuary. Now duaries * 15 Literally, master of a relationship. 378 INHERITANCE. The sharers are nine persons ; of whom five are some- times resi- duaries. The shares of inherit- ance are six. Two- thirds go to two or more daughters, if there be it often happens that the same heir is in one case a sharer, and in another a residuary. The sharers men- tioned in the Book of God are nine persons : a single daughter if there be no son of the deceased ; two or more daughters also on failure of a son; a single sister by the same father and mother, or by the same father only, if there be no brother or grandfather ; two or more sisters also on failure of a brother and grandfather ; a father if there be issue of the deceased ; a mother in all situations ; a husband and a widow in every situation ; and lastly, a relation who is connected with the deceased, by the mother's side only. Of these, the first five are often residuaries also, as where, with a daughter or with two daughters, there is a son ; where, with a sister, or two or more sisters, there is a brother, or grandfather ; and where, with a father, there is no issue of the deceased. The remaining four, again, can never in any situation be residuaries, except upon entire failure of every heir that is capable of being associated with them, in which case of necessity they take the whole in- heritance, first as share and then the residuum or return. All heirs of whatsoever class or description besides these nine are denominated simple residuaries. The Foorooz or shares are six : two-thirds, a half, one- third, a fourth, a sixth, and an eighth, agreeable to a tradition of the Imam Mohiimmud Bdkir, on whom be peace, recorded in these words, " Verily the shares of in- heritance do not exceed six ; " to which effect there are many other authentic documents. Now the persons entitled to those shares are as follows. Two-thirds are allotted in two cases ; first to two or more daughters ot the deceased if there be no son, by unanimous assent agreeable to the word of Almighty God : " God hath directed you con- cerning your children ; a male shall have as much as the share of two females ; but if there be females only and above two they shall have two-thirds of the inheritance ; and if there be but one, she shall have a half." Upon this point the author of the Bafy 16 has a passage highly worthy 16 A compilation of traditions known also by the title of Culeny, from the birthplace of its author Mohummud Jukool. DOCTRINE OF SHARES. 379 of question : " Mankind have argued much respecting the right of two daughters, and whence it arises that they enjoy by our law two-thirds of the estate, whereas Almighty God hath expressly stipulated that they be above two in number. Some have ascribed this decision to the general assent of the learned independent of any other authority ; some have attempted to deduce it from reason upon this principle, that as one daughter has a half, it follows that two-thirds must be the share of every member above one ; others again, finding no reason, have followed the majority ; but in fact not one of them has ever discovered the true cause, which is clearly the Divine Authority in these words, " To a male as much as the share of two females," and may be thus exemplified : — If a person deceased should leave only one daughter and a son, the male has as much as two females, viz. two-thirds, consequently two-thirds is evidently the share allotted to two daughters; which explanation affords suffi- cient proof of the decision alluded to, and has notwithstand- ing been omitted by all former writers on the subject." The second case of allotment of two-thirds is to two or and to two more sisters of the deceased by the same father and mother, °. r more J _ ' sisters, on or by the same father only, upon failure of brothers and failure of grandfathers : and this also by unanimous assent on account a broth " of the saying of Almighty God : " If a man die having no father, issue, and leave a sister, she shall have half of what he shall leave, and he is her heir if she have no issue ; but if there be two sisters, they shall have two-thirds of what he shall leave, and if there be brothers and sisters, a male shall have as much as the share of two females." Further, in a tradition of the Imam Jdfer Sddilc, on whom be peace, quoted by Bookeyr Ebn Ayoon, the word sister in this text is explained to mean a sister either by the same father and mother, or by the same father only ; to which effect there are also other documents. With respect, again, to the case of more than ttro sisters, in addition to the unanimous assent of all our doctors, it is established by traditional record from the particular occasion on which this portion of the sacred text was revealed, viz. that of a person named Jabu, who being ill, and having seven sisters, 380 INHERITANCE. A half goes to one daughter, if there be no son ; to one sister, on failure of brothers and grand- father ; and to a husband, if there be no issue. One-third goes to the mother, if not par- tially ex- cluded. And to two or more re- lations by the mother's side only. asked the Prophet concerning their share of his inherit- ance. A half is the share allotted to three different persons : to a single daughter if there be no son of the deceased, according to the sacred text above quoted ; to one sister upon failure of brothers and grandfathers, agreeable to the last passage of the holy book ; and to a husband, if there be no issue, as well by unanimous assent of the learned as by express divine authority. " And ye shall have half of what your wives shall leave, if they have no issue ; but if they have issue, then ye shall have a fourth part," &c. A third is allotted in two cases : first to a mother if not partially excluded by children however low, or by brothers or sisters of the deceased, who diminish her share as formerly mentioned, and by unanimous assent according to the saying of Almighty God : " And the parents of the deceased shall have each of them a sixth part of what is left if there be issue ; but if there be no issue, then the mother shall have a third, unless there should be brothers or sisters, in which case she shall have a sixth." Further, in a tradition of the Imam Jdfer Sddik, on whom be peace, reported by Aban Elm Tuglilub in the case of a person deceased who left both his parents, we have this decision : " To his mother a third and the residue to his father ; " which decision, however, proceeds clearly on the supposition that there were no children nor brothers of the deceased, because these restrict the share of the mother to a sixth, as has already been mentioned, upon the conditions formerly detailed. Secondly, this share is allotted to relations of the deceased by the mother's side only, if there be more than one in number, whether male or female, or both, agreeable to the saying of Almighty God : " And if a man or woman's property be inherited by a distant relation, and he or she have a brother or sister, each of them shall have a sixth part of the estate ; but if there be more than one, they are all equal sharers in a third." Now in a tradition of the Imam Jdfer Sddik, upon whom be peace, explanatory of this passage quoted by Bodkeyr Ebn Ayoon, we have these words : "By brothers and sisters are here DOCTRINE OF SHARES. 381 to be understood those by the same mother only with the deceased, for I particularly suggested the case of a woman who left her husband, brothers by the same mother, and brothers by the father also, to which he replied, ' The hus- band takes a half, or three shares ; a third or two frac- tions go to the brothers and sisters by the mother's side, in which male and female are alike ; and the residue to those by the same father, a male having as much thereof as the share of two females.' " The condition again of plurality in brothers and sisters by the mother's side to their enjoying a third is established by unanimous assent ; but whether it is also required in the case of more distant maternal relations, as of a grand- father or uncle, is a question that has admitted of contrary solutions. A fourth is allotted also in two cases : to a husband, if a fourth there be issue, whether male or female, of his deceased p estothe ./.,*. n , husband, wile, by unanimous assent, on account ol the sacred text if there be issue : formerly quoted ; and to a widow, if there be no child of her husband, which is likewise established in the same ^idow \i manner. It is to be observed, however, respecting the there be latter, that this share is not affected in any degree by dren U " supposing one or a plurality of wives ; for should there be four, a fourth part only of the deceased husband's property is to be divided equally amongst them ; and upon this point all lawyers are agreed, both by reason of the abso- lute and unqualified sense of the sacred text, and also of a tradition recorded by Aboo Omar Abdy from the Com- mander of the Faithful, on whom be peace, in these words : " The share of a husband can never be more than a half or less than a fourth, and that of widows never more than a fourth or less than an eighth ; should they be four, or below that number, they are equal sharers in this portion of inheritance ; " to which effect there are many other authentic reports. A sixth comprehends three cases : It is the share of a sixth a father with children of the deceased, agreeable to the S oes to a sacred text formerly quoted ; of a mother, in the case of with issue issue ; or of brothers and sisters who occasion her partial of the 1 deceased ; 182 INHERITANCE. to a mother, with issue or bro- thers. And to one ma- ternal relation. An eighth is the share of a widow with issue. Combina- tions of shares in one estate. exclusion, as already detailed, agreeable also to the sacred text ; and, thirdly, it is allotted to a single relation by the mother's side only, upon which, in the case of a brother or sister, all our doctors are agreed, by reason of the fore- going sacred text, and several express traditions generally known ; but which, in the case of more remote maternal kindred, as a grandfather or uncle, has admitted a diversity of opinion. The last appointed share of inheritance, viz. an eighth, is that of a widow with issue of her deceased husband, by unanimous assent, without distinction also betwixt the case of one and plurality ; for should there be four, this share is to be equally divided amongst them, of which rule the undoubted proof has already been stated. Of these shares some are of a nature capable of being combined with others in one estate, and there are some which do not admit of this combination. Of the first class are two-thirds with one-third, as in the case of two sisters by the same father and mother, or by the same father only, with two or more brothers or sisters by the mother's side ; also with a sixth, as two daughters with any one of the parents, or two full sisters with a brother by the same mother only ; likewise with a fourth, as two sisters with a widow ; and with an eighth, as in the case of two daugh- ters with a widow of the deceased. Further, a half is capable of being combined with a half, as in the case of a husband with a full sister, or one by the father's side ; also with a third, as a husband with a mother, or with brothers and sisters by the mother's side ; likewise with a sixth, as in the case of a full sister, or one by the father's side with a sister by the same mother only ; further, with a fourth, as a full sister with a widow, or a daughter with a husband of the deceased ; and, lastly, with an eighth, as in the case of a daughter and a widow. Again, a third may be combined with the following shares : a half and two-thirds, of both which examples have been given ; and with a fourth, as in the case of a widow with brothers or sisters by the mother only. A fourth may also be com- bined with two-thirds, with a half, and with one-third, of DOCTRINE OF SHARES. 883 all which examples have preceded ; and, lastly, with a sixth, in the case of a widow, with any one relation by the mother's side only. Further, a sixth admits of combina- tion with two-thirds, with a half, and with a fourth, as formerly exhibited ; with a sixth, as in the case of both parents should there be issue of the deceased ; and, lastly, with an eighth, as in the case of a child with the widow and both parents, or any one of them. To conclude, an eighth may be combined with two-thirds, with a half, and with a sixth, of all which examples have been already offered. Those shares of inheritance, on the other hand, which do not admit of combination, and can never be allotted from one and the same estate, are as follows : — Two-thirds with two-thirds and with a half; cme-third cannot be com- bined with a third, nor with a sixth, nor with an eighth ; one-eighth can never be allotted with an eighth, nor with a fourth : and, lastly, two-fourths can never be assigned from the same estate. This incapacity of combination in some of the eight foregoing cases, and the various grounds thereof, will be evident from a retrospect to the shares and persons entitled to them with the established conditions on which they are allotted ; but a further cause of inca- pacity in some will hereafter be made manifest when we come to describe the nullity, according to our law, of the doctrine of Aid, a prevailing system amongst all doctors of the opposite sect. And here it is proper to describe certain general rules a father, to which strict attention is indispensable. The first of "P on these is. " That a father of the deceased, upon failure of is SllCi j s a issue, is not a specific sharer in the estate, but has by law residuary, merely a residuary title to all that remains after distri- bution of the other shares." Thus, if a person deceased should leave, for example, a father, a mother, and a husband, the mother, in this case, takes a third, if not partially excluded by brothers or sisters ; the husband also enjoys his appointed share, viz., a half, and the remaining sixth is all that would go to the father ; whereas, if we substitute a widow in room of the husband, a residuum of 381 INHERITANCE. five-twelfths, after payment of her share and the mother's, would in this example be inherited by the father. By the same rule, if the father and mother only of a person deceased should remain, the former would receive two- thirds of the estate, and the latter one-third, if not par- tially excluded by brothers or sisters, whereas if these existed, the mother's share being consequently reduced to a sixth, the father would enjoy five-sixths of the estate in virtue of his residuary title. This doctrine admits of no difference of opinion, by reason of an authentic report thereupon in the collection of Mohummud Elm Mooslim, to this effect: "The Imam Mohummud BdMr, on whom be peace, showed me a book of inheritance dictated by the Prophet of God, and in the handwriting of Alt/, which contained the case of a woman deceased, leaving her husband and both parents, whose estate was thus distributed : to her husband, a half, or three fractions out of six ; to the mother, a third, or two- sixths ; and one-sixth, or the residuum, to the father." Again, in a report of Ismail Jafy, the following decision is quoted from the Imam Jdfer SddiJc, on whom be peace : " If a man dying should leave his widow and both parents, a fourth of his estate goes to the widow, one- third thereof to his mother, and his father inherits the residuum." Further, in a report of Aban Ebn Tughlidi, from the same Imam, we have the case of a person dying who left only her father and mother, thus divided : " To the mother, a third part, or her appointed share, and all the residuum to the father ; " to which effect there are various other authentic documents, all of them, however, obviously proceeding on the supposition of failure of brothers and sisters, who necessarily limit the mother's share to a sixth, as has already so often been mentioned. Daughters The second general rule to be observed is, " that in made resi- distribution of inheritance to children of the deceased, if duanes by ' a son. amongst them there should be a son, the male has always a portion equal to that of two females, by unanimous assent ; which affords another example of a sharer becoming a residuary, like that of a father under the foregoing general DOCTRINE OF SHARES. 600 rule. This principle is established not only by the sacred authority formerly quoted, but also by several authentic traditions generally known. In one of these which is reported by Ahwul we have the following words : " The son of AbooAuja having expressed his ignorance and doubt of the cause why a female, the weakest and most helpless of the two, should enjoy only half the portion of inheritance bestowed upon a male, some of our companions stated this matter to the Imcim Jcifer Sddik, on whom be peace ; he replied, a female is excused from the performance of many duties imposed by law upon a male, such as service in the Holy Wars, maintenance or support of relations, and payment of expiatory fines, and for this reason her share of inheritance has been justly limited to half the portion of a male." This principle equally applies to sisters in distribution Also sis- with a brother or grandfather, for they also become resi- brother & duaries like daughters with a son, unless they are by the mother's side only, and this by unanimous assent ; on ac- count not only of the sacred text formerly quoted, but also of various traditional authorities to be hereafter adduced, if it please God. The third general rule to be described is, " that the Every re- portion of every person related to the deceased through one ™° o e t j J ? ir> of his parents, whether related also through the other or self a not, provided such person be not himself a specific sharer, take-ins is exactly the portion of that parent, or in other words is portion of the portion of that person from whom the title or relation of Monsan- to the deceased, by however many intermediate steps, is guinity derived, whether such mean of consanguinity was a specific c i ecease( j sharer or not." Thus, the children of a daughter or of two daughters supply the place in succession of their mother's, taking either a half or two-thirds of their grandfather's estate, and also the surplus or return should there be any, in the same manner as their mothers, if existing, would have done. Again, the children of a son supply the place of their father from whom their title is derived, and enjoy his portion of the inheritance. And if we suppose an assem- blage of the children of sons and daughters, each class take PART II. C c 386 INHERITANCE. Example in grand- children. Great grand- children. Brother's and sis- ter's chil- dren. Grand- fathers and grand- mothers. Uncles and aunts. the portion of inheritance which their own root or immediate ancestor would have enjoyed if in existence. For example, if a person deceased should leave a son's son and children of a daughter, the former would receive two-thirds, and one-third only would go to the daughter's children. Upon the same principle, should there be children of a son's son, and a daughter's daughter, the former would have two- thirds of the estate and one-third goes to the daughter; and if we substitute in the room of children a single daughter of the son's son, the case is exactly the same, as such daughter being a descendant in the male line would still receive two-thirds or the portion of her root. Further, if we suppose the deceased to leave children of his daughter's son, and a daughter of his son's daughter, the former as descended from a female would inherit amongst them only one-third of his estate, whilst the daughter would receive two-thirds thereof. If, on the other hand, a person should leave children of the son of one daughter, and the daughter's daughter of another, here, as all are descended from a female root, the former would receive one-half of the estate amongst them, and the other half would go to the latter singly, their portions being in this case composed both of shares, and the return. In short, each individual or class of descendants receives the portion of his or their own immediate ancestors or root, in the same manner as that ancestor takes the portion of his root, and so on, to the deceased. The children also of a brother or sister, whether by the father's or mother's side, receive exactly that portion of inheritance which their parent, such brother or sister, would have enjoyed, upon the same principle and by the same rule with grandchildren and great-grandchildren, whether their ancestor was a sharer or residuary. Further, the share of a maternal grandfather is exactly that of a mother, as is also that of a maternal grandmother, a paternal grand- father's that of a father, and likewise a paternal grand- mother's. A paternal uncle also receives the portion of a father through whom he is related, as does also a paternal aunt : a maternal uncle has that of a mother through DOCTRINE OF SHARES. 387 whom his title is derived, and likewise a maternal aunt. The children, again, of uncles, whether paternal or maternal, inherit the portions of their parents ; and in general every branch as representing its root in succession receives by law the portion of inheritance assigned to that root, without any distinction whatsoever except this, that in the secondary distribution betwixt relations by both parents or by the father's side, attention must be always paid to sex, the male having a portion adequate to two females ; whereas amongst relations by the mother's side only, in the distri- bution of their ancestor's portion males and females are perfectly alike, there being no preference to one over the other. Thus, the children of brothers or sisters by the same father and mother only, the same father only, paternal grandfathers and grandmothers, paternal full uncles and aunts, paternal half uncles and aunts if by the father's side, and their children, divide the portions of inheritance enjoyed by them, to a male as much as the share of two females ; whereas the children of brothers and sisters by the mother's side, maternal grandfathers and grandmothers, paternal half uncles and aunts if by the mother's side only, maternal uncles and aunts of every description and their children, divide their portions of inheritance as derived through the female line equally without distinction or preference of sex whatsoever. This rule is universally prevalent amongst our doctors, and has by some been further extended in its application to the children or de- scendants of daughters, amongst whom, in their opinion, as equally in the female line, no distinction of sex can be observed. This opinion is, however, now generally aban- doned, and we may therefore lay it down as a fixed maxim, that amongst the children of daughters as of sons, the distribution is to a male double the portion of a female, notwithstanding their relation through the mother, consider- ing them as in the place of immediate offspring, to whom the application of the sacred text is therefore indispensable. The traditional documents which establish the fore- going general rule are contained first in a report of Aboo Ayoobj from the Imam Jdfer Sddik, on whom be peace, to c c 2 And their children. In the secondary distribu- tion atten- tion is paid to sex, re- lations in the male line, or of full blood, sharing a male dou- ble the portion of a female, and those in the female line all equally. INHERITANCE. All rela- tions by the full blood, or by the father's side, are residu- aries, when com- bined with those by the mother's only. Example in brothers and sis- ters. the following effect : " It is written in the book of At//, on whom be peace, that a paternal aunt supplies the place of a father in succession, a maternal aunt that of a mother, the children of paternal uncles, in the situation of paternal uncles, and in general every remote kinsman in the place of that nearer relation through whom his title is derived, unless some heir nearer to the deceased should exist, who necessarily excludes him altogether." Further, in a report of Soliman Ebn Khalid, from the Imam Jdfer Sdclik, on whom be peace, in these words : " The Commander of the Faithful, Aly, on whom be peace, always considered a paternal aunt in the situation of a father as to inheritance, a maternal aunt in that of a mother, a brother's son as a brother, and every relation not personally entitled to a share in the situation of that heir through whom his title was derived." Again, in a decision of the Imclm Mohummud BdJcir, on whom be peace, quoted by Aboo Buseer, to this effect : " That being asked respecting the case of a hus- band and grandfather, he adjudged an equal division be- twixt them of the deceased's property." And, lastly, in a judgment of the Imam Jdfer Sddik, on whom be peace, reported by Sulma Elm Malmrez, upon the case of a paternal uncle and aunt, viz., " Two-thirds to the uncle, and one-third to the aunt," the reporter thus proceeds : " I inquired respecting a paternal uncle's son with the son of a maternal aunt. He replied, ' To the male double the share of the female.' " And to the same effect are various other authorities. The fourth general rule to be observed is, " That whenever an assemblage occurs of relations by both parents or by the father's side with relations by the mother only, the latter, if one, takes a sixth part of the estate, or a third in the event of plurality, to be divided equally, with- out distinction of male or female, and all the residuum, goes to the former, divisible to a male double the por- tion of a female." Thus, if we suppose a brother by the same father and a sister by the mother only to exist, the latter receives her appointed share, viz., one-sixth of the deceased's estate, and the residuum, or five-sixths, go to DOCTRINE OF SHARES. 389 the brother. If, again, brothers and sisters by the father are combined with brothers and sisters by the mother, the latter receive a third part of the estate, to be divided equally amongst them without distinction of sex ; and two-thirds thereof go to the former, divisible to a male double the portion of a female. Further, if we suppose children of a brother by the mother's side only, with the son of a sister of the same father, the former would receive only a sixth part of the estate as the appointed share of their father, to be divided equally amongst them, and the remaining five-sixths would go all to the sister's son. The same is invariably the rule with respect to all other shares of inheritance, attention being paid in their primary allotment to the third or preceding general rule. Thus, if Paternal there be children of paternal uncles or aunts of different aun * s > and . uncles, descriptions assembled as the heirs of a person deceased, and their those descended from one paternal half uncle or aunt by chlldren - the same brother only with his father receive a sixth part as the portion of their ancestor, or a third if descended from two or more, which is divisible equally amongst them, to a female the same as a male, and all the residuum goes to the children of those half uncles and aunts who were brothers or sisters by the father's side to the deceased's father, divisible amongst them to a male double the por- tion of a female. Again, should there be children of Maternal maternal uncles and aunts of different descriptions, those unc l esand 1 aunts, and connected by the mother's side receive as above a sixth their chil- part if descended from one ancestor, or a third if from two n ' or more, and those by the father's side take all the residuum ; but here the secondary distribution to both classes is made without distinction of sex, a female re- ceiving in each the same portion with a male, because all are alike related to the deceased through the medium of a female, his mother. Lastly, we shall suppose an assemblage of the children Children of paternal uncles of different descriptions with the chil- ^K r " dren of maternal uncles also varying in description ; and maternal here the primary distribution would be, as formerly men- pro n ^ s( . u _ tioned : one-third of the estate to the latter class, and the ously. 390 INHERITANCE. residuum, or two-thirds, to the former. Secondly, the third assigned to the children of maternal uncles would be thus distributed : To those whose ancestor was related only by the mother's side, a sixth part thereof if one, or a third in case of plurality, and the residuum to the full maternal uncle's descendants, or those of one related by the father's side ; but the final distribution as to both these classes would be without distinction of sex, to a male the same portion with a female. With respect, again, to the two-thirds first allotted to the paternal uncle's descendants, the secondary distribution would be to those of a half uncle by the mother's side, a sixth, or a third in case of plurality, divisible equally amongst them without distinction of sex ; and to those of full uncles, or of half uncles by the father's side, all the remainder, divisible amongst them to a male double the portion of a female. This rule of inheritance is universally prevalent amongst our doctors, and is established not only by several tradi- tions already quoted, but also by a report of Booheyr Ebn Ayoon from the Imam, Jdfer Sddik, on whom be peace, in these words : "I inquired concerning the estate of a woman deceased who had left her husband, some brothers and sisters by the same mother, and also brothers and sisters by her father. He replied, ' The husband takes one-half of her inheritance or three fractions, one-third goes to her brothers and sisters by the mother, which is to be equally divided amongst them, to a male the same as to a female, and the residuum or one-sixth goes to the brothers and sisters by the father's side, a male having double the portion of a female, for verily the appointed shares of an inheritance cannot be diminished by Avl (or increasing the number effractions), and a husband's share cannot be less than a half in this case, nor that of brothers and sisters by the mother less than a third, agreeable to the saying of Almighty God : If there be more than one they are equal sharers in a third, and if only one, he or she has a sixth part, &c.' " Further, by a tradition of the Imam Mohummud Bdkir, on whom be peace, recorded by DOCTRINE OF SHARES. 391 Bookeyr in these words : " A person having asked the Imam concerning the inheritance of a woman deceased, who had left her husband, two brothers by the same mother, and a sister by her father, he replied, ' The husband takes a half or three fractions, a third or two go to her brothers by the mother, and the residuum or one-sixth goes to her sister by the father.' " Again, it is recorded by Mohummud Ebn Mooslim that he put the following case to the Imam Mohummud Bdlcir, on whom be peace : "A person deceased leaves the son of a sister by his father, and a son of his sister by the mother ; how is his estate to be divided ? The Imam decreed to the latter a sixth part, or his mother's appointed share, and all that remains to the former," to which effect there are also other traditions. The last general rule to be described is, "that when- Paternal (ryori r\ m ever grandfathers and grandmothers, both paternal and fathers maternal, are assembled with half brothers and sisters by rank the father's and by the mother's side, or with their children, succession a maternal grandfather and grandmother are by law on an witn ful1 equal footing in succession with a brother and sister by r those by the same mother only, and a paternal grandfather and the father, grandmother equal to a full brother and sister or to those maternal by the father's side ; but should these ancestors stand K rancl - . •■ . • t . ., ,, n fathers single m succession, that is, upon iailure ol brothers and w ith sisters and their children, then thev are considered in the brothers by the situation of immediate parents, or of a father and mother mother's respectively. side onl y- This principle is established by a tradition of the f a ji ure f Imam Jdfer Sddik, on whom be peace, quoted by Foozei/l brothers Elm Yesa/r, in these words : " Verily a grandfather is sisters associated in succession with brothers, his portion is equal their rank to one of theirs and neither more nor less. Further, by i' mme . an authentic report of Aboo Buseer from the same Imam. diate P a " rents in these words : "I stated the case of a person who died leaving six brothers and a grandfather ; he replied, ' The grandfather is as one of the brothers.' " By another decision in the case of a brother's son and a grandfather, to this effect : " The property is to be divided equally 392 INHERITANCE. betwixt them ; " and by another in the instance of a sister's daughters with, a grandfather, to this effect : " To the sister's daughters one-third, and the remainder to the grandfather," which last decision obviously proceeds on the supposition that both sister and grandfather were related by the same side, whence the distinction of male and female would have bestowed a double portion on the latter. A single If there should be only one heir of a person deceased, descrii> ny such individual takes the whole property to himself, what- tion takes ever the nature of his title may be, consanguineous, emanci- the whole r. -, , -, -!•>_• inherit- P a ^ or y; or °* patronage, m whatsoever class or description ance. he may be placed, and if even the lowest or most remote member of that, class, without any distinction whatsoever, Ifasharer, and this by unanimous assent. The only distinction that distinct can occur is this : that where such individual or sole heir titles. happens to be of the class of sha/rers, he inherits under two separate titles : first, his own appointed share and And if a then the return as a residuary. Where, on the other hand, residuary, ne is n °t a sharer, his simple residuary title alone under this embraces the whole property at once, whether founded upon emancipation, patronage, or any other ground what- soever. Thus, if we suppose a sister by the mother's side to be the sole heiress of a person deceased, she receives first her appointed share, viz., a sixth part of the estate, and then the remainder as a residuary. If, again, a brother by the father should be sole heir, he inherits the whole property at once as a residuary, having no specific share allotted to him ; and upon these two examples all other classes and degrees may be conceived without repeti- Exccpt a tion. In the case of a husband, the principle is exactly widow, the same, according to the most prevalent doctrine, but who is ' ° ... always with regard to a widow, her residuary title in any case tnT- * s mos t generally denied, and the grounds of its rejection share. have already at great length been detailed. As establishing the general principle in addition to unanimous assent, we have the following traditional documents : First, a report of Sulma Ebn Mohuruz, from DOCTRINE OF SHARES. 393 the Imam Jdfer Sddik, on whom be peace, to this effect : " I reported the death of a man who had bequeathed to me all his property by will, having at the same time a daughter. The Imam inquired if there were any witnesses to the will, and upon my answering in the negative, directed me to surrender all the property to the daughter as hers of right." Secondly, by a report of Abdoolla Elm Sindn from the same Imam, in these words : "I inquired concerning a person deceased who had left a brother by his mother and no other heir besides. He replied, ' The property goes all to that brother.' " Further, in the commentary of Aly Ebn Ibrahim, a tradition is quoted from Boolieyr Ebn Aijoon of the Imam Mohummud Bdkir, on whom be peace, to this effect : " If a man die leaving an only sister, she takes first her appointed share, viz. one-half of his inheritance, agreeable to the sacred text, in the same manner as a daughter would have done if in existence, and the remaining half also reverts to her should there be no other nearer heir, in virtue of a residuary title." If instead of this sister there be a brother of the deceased, he inherits the whole property under one general title, agreeably to the saying of Almighty God, " And he is sole heir if there be no issue." Again, should there be two sisters, these receive first two-thirds of the estate as their appointed share in the Book of God, and the remaining third reverts to them as residuaries." To the same effect are various other documents. If there be more than one heir of a person deceased, Case of a some of whom do not exclude the others from inheritance, of "heirs'^ then attention must be paid to their titles and lines of who are descent, and if amongst them no specific sharer should d uar i es " appear, the property must be divided according to their own respective portions ; as where, for example, a person leaves children, male and female, in which case each of the former has double the portion of one of the latter ; and where also he leaves brothers and sisters all by the same father and mother, or by the same father only, in which case the same rule is observed, and so on. If, again, amongst these heirs, neither of whom If some arc sharers :; ( .M INHERITANCE. to their full shares. and some excludes any other, some sharers and some residuaries are aries "the observed, the former are preferred to their appointed shares former are in the first place, and the remainder of the estate goes to the residuaries ; as where, for example, a woman leaves both her parents, her husband, and children, both male and female, in which case the parents take a third part of her estate betwixt them, her husband takes a fourth, and the remaining five-twelfths go to her children, of whom a male has the portion of two females ; and when, also, a woman leaves her husband, a paternal and a maternal uncle, in which case the husband takes a half, his appointed share, her maternal uncle, being also a sharer, receives his third, and the residue, or one-sixth only, goes to the paternal uncle. Again, the case is exactly the same where, with her husband, a woman leaves children of her paternal and of a maternal uncle, for here, also, the husband takes his half, the maternal uncle's children, in right of their father, a third, and the remaining sixth part goes to the children of the paternal uncle. Upon these three examples all similar cases may be conceived, without the trouble of repetition ; and this preference of law to sharers over resi- duaries is established not only by many traditions already quoted, but also by a report of AJxba Elm Busheer from the Imam Molvummud Bdhir, on whom be peace, in the case of a woman who died leaving her husband and both her parents, upon which this decision was pronounced : " To the husband one-half of her estate, a third thereof to the mother, and the residue, or one-sixth, to her father." Again, in the case of a woman who left her husband, her father and mother, a decision of the Imam Jdfer Sddik, on whom be peace, is recorded by Aboo Buseer, to this effect : " The distribution of her estate is into six equal portions, three of which, or one-half, of the whole inherit- ance, is the share of her husband ; a third, or two portions, go to the mother ; and the residue, or one-sixth, to her father ; " to which effect there are various other traditional documents. Now it has already been stated, as written in the book of Alij, on whom be peace, that a paternal aunt of the deceased is exactly in the situation of a father, and DOCTRINE OF SHARES. 395 a maternal aunt in that of a mother, as to inheritance. It follows, therefore, of necessity that a paternal uncle or aunt, and an uncle or aunt by the mother's side, if com- bined with a husband or widow, form a case exactly similar to that of a father and mother of the deceased, when com- bined with a husband or widow, without any difference or distinction whatsoever. If all the heirs of a person deceased should be specific Case when sharers in the estate, without any individual amongst heirs are them who claims under a simple residuary title, this case specific admits of three different suppositions — first, that the estate and tne ' ir is capable of embracing and discharging all the appointed appointed sharers without surplus or deficiency of any fraction what- ex i mus t soever ; second, that it falls short of all the shares ; and the estate third, that, after payment of them all, a surplus of some fj. ac ti n. fraction remains. Under the first supposition no difficulty whatever occurs; for each individual must, in this case, receive his full appointed share by unanimous assent, as when, for example, a person deceased may have left two daughters, his father, and mother, in which case the former have two-thirds of the estate, or four fractions produced by a divisor of six, and each of the latter one of these fractions, thus involving the whole of the deceased's property. In like manner, when he may have two sisters by the father's side, and brothers or sisters by the mother's, as two-thirds go in this case to the former, and one-third is the share of the latter, likewise involving the whole of the property ; or where, for example, a woman may leave her husband and one sister by the father's side, each of these taking a half of her property ; and all similar cases in which the divisions have been already established, both by divine and traditional authority. Under the second supposition, again, viz., when the If the property falls short in distribution of all the appointed f*[(lf g hort shares, and which can only happen when a husband or of the widow interferes, all our doctors are agreed that the loss XireTtho or deficiency must invariably Ml upon daughters or sisters loss must of the deceased by both parents, or by the father's side ; affect^ ' ' in other words, there are only four of the appointed shares daughters o96 INHERITANCE. or sisters of inheritance which can be affected by any deficiency bloodor arising in the distribution, viz., the share of one daughter by i lie and of two or more daughters, the share of one sister and of two or more sisters, either by both parents, or by the father only. Thus, if a woman leave her husband and two sisters, either by the same father and mother, or the same father only, the husband is entitled to a half, and the sisters to two-thirds ; consequently, the regular divisor of these shares is six, whereas their appointed portions amount to one fraction more than this division would admit of. Again, if we suppose with a husband of the deceased one sister by the father's side, and a sister by the mother's, both the husband and first sister being entitled to a half, and the latter's share being a sixth, here also a deficiency of one-sixth would occur. Further, if we suppose with the husband as above, two daughters and both parents of the deceased, here the divisor being necessarily twelve, of which three, viz., a fourth, is the husband's share, eight, or two-thirds, that of the daughters, and each of the parents take a sixth, or two fractions, it follows that a deficiency of three-twelfths would arise in the distribution. Lastly, if with the husband there should be one daughter and both parents of the deceased, here also a deficiency of one-twelfth would arise, because the daughter's share is a half, or six fractions produced by a divisor of twelve, the husband is entitled to a fourth, or three, and each of the parents to a sixth, or two parts, in this division ; all which making thirteen, exceed the estate by a twelfth. Let us now apply the loss or deficiency in each of these four examples agreeably to the principle laid down, and affecting the shares therein mentioned, which must in- variably guide the distribution in all similar cases. In the first example, therefore, the two sisters receive only the half which remains after the husband's share, instead of two-thirds, thus suffering the loss of a sixth. In the second, the sister by the father's side submits also to the loss of a sixth from her appointed share, receiving only two parts instead of three. The two daughters again, in DOCTRINE OF SHARES. 397 the third example, suffer a deficiency of three-twelfths in their share, receiving only the five which remain after payment of the husband's share and that of both parents. Lastly, in the fourth example, the single daughter by the same side loses one-twelfth part of the inheritance, receiving only five parts instead of six under a division by twelve. This principle is established by the unanimous assent of all our doctors, to whom God be gracious, following the express conditions of our Holy Imams, upon whom be the blessing of God, in such a manner as to render its belief and practice one of the essentials of our religion : whilst the uniform doctrines of the vulgar sect have insti- But can tuted and supported the practice of aid : that is, increasing never be 11 x ' ' o rendered the divisor, or number of shares, and thereby proportion- general by- ally diminishing the value of all in cases of defalcation in !;? cr ?? ,s . m £ J & the divisor the estate. By application of this practice to the four or number examples we have given, the division in the first would be 8 iares * by seven instead of six. Of these seven parts the husband would receive three, and four would go to the two sisters. In the second example, also, the husband would receive three parts out of seven, the sister by the father's side like- wise three, and one seventh part would go to the sister by the mother. In the third example, again, the divisor being increased to fifteen, the husband would receive three of these parts, the two daughters eight, and to each of the parents two fifteenth parts of the inheritance would go by application of this practice. Lastly, in the fourth example, the distribution would take place into thirteen parts instead of twelve, whereof the husband would receive three, six would go to the one daughter, and each of the parents receive two. And a similar increase of divisors may be conceived in all other similar cases. From our pure and holy Imams, however, upon whom Aul is be the peace and blessing of God, there are innumerable unlawful - traditions recorded and generally known, which expressly annul and prohibit this practice, and in which they not only in the strongest terms deny its legality, but also prove in the most satisfactory manner the perverseness of those doctors of the vulgar sect who recommended it and 398 INHERITANCE. If a sur- plus should remain after dis- tribution of all the shares it reverts to the con- sanguin- eous sharers, in propor- tion to their original allotment. applied it. In one tradition, reported by Aboo Murium Ansary from the Imam MoJiummud BdMr, on whom be peace, there are the following words : " Verily He who knows the number of the sands of Aaluj (i.e. Almighty- God) knows also that the appointed shares of inheritance cannot be increased above six." Now Aaluj is a place in Arabia, famed for the extent of its sands, and the meaning of his expression, on whom be peace, " the shares cannot be increased above six," is obviously this, that although for the convenience of distribution the number of fractions are necessarily increased under a fixed rule, still the six radical shares of inheritance must be preserved, viz., two- thirds, a half, one-third, a quarter, a sixth, and an eighth. To which effect there is another express tradition re- corded by Booheyr from the Imam Jdfer Sddih, on whom be peace, in these words : " The radical shares of inherit- ance can only be six ; they can neither be increased above the number, nor can they be altered by aid ; and after this radical division, the property must be allotted to the several sharers who are mentioned in the Book of God." Again, in a report of Hussumy from the same Imam, on whom be peace, we have these words : " Elm Abbas was wont to declare that He who could number the sands in the desert of Aaluj, knew that the radical shares of inheritance cannot be increased above six ; " and to the same effect are various other authentic documents generally known. Under the third and last supposition regarding an estate to be distributed, viz., that a surplus thereof shall remain after payment of all the shares, we observe that this surplus reverts by our law to the consanguineous sharers in proportion to their respective shares, and is divisible amongst them either by fourths or by fifths ; for the return, or reversion, admits of no other distribution. Thus, if there be one daughter and the mother of a person deceased, the latter takes first her appointed share, or a sixth part of the property, the regular divisor being six : the daughter has her moiety, or three parts, produced by this division ; and the remaining two-sixths are divided betwixt them by fourths in the return, one-fourth to the DOCTKINE OF SHARES. 399 mother and three to the daughter, corresponding, this latter division, obviously to their original shares of the inheritance. If, again, with a daughter there be both father and mother of the deceased, each of the latter taking first a sixth part of the property, and the daughter her half or three-sixths thereof, the surplus in this case of one-sixth returns to all proportionally, and is, therefore, divided into five parts, one-fifth thereof to each of the parents, and the remaining three to the daughter. But a more simple and easy method of distribution, in examples of this nature, occurs by a primary arrangement of their shares, in cases where the return is by fourth parts into four, and where by fifteenths into five ; and thus in the first example the mother would at once receive a fourth •part of the estate, and three-fourths go to the daughter. Hence in every case where the surplus or return is divisible by fourths, a primary arrangement of the whole estate into four parts must obviously answer all the purposes of dis- tribution ; and in like manner where by fifths, an arrange- ment into five will produce the true shares without any fraction. This simple and summary method would appear to be alluded to in a traditional report of Salman Ebn Mohuruz ; but another authentic report of Mohummud Mm Mooslim affords equal support to both the modes defined, viz., the common and prevalent one, which com- prehends, first, the distribution of the appointed shares, and then division of the surplus or return by fourths or by fifths, and also this simple and summary method of arranging the whole property at once into four parts or into five. It is to be observed that there is no return of any part There is no of the surplus to a husband : nor to a widow, whilst any [^^"nd & consanguineous relation exists ; nor to the mother, except or widow, on failure of brothers and sisters, who exclude her, as has consan- ,ny already been mentioned, although they do not themselves guineous inherit, nor to any relation by the mother's side only e xists-nor whilst a relation by both parents or by the father exists, to a as shall be hereafter at more length explained ; and upon t ] )ere b ' these maxims all our doctors are agreed, although opposed brothers or sisters; 400 INHERITANCE. nor any residuary- title in the (/.shut, or paternal male kin- dred, whilst a consan- guineous sharer exists. by those of the vulgar sect, who here introduce their doctrine of dsbdt, following their pretended Imams, who lead them to hell fire by supporting a false residuary title, which would confer the surplus or reversion of an estate after payment of the appointed shares upon the male relations of the deceased's father ; and under this title, if we suppose the mother and a daughter of any person deceased to exist, the surplus of two-sixths of the estate would devolve on his brother by the father's side or on his paternal uncle's. The fallacy, however, of this principle has ever been considered a fundamental and necessary part of our legal creed, as established by the authentic traditions of our pure and holy Imams, upon whom be the blessing of God. In one of these reported by Hoosim Zuddd are the follow- ing words : "I was directed to ask the Imam Jdfer Sddik, on whom be peace, to whom doth the property of a person deceased of right appertain ? to his own nearest relation or to his dsbdt ? He replied : ' Verily it be- longs to the nearest relation, and as to the dsbdt or more distant male kindred, Dust in their jaws.' " But in reality the sacred text of the Koran regarding rela- tions by blood sufficiently demonstrates the fallacy of the residuary title as expressed in the commentary of Ay ashy, from Zuraru, who quotes the words of the Imam Molutmmud Bdkir, on whom be peace : " Of relations by blood, some are preferred to others in the Book of God ; that is, some are preferred to others in inheritance, because the nearest in blood to the deceased is necessarily preferred, and excludes all more remote. Now (adds the holy Imam'), who is nearest to the deceased, and who ought to have a preference — his mother or his brothers ? Is not the mother nearer than any brother or sister ? " Again, in the authentic collection of Mohummud JEbn Mooslim, we have the following details: "The Imam Mohurrvm/ud Bdkir, on whom be peace, showed me a chapter on inherit- ance in the handwriting ofAly, and dictated by the Prophet of God, on whom and his posterity be blessing and peace. In it I observed the case of a man who died leaving a DOCTRINE OF SHARES. 401 daughter and his mother thus decided : — To the daughter a half, or three fractions, out of six, and to the mother, as her share, a sixth, or one fraction ; but, for simplicity, the property to be at once divided into four equal parts, of which three to the daughter, and one-fourth to the mother. Again, I observed therein the case of a man who had left his father and a daughter thus decided : — The daughter's share is a half, or three portions out of six, and the father's a sixth, or one portion : but the property here also, in order to simplify the return, to be divided into four parts, of which three to the daughter, and one-fourth to the father. Further, I found the case of a person leaving both parents and a daughter thus decided : — To the daughter, as her share, a half, or three-sixths, and to each of the parents a sixth, or one portion ; but to include, to reversion, the whole property at once divided into fifths, of which three to the daughter, and two to both the parents," Further, in a report of Sulma Ebn Mohuruz, from the Imam Jdfer Sddik, on whom be peace, we have the following decisions : " In the case of a daughter and the father, he decreed, first, to the daughter a half, and to the father a sixth part, and then of the surplus, or remaining two-sixths, three- fourths to the daughter, and one-fourth to the father, by return. In reality, the decision was the same as if the whole property had been first divided into four equal parts, whereof three went to the former, and one-fourth to the latter, for these have surely a better title to the surplus than a paternal uncle, or a brother, or any more remote male relations, because Almighty God hath appointed shares for them in his sacred word, and to them, therefore, the surplus must revert, in proportion to these shares." Again, in a tradition reported by Zuraru from both these Imdms,on whom be peace, the following words are contained : " If a person deceased leave his mother or father, his wife and a daughter, the distribution of his inheritance is into twenty-four equal parts : to the widow an eighth of the whole, or three of these portions ; to the parent, whether father or mother, a sixth of the whole, or four of these parts ; and to his daughter a half, or twelve parts. Now, PART II. D D 402 INHERITANCE. Maternal relations are ex- cluded from the return by those of the full blood or by the father. the surplus, or five remaining fractions, are returned to the daughter and parent in proportion to their original shares; but no part of them whatsoever reverts to the wife. If, again, he should leave both parents, his wife, and a daughter, here also the division is into twenty-four, whereof eight go to the parents, four to each ; three to the widow, or one-eighth of the whole; and twelve, or a half, to the daughter ; but the surplus, or one twenty-fourth part, which remains, is in this case to be divided amongst the daughter and both parents, in proportion to their original shares, and no part whatever thereof reverts to the widow. Further, if a woman deceased should leave her father, her husband, and one daughter, the distribution of her estate is, in this case, into twelve, of which two parts, or a sixth, goes to the father ; three, or a fourth, to her husband ; and six, or a half, to the daughter ; the surplus, or remaining sixth, reverting to the father and daughter, in proportion to their original shares ; but no part thereof whatsoever going to her husband." To this effect there are many other authentic reports generally known. All that has here preceded respecting the return to consanguineous heirs in general must, however, be par- ticularly understood as applying only to those cases where relations by both parents or by the father are not combined with relations by the mother only. In other words, as applying only to a case where all the heirs are either of the first series of relations by consanguinity, or of the second with this proviso, that they be all either related by both parents or by the father, or all related by the mother's side only. If, therefore, on the contrary, in the second class of consanguineous heirs there should be some related by both parents and some by the mother's side only, the prevalent opinion in this case is, that the surplus or return must be conferred on the former, to the entire .exclusion of the latter. And this doctrine may, indeed, be considered as established by unanimous assent. Thus, if a person leave a brother or sister by the same father and mother, with a brother or sister by the same mother only, the latter receives but a sixth part of the estate, and all DOCTRINE OF SHARES. 403 the remainder goes to the relation by both parents, whether a specific sharer or not, by reason of his uniting two causes of relationship to the deceased, viz. the paternal and ma- ternal side, in consequence of which he enjoys a natural preference in succession over the relation by the one side only ; and, further, because the loss or deficiency, should there be any, as where a husband or widow of the deceased interferes, must invariably fall on the relation by both sides, as already explained, whence obvious justice would necessarily dictate his superior title to the surplus or return, when these do not interfere, to make up for his loss in the other event ; and this doctrine is particularly supported by a tradition of the Imam Mohummud Bdlcir, on whom be peace, recorded by Mohummud Elm Mooslim in these words : "I inquired concerning the son of a sister by the father's side with the son of a sister by the same mother only. He replied, 'To the latter a sixth part of the estate, and all that remains to the former.' " Now, it is evident that, if the relation by the father's side were not expressly preferred, the surplus or residue in this example, after distribution of a half and a sixth, would necessarily have been divided betwixt the sons of both sisters by fourths, in proportion to their specific shares ; whereas this decision clearly demonstrates the exclusive preference to one. And if this preference is expressly con- ferred on a relation by the father's side, it must belong to one by both parents a fortiori. 17 17 The manuscript from which the preceding has heen taken concludes with several sections which are contained in Chapter V. of Book VII. and being all from the same authority need not to be repeated. There is also a section on Hermaphrodites which has been omitted as of no practical utility. INDEX. ACKNOWLEDGMENT. effect of, in constituting marriage, 5. of zina, doubt whether it requires four witnesses, 158. of a possessor, valid against himself, 199. , of gift and delivery of possession by donor, 204. of wukf, 211. of a child, three conditions necessary to, 289. effect of, not defeated by child's denial on arriving at puberty, 290. by an heir of another person as being nearer to the deceased, ib. of a deceased youth of unknown nustib as a son, entitles acknow- ledger to his heritage, 291. by a master of the son of his female slave, ib. mutual, establishes right of succession without further proof, 375. except when the parties are of known parentage, 376. by a parent, sufficient to establish child's right of succession, 377. ADULTERY. by a married woman, or one in idd-ut, for a revocable divorce, renders her for ever unlawful to adulterer, 27. AFFINITY. establishment and effects of, see Marriage Prohibited, as a cause of inheritance, see Husband and Wife. AGENT. for marriage cannot contract to himself, 9. should be appointed by a woman, 11. may be appointed to repudiate a wife, 109. for hhoold must not exceed the proper dower, 135. for sale may assert his own right of sJwofd, 180. lawfully sell to himself, ib. note. ALMS. See Sudukak. APOSTASY FROM ISLAM. marriage cancelled by, of either party, 29. connubial intercourse between an apostate and his Mooslim wife prohibited during the iddut, 33. apostate cannot inherit to a Mooslim, 26L male, who was by birth a 3Iooslim, estate of, immedi- ately divisible among his heirs, 2GG, 3G8. 406 INDEX. APOSTASY FROM ISLAM— continued. apostate male who was not by birth a Moosllm allowed time to repent, ib. apostate female, estate of, not divisible till death, ib. APPROPRIATION. definition of, 211. how constituted, ib. not obligatory, till possession is given, 212. in death-illness, valid only to the extent of a third of deceased's estate, ib. conditions of that relate to the thing appropriated, 213. to the appropriator, 214. to the persons for whom it is made, ib. to the appropriation itself, 218. that vitiate it, 219. superintendence of, may be retained by the appropriator himself, 214. superintendence of, belongs to the party for whom the appropria- ,, tion is made, if no other superintendent has been appointed, ib. for objects of public utility, valid, 215. by a Mooslim for unlawful objects, not valid, ib. for the poor, how to be applied, ib. for neighbours, how to be applied, 216. not valid where the object is not properly denned, 217. for children, brethren, and kindred, comprehends all equaUy, ib. for one's self, not valid, 218. when for particular persons, possession of first sufficient, 219. transfer of property, effected by, 220. "in the way of God," how to be applied, ib. of a 7>ivsjid, or a mansion, does not cease though it should fall to decay, 221. lease of, cancelled by death of lessor, 222. ASSETS. how to ascertain an heir's portion of, 320. AUL. described as an increase of the divisor of shares, 397. practice of, unlawful, ib. BEQUEST. acceptance by legatee necessary, 229. of, may be partial, 230. heirs of legatee may accept in the event of his death, ib. for sinful purposes, not valid, ib. may be revoked at any time by testator, 231. must be of something that can be lawfully possessed, 233. must not exceed a third of testator's estate, ib. among several bequests in excess of third, preference, how deter- mined, 212. testator's directions respecting, must be strictly followed, 233. for the performance of duties, some incumbent and others dis- cretionary, 234. of different portions, or of the same portion to different legatees, 235. distinction between specific, to two persons, and a bequest to each of the two, ib. of a third share undividedly entitles legatee to a third of every- thing 236. INDEX. 407 BEQUEST— continued. of a specific thing entitles him to the whole of it, if not in excess of a third of deceased's estate, ib. altogether uncertain, to be interpreted by the heirs, 238. when repugnant to another, last to be preferred, 240. of a foetus or of future produce, valid, ib. to a foetus, case of varied according to sex, ib. usufructuary, valid, 241. requires two witnesses, 242. relating only to property may be established by one witness, ib. to heirs, valid, 244. to hostile infidels, invalid, ib. to slaves of others, invalid, ib. testator valid, ib. to a mooltatub who has paid part of his ransom, 245. to an oom-i-wulud, how to be applied, ib. to several persons, to be equally divided, 246. to kindred, ib. to a foetus valid, if born alive, ib. to beggars, to be applied to those of testator's religion, 247. to nearest of kin, ib. does not lapse by death of legatee before testator, ib. of the like of a son's portion, 253. a daughter's portion when testator has no other heirs, ib. of a child's portion, 254. of the double of a child's portion, 255. to the poor, of propertj 7 at different places, ib. of a slave, means one that is unblemished, ib. of a mansion which falls down before testator's death, 256. joint, to an individual, and to the poor, ib. BLEMISHES. in man, 59. in woman, 60. marriage cannot be cancelled for any other, 60, 61. must have existed at the time of the contract, to be a ground for cancellation, 61. option to cancel must be exercised immediately on discovery of blemish, ib. cancellation on account of, not a divorce, ib. does not require intervention of judge except only in case of impotence, ib. in disputes regarding, how preference is to be determined, 62. BROTHER. included in the second class of heirs, 280, 326. when alone, takes the whole estate of deceased, ib. with other brothers shares equally, ib. with sisters, takes a double portion, ib. full, excludes half by father's side, 271. on failure of, half by father's side comes into his place, 280. half on the mother's side, his share, ib. with a sister on same side shares equally, 281. CHILD. paternity of, cut off by lidn, 14. under a semblance of right, 24, 93. 408 INDEX. CHILD — continued. paternity of, established, though mother married during iddut, 26. maybe denied at any time before acknowledgment, 154. paternity of, if born in wedlock, cannot be rejected except by linn, 92, ib. paternity of, born of a female slave, maybe rejected without linn, 92. ■ ■ — — — T not affiliated to her master without his acknowledgment, 156. Stntus of, as to freedom or slavery, 46. once acknowledged cannot be subsequently denied, 154. one of whose parents is a Mooslim, or a convert to the faith, in its infancy is a Mooslim, 265. included in the first class of heirs, 324. illegitimate has no parentage, except from mother in the case of lion, 91, 157, 305. male, share double that of a female, 276. CHILDREN. by wives, 90. by slaves, 92. begotten under a semblance of right, 93. suckling of, 94, custody of, 95. CONSANGUINITY. See Numb, and marriage prohibited. CONVERSION TO ISLAM. effect of, on marriage of kitabees, 30. unbelievers other than kitabees, ib. after ancestor's death, removes impediment to inheritance, 264. by a parent, effect of on religion of a child, 265. DAUGHTER. included in the first class of heirs, 324. share of one, 273, 276, 380. two or more, 273, 276, 378. is half that of a son, 276. is a residuary with a son, 384. DEATH-ILLNESS. gift in, valid only as to a third of donor's estate, 209. ivnlf in, valid only as to a third of grantor's estate, 212. acts in, that are not to take effect immediately, to be treated as legacies, 256. to take effect immediately, difference of opinion regarding, ib. diseases not usually considered dangerous, 257. dubious, ib. general rule regarding, ib. gratuitous acts in, take effect according to priority, ib. Muhabat in, ib. marriage by a man in, if not consummated, void, and does not found a title to inheritance in widow, 295, 340. divorce in, does not exclude widow from inheritance, ib., 341. DEBT. gift of, not valid except to debtor, 203. to debtor is a release, ib. INDEX. 409 DECEPTION. See Tudlees. DISCORD. when it appears between spouses, arbitrator to be appointed, 88. in cases of, arbitrator may decide in absence of parties, 89. arbitrator's decision must be according to law, ib. DISCRETION. required to remove inhibition of minority, 4, note. female having, may contract herself or another in marriage, 9. DIVORCE. See Repudiation. on death-bed, when given with an intention to injure, 343. without intention ta injure, ib. DOWER. anything lawful may be the subject of, 67. things unlawful to MoosUmsmay be subject of, among zimmees, ib. amount of, dependent on will of parties, 68. of the Soo7mut or Traditions, is 500 dirhems, ib. should be moderate, and any excess over amount of Soonmit is abominable, 70. proper, how regulated, 71. private and public assignment of, 70. husband responsible for, unblemished, ib. — till paid, 73. wife may refuse herself to husband till it is paid, but not when the dower is deferred, 78. when none mentioned in the contract, and woman is divorced before coition, a present is due, 71. , is divorced after coition, proper dower is due, ib. how present, and proper dower are regulated, ib. may be settled after marriage, ib. how to be fixed when left to be so settled, 73. right to, established by consummation, 74. wife entitled to half, if divorced before consummation, ib. exoneration of, by wife, 75. valid and invalid cases of, 80. not affected by unlawful stipulations in contract of marriage, 76. gift of, by wife to her husband, 77. becomes property of the wife by the contract, ib. in disputes regarding, when husband's and when wife's word is to be preferred, 81. EELA. form, 147. conditions, 148. laws, ib. conjugal intercourse within the time of, induces expiation, 149. of wife revocably repudiated, valid, 150. expiation in case of, ib. EMANCIPATION. effect of, on marriage of female slave, 48. male slave, 49. of female slave may be the subject of dower, ib. Wula of, 296, 345. 410 INDEX. EMANCIPATOR. is heir to his freedman, in default of other heirs, 296, 346. failing him, his heirs inherit to freedman, 297, 354. conditions of his right to inherit, 347 et seq. and his heirs inherit to children of freedman, 355. EQUALITY. in respect of J slam, a condition of marriage, 34. Eeman, apparently not required, ib. free woman may marry a slave, or an Arabian woman a Persian, ib. among wives should be observed by a husband in respect of main- tenance and general behaviour, 85. ESCHEAT. doctrine of, 301, 362. in the absence of the Imam, belongs to the poor of the sect, 301, 363. EUNUCHISM. a cause for the cancellation of marriage, 59. EXCLUSION FROM INHERITANCE. entire, 270, 363. partial, 271, 364. full kinsmen exclude those by father's side only, 332, 364. prouf of this rule, 334. ■ those by mother's side only from right to residue, 335. proof of this rule, ib., 336. half-kinsmen by father's side exclude those by mother's only from right to residue, 336. proof of this rule, ib. EXECUTOR must be sane, and a Mooslim, 248. a slave cannot be appointed, nor a minor singly, ib. intidel may be, to another, 249. a woman may be appointed, ib. joint, cannot act singly, ib. exception, ib. may refuse to accept the office, 250. assistant may be appointed by judge to one who is incompetent, ib. may be removed by judge for fraud, ib. not responsible except for neglect, ib. may pay himself if a creditor, ib. cannot devolve his trust on another at death, ib. limited like an agent, and strictly confined to the bounds of his commission, 251. has no authority in marriage, 8. qualifications of, have reference to the time of his appointment, 251. EXPIATION. several kinds of, 142. applicable to ziliar. 1. Emancipation of a slave, ib. conditions, 143. 2. Fasting for two consecutive months, 144. 3. Feeding the poor, 145. before intention to return to wife not sufficient, 146. INDEX. 411 EXPIATION— continued. applicable to cela. optional to emancipate a slave or feed the poor, 150. EXTRACTOR. is the smallest number by which a share can be extracted without a fraction, 312. when it remains unchanged, 313. when and how it must be multiplied. Ib. et seq. FATHER. included in the first class of heirs, 276, 324. when alone, takes the whole estate, ib. with the mother, has the residue, ib. with children, has a sixth, 276, 381. with one daughter, has a sixth, and participates in the return , 277. upon failure of issue is a residuary, 383. FOSTERAGE. See Marriage. Prohibited. GIFT. definition of, 203. how constituted, ib. of debt, not valid except to debtor, ib. to debtor is a release, ib. not complete without possession by donee, 204. donor's permission necessary condition to possession of, ib. by parent to a child of a thing in parent's possession, complete by the mere contract, ib. of mooshdd, valid, ib. to a blood relation cannot be revoked, 205. to a stranger may be revoked, ib. to a wife or husband may be revoked, ib. cannot be revoked if anything has been received in exchange, ib. to children and relatives proper and becoming, ib. retractation of, ib., note. transfer of property by, dates from taking possession, 207. sale by donor of thing given, not valid, ib. on retractation of, donor not entitled to compensation for defects, 208. retractation of, barred by taking anything in exchange, ib. in death-illness, valid only to a third of donor's estate, 209. GRAND-PARENTS. included in the second class of heirs, 280. those on father's side take double of those on mother's, 281. among themselves, grandfather takes double of grandmother's portion, 282. those on the mother's side take half of those on father's, 281. among themselves take equally, 282. GREAT GRAND-PARENTS. inherit with brethren when there are no grand-parents, 282. GRAND UNCLES AND AUNTS. second series of third class of heirs, 331. succeed on failure of uncles and aunts and their descendants, ib. failing them, their children's children succeed, ib. 412 INDEX. GREAT GRAND UNCLES AND AUNTS, third series of third class of heirs, 332. failing them, their children's children, ib. GREAT GREAT GRAND UNCLES AND AUNTS, fourth series of third class of heirs, 332. failing them, their children's children, ib, GUARDIAN. infidel, has no authority in marriage, 10. none but a father or grandfather can appoint to a child, 232. mother cannot be or appoint, ib. cannot be appointed by a father to his son while his grandfather is alive, 251 . testamentary, 251. HEDAD. meaning of, 165. incumbent on a widow, ib. not incumbent on a repudiated woman, ib. HEIRS. by consanguinity, 261. three classes of, 276, 323. each class of, preferred to that which follows it, 323. first class, deceased's parents and his offspring, 324. proof of their right, 325. second cfess, grand-parents and brethren, 326. proof of their right, 327. third class, uncles and aunts and their children, 328, 329. proof of their right, 330. second series of, grand-uncles, grand-aunts, and their children, 331. thh-d series of, great-grand-uncles and aunts, &c, 332. by affinity. See Husband, Wife, by wula. See that head. HOOBS. See Soohia. HUSBAND. responsible for wife's dower, 70. bound to maintain his wife, 83. when he has several wives, to divide his time equally between them, ib. when he has only one wife three nights are his own, two when he has two, and one when he has three, ib. allowed seven nights for consummation with a virgin, and three with a siyyibah, 84. cannot visit any of his wives during the night of another, 86. inherits from a wife repudiated revocably if she die during the iddut, 294. marriage by, in death-illness, void, if not consummated, 295. share of, in deceased wife's estate, 273, 338. takes the residue of wife's estate, if she has no other heir than the Imam, 262, 339. INDEX. 413 ID DVT. marriage during, unlawful, 26, 171. no woman, except a widow, whose marriage has not been consum- mated, obliged to keep, 160. of women subject to the courses, 161. not subject to the courses, 162. women past child-bearing not obliged to keep, ib. the longest possible, ib. marriage after expiration of, void if woman should prove to have been pregnant at time of contract, 163. of pregnant women, ib. of widows, 164. of women enjoyed under asemblable contract, 165, 172. when to be observed by wife of missing person, 166. of a slave, 167, 168. woman repudiated revocably entitled to maintenance during, 169. widow not entitled to maintenance during, 171. from what time it is to run, 172. two iddicts necessary in certain cases, 173. IMPOTENCE. a blemish for which marriage may be cancelled, 59. mode of establishing, 62. INFIDEL. cannot be executor to a Mooslim, 249. may be executor to another infidel, ib. cannot inherit to a Mooslim,, 264, 366. may inherit to another who has no Mooslim heir, ib. though of a different persuasion, 368. INFIDELITY. described, 366. an impediment to marriage. See that head. inheritance, 263, 366. INHERITANCE. causes of, 261, 323. two, combining in one person, he inherits by both, 287. impediments to, 263, 366. exclusion from, 270, 363. by Misub or consanguinity, 276, 323. by affinity, or of spouses to each other, 294, 338. by Wula or patronage, 296, 345. of a foetus in the womb, 306. of missing persons, 307. of persons drowned together, 308. of fire- worshippers, 310. right of, not transferable, 354. three general rules of, 332. full relations exclude half by father's side, ib. mother's side from the residue, 335. A person having two relations to deceased receives a twofold portion, 336. INSANE PERSON. no regard paid to words of, 4. may be contracted in marriage by father, grandfather, or judge 7, 8. wife of, may be repudiated by guardian, 108. 414 INDEX. INSANITY. a cause for cancellation of marriage, 59. JUDGE. authority of, in marriage, 8. cancellation of marriage for a blemish does not require his inter- vention, except in the case of impotence, 61. application to, by wife of missing person, 165. may remove an executor who has become profligate, 218. is guilty of fraud, 250. is superintendent of estate of a deceased person who has not appointed an executor, 251. KIIOOLA. form of, 129. doubt whether it be a cancellation of marriage or a repudiation, ib. ransom for, may be anything that is lawful as dower, 130. valid, though entered into by a woman in her last illness, and for more than a third of her estate, 131. not valid, when left to husband's option, 132. ransom for may be paid by a female slave, ib. conditions of, on part of the husband, 133. . wife, ib. two witnesses necessary for, 134 nullified by conditions inconsistent with the contract, ib. not lawful, if wife acts under compulsion, ib. when parties are on good terms with each other, 135. cannot be revoked by husband till ransom is reclaimed by wife, ib. woman who has received, cannot be repudiated, ib. agent for, must not exceed the proper dower, if/. in disputes regarding, how burden of proof is regulated, 136. LEGATEE. must be in existence at the time of bequest, 214. L1AN. its pillars, 152. first pillar — causes, ib. charge of adultery, ib. — denial of wife's child, 153. second pillar — imprecating husband, 155. must be sane and adult, ib. . ■ may be a minor or slave, ib. third pillar — imprecating wife, ib. — must be sane, adult, and neither deaf nor dumb, ib. — married by permanent contract, ib. fourth pillar— form, 156. effects of, 157. not available after wife's death. 158. separation by, is a cancellation of marriage, not a repudiation, 157. MAINTENANCE. three grounds of, 97. of wives, ib. not affected by being on a journey, 98. INDEX. 415 AINTENAN01— continued. of wives, quantity of, 99. appendages to, 100. arrears of, recoverable, ib. debt due by wife, may be set off against, 102. of relatives, ib. conditions of right to, 103. liability to, ib. — arrears of not recoverable, ib. of slaves, 105. of beasts, ib. wife of missing person left without, may apply to judge, 165. woman repudiated revocably entitled to, during iddut, 98, 169. irrevocably not entitled to, 98, 170. widow has no title to, during iddut, 171. even though pregnant, 99. MARRIAGE. Three kinds of, 1. Permanent, ib. established by declaration and acceptance, ib. words appropriate to declaration, ib. to acceptance, 2. no deviation from the proper words allowed, 3. words by which it cannot be established, ib. declaration and acceptance must both be expressed in the past tense, 2 ; or one in the past when the other is in the impe- rative or future, ib. effect of acknowledgment in constituting, 5. laws of the contract, 4. no regard paid to the words of an infant or insane person, ib. parties must be distinctly indicated, 5. option cannot be reserved except as to dower, ib. marriage cancelled by either party becoming slave of the other, 6, 38. who can contract. a discreet female may contract herself, 9. — cannot be contracted without her con- sent, 7. — consent of, how established, 9. her word as to, preferred, 12. father and grandfather may contract a minor, and an adult, if insane, 7. master may contract his slave, 8. judge may contract an insane person, ib. executor has similar powers, ib. person inhibited for prodigality cannot contract without permission of judge, ib. contract entered into without authority remains in sus- pense till confirmed, 9. infidel guardian lias no authority, 10. a mother has no power to contract her child in marriage, 12. Prohibited. Causes of Prohibition, 13. 1. consanguinity, ib. women prohibited to a man by reason of, ib. men prohibited to women by reason of, /'/;. established by marriage, or semblance of it, 11. 416 INDEX. MARRIAGE — continued. not established by zina or illicit intercourse, ib. acknowledgment of, see Numb. 2. fosterage. conditions of constitution, 15. the milk must proceed from marriage, ib. be caused by one man, 17. child must be suckled on same milk, for fifteen times consecutively, 15. acts of suckling must be consecutive and all within two years, 15. effects of. the suckling becomes the child of foster parents, 18. is prohibited to every child of theirs, ib. its natural father is prohibited to children of foster parents, ib. cancels existing marriage, ib. cases in illustration of this effect, 18, 19, 20. declaration of by a man, 21. by a woman, ib. 3. affinity. established by marriage, ib. effects of, when followed by coition, ib. . not followed by coition, 22. women who cannot be lawfully conjoined as the wives of one man, 23. how far established by zina, ib. sexual intercourse under a sem- blance of right, 24. sight or touch with desire, ib. cases of unlawful conjunction, ib. man already married to a free woman cannot marry a slave without her consent, 25. woman in her iddut cannot be lawfully married, 26. wife of one man cannot marry another, 27. 4. completion of number, 27. no man allowed more than four wives by permanent con- tract, ib. no limit to number by temporary, or bondage, 28. women repudiated three times cannot be re-married till married to another husband, ib. women repudiated nine times can never be re-married, ib. 6. Lian, for which see that head. 6. Infidelity. Mooslim cannot marry any but a kitabeeah, 29 ; nor any but a Mooslimah by permanent marriage, ib. Mooslimah cannot marry any but a Mooslim, 30, 40. effect of conversion to Islam on marriage of Kitabees, 30. ■ — of other unbelievers, ib. change of religion is cancellation of marriage, not a divorce, 33. connections which are considered abominable, 35. entered into by a thrice repudiated woman on condition of its being void after she has been legalized to her first husband, not valid, 36. Shighar marriage void, 37. Temporary. established by declaration and acceptance, which must both be in the past tense, 39. INDEX. 417 MARRIAGE— continued. words appropriate to its constitution, ib. wife must be a Mooslimah or Kitabceah, 40. husband of a Mooslimah must be a Mooslim, ib. some dower must be specified, 41. some period must be fixed, otherwise the contract is permanent, 42. no stipulation valid unless made at the time of contract, 43. stipulation as to particular times, and as to izl, lawful, ib. does not admit of repudiation, ib. confer any right of inheritance, 44, 344. iddut must be observed at expiration of term, ib. Servile. 1. where the right is to the person of the female, 52. no limit to the number of wives by, ib. 2. where the right is to the usufruct, 54. how the usufruct may be conferred, ib. doubt as to the nature of the right, 55. a moodubburah and oom-i-tvulud may be the subject of it, ib. right strictly limited to terms of the grant, 56. child of a woman duly legalized is free, ib. Of Female Slaves, see Slave. Cancellations of, see Blemishes, and Tudlees, or Deception, unlawful, confers no right of inheritance, 373. children begotten under, and their parents, do not inherit to each other, except in case of error, ib. MINOR. no regard paid to words of, 4. whether male or female, may be contracted in marriage by a father or grandfather, 7. case of two minors being married, and one of them dying before puberty, 10. guardian to. See Guardian. See Puberty. MISSING PERSON. wife of, left without maintenance, may apply to judge, 165. course to be observed by judge with regard to, ib. wife of, after expiration of her iddut, may marry again, 166. property of, may be divided among his heirs when it ma} r be reasonably presumed that he is dead, 269. MO OB AR AT. how effected, 136. requires mutual aversion, ib. distinction between it and khoold, 137. MOOSLIM. cannot marry any but a kitabeeah, 29. • Mooslimah by permanent emit met, ib. appropriation by, in favour of an alien enemy, unlawful, 115. described, ib. may be heir to an infidel or apostate, and is preferred to infidel heir, 264, 366. no infidel or apostate can be heir to, ib. child of, is a Mooslim, 267. PART II. E E •418 INDEX. MOOSLTMAIT. cannot marry any but a Mooslim, note, 30, 40. MOTHER. has no power to contract her child in marriage, 12. can neither be guardian, nor appoint one, to her child, 232. included in the first class of heirs, 261. her share, a third in child's estate, 273, 27G, 324, 380. reduced to a sixth by brethren, 272, 3(55, 380. NURSE. qualities of a proper, 17. NUSROOZ, or REBELLION. denned, 87. on first appearance of, wife may be admonished, ib. how to be treated when exhibited by husband, 88. NUSUB, OR CONSANGUINITY. how established, 14. illegitimate child has none, 14. a cause of inheritance, 261. acknowledgment of, 289 et seq. testimony of two witnesses necessary to its establishment, 292. OOM-I-WULTJD. described, 55. not enfranchised by mere death of her master, 57. enfranchised out of her child's share in her master's estate, 49. reverts to state of absolute slavery if her child dies before her master, ib. cannot be sold so long as her child lives, 57. may be the subject of an usufructuary marriage, 55. has no share in her master's inheritance, 269. OPTION. described, note, p. 5. may be reserved as to dower, 5, 77. cannot be stipulated for in marriage, ib. of puberty, in what cases allowed, 10. of emancipation, 48. ■ not allowed to male slave, 49. PARENTAGE. establishment of, 90. PARTITION. of time among wives incumbent on a husband, 83. does not extend to coition, 84. confined to night, ib. free woman entitled to twice the time of a slave, ib. right to, abates on a journey, 85. common to husband and wife, ib. a wife may give up her time to husband, or to a co-wife, with his consent, ib. infants or mad women not entitled to, 86. PARTNER. in joint property entitled to pre-emption, 175. in roads and rivulets has a right of pre-emption to lands through which thev na.ss. 1 77 which they pass, 177. INDEX. 419 PRE-EMPTION. See Shoo/a. PUBERTY. the option of, 10. how established according to Sheeahs, note, 96. to Hanifites, ib. RELIGION. change of, a cancellation of marriage, 33. effect of, on wife's dower, ib. difference of, no impediment to inheritance among infidels, 266. sect of, difference in, no impediment to inheritance among Mooslims, ib. REPUDIATION. pillars of, four in number, 107. repudiator, first pillar, ib. conditions required in, ib., 108. may appoint an agent, 100. wife to repudiate herself, ib. repudiated, second pillar, ib. must be a wife by permanent contract, ib. - not be in her courses or a nifas, 110. be a moostubrat, 111. distinctly indicated, ?i». . provided with maintenance and residence if repudiated revocably, 163. form of, third pillar, 113. words specialty required, ib. cannot be in writing, ib. words that are not sufficient, 114. must be entirely free from condition or description, 115. presence of witnesses, fourth pillar, 117. one witness not sufficient, ib. testimony of women not sufficient, 118. different kinds of, ib. heretical kinds of, all void, ib. regular kinds of, three in number, ib. absolute or irrevocable, ib. revocable, 119. of the iddut, ib. power of, may be committed to an agent, 109. by a sick man, valid though abominable, 122. effects of, on mutual rights of inheritance, ib. revocation of, 126. for a ransom is absolute or irrevocable, 130. revocable if ransom is reclaimed, 137. if asked for and not given immediately is revo- cable, 130. RESIDENCE. See Soohna. RESIDUARIES. who are, 377. some sharers are sometimes, 378. father, upon failure of issue, is a residuary, 383. daughters made, by a son, 384. sisters made, by brothers, 385. 420 INDEX. RESIDUARIES— contra ued. all relatives by the full blood, or on the father's side, are, when combined with those on the mother's only, 388. case of plurality of heirs, who are, 393. sharers with, are preferred to their full shares, ib. EETURN. sharers when alone take surplus by virtue of right to, 202. no right of, to wife, ib. husband's right to, limited to case of there being no heir, but the Imam, ib. no right to, in asbat whilst a consanguineous heir exists, 400. maternal relations excluded from, by those of the full blood, or half on the father's side, 402. SAEEBA. a slave free sui juris, 348. may constitute whom he pleases his heir, ib. Imam his sole heir, if he has no one responsible for his ofience,ib. SETTLEMENT. how the word is used, 214, note. on whom it may be made, ib. on children, brethren, and kindred, comprehends all equally, 217. when on several in succession, possession by the first is sufficient, 219. when on children's children, those of sons and daughters share equally, 221. on children, applicable only to children of the loins, ib. SHARES. number of, and persons for whom they are appointed, 273, 378. detail of, and how allotted, 378, et, scq. that do and do not combine with each other, 273, 382. computation of, 312. extractors or divisors of, ib. when they remain unchanged, 313. and how they are to be multiplied, ib. et seq, when the estate is insufficient to meet them, how the deficiency is to be adjusted, 262, 316,395. in excess of shares, surplus to be returned to consanguineous heirs, 317, 398. SHARERS. number of, and who they are, 378. when all the heirs are, and their shares exhaust the estate with- out a fraction, 395. and the estate falls short of their por- tions, ib. SHOOFA. definition of, 175. established as to land, but not as to moveables, ib. trees and buildings subject to, when sold with the land, 176. immoveable property incapable of division, not subject to, ib. extends to a well and the adjoining ground, ib. fruit not subject to, though sold with the trees on which it c;rows, 177. land, though divided off, subject to, by virtue of partnership in roads and rivulets, ib. INDEX. 421 SHU UFA .—con tin ued. property disposed of by sale, alone affected by, ib. in which there is more than two partners, not affected by it, 179. right to may be asserted on the conclusion of sale, 182. . cannot be asserted partially, ib. not extinguished by a necessary delay in asserting it, 183. — by dissolution of sale, 184. cannot be enforced on sown land until the crop is gathered, 188. right of, hereditary, 190. extinguished by shufee selling his own share in the property, 191. compounding it, 192. by delajdng to claim it, without sufficient cause, after credible information of sale, 195. when the price cannot be ascertained, 196. devices by which it may be evaded, ib. disputes relative to, 198. SHUFEE. is every partner in joint property able to pay the price, 179. may lose his right by delay to claim it, ib. infidel cannot be, as against a believer, 180. Mooslim, may be, as against a dfooslim, or unbeliever, ib. father or grandfather selling minor's property may assert his own right as, ib. entitled to claim on conclusion of a sale, 182. must pay the full price, ib. not affected by any augmentation of the price, ib. does not benefit by any abatement of the price, 183. does not lose his right by a necessary delay in asserting it, ib. — relinquishment on misinformation, 184, 188. bound to use all proper diligence in preferring his claim, ib. not affected by sales or other disposals of the property by pur- chaser, 185. must take the property at the full price, though it fall to decay before his demand, ib. entitled to any increase of the property which remains connected with it, 186. must pay the price before he can demand delivery from the pur- chaser, 188. after taking possession may return the property for a defect, 192. does not lose his right by guaranteeing the sale or acting as agent for either party, ib. SISTER. included in the second class of heirs, 280. share of, 273, 379. when alone, takes whole estate, 280. with brother, takes half his share, ib. half on father's side comes into place of full, ib. — mother's side shares equally with brother, 281. SLAVE. may be contracted in marriage by master, 8. marriage of, without master's permission or subsequent assent, unlawful, 10, 45. partially emancipated, cannot be forced to marry, 11. may contract himself with master's permission, ib. marriage of, by a man already married to a free woman, unlaw- ful, 25. 422 INDEX. SLAVE — continued. marriage of, to a free woman, lawful, 34. female may be married by permanent or temporary contract, 45 ■ — master of, entitled to her dower, ib. marriage of, may be cancelled by master's heirs, 47. — by purchaser, 50. male, cannot be forced, or prevented to repudiate his wife, 52. married female, prohibited to her master till separated from her husband, 53. purification of, ib., note. female must be purified after every purchase or other acquisi- tion, 53. child of female, duly legalized, is free, 56. female, who has borne a child to her master becomes an oom-i- wulud, 57. repudiated by her husband, but emancipated during iddnt, en- titled to 'inherit, 123. emancipated for zihar must be a MooaUm,free from defects, 142. entire property of emancipator, 143. iddut and purification of female, 167. purification of, when necessary, must be observed in all cases of acquisition, 168. may be the subject of shoo/a according to some doctors, 176. excluded from inheritance, 267. child of, if free, not debarrred from inheriting, ib. when sole heir, is to be purchased out of the estate, and eman- cipated, 268. to be ransomed out of property left by his or her children, ib. SON. included in the first class of heirs, 324. when alone, takes the whole estate, 276. two or more sons share equally, ib. with a daughter, takes double her share, ib. with one or both parents takes the residue, ib. SOOENA AND HO OB 8. requires declaration and acceptance with possession, 226. words by which it is constituted, ib. rendered obligatory by donee's possession, ih. cannot be revoked, 227. a slave or house may be devoted in this way, ib. house or musjid may be devoted in this way, ib. after expiration of term, property belongs to the devoter, ib. SUDUKAH, OR ALMS. requires declaration and acceptance with possession, 224. cannot be revoked, ib. bestowed on descendants of Hashem. ih. may be bestowed by a Mooslim on a zimmee, ib. should be given privately, 225. TESTATOR. must be sane, free, and not less than ten years old, 232. suicide, when will by, valid, ib. directions of, must be strictly followed, 234. TUDBEEB. described, note p. 55. cancelled by the assignment of a slave as dower, 76. like a legacy, may be lawfully revoked, note, 70. INDEX. 123 TUBLEES, OR DECEPTION. as to freedom of husband or wife, gives the party deceived a right to cancel marriage, 63. as to wife's virginity, affords no ground for cancellation, G5. case of two men having the wives of each other brought to them on the night of marriage, ib. UNCLES AND AUNTS. are the third class of heirs, 285, 328. each of them excludes the children of others, as well as their own, 329. exception to this rule, ib. restricted to single case, 285, 331. paternal — among them a male has double the portion of a female 285. combined with maternal, former have two-thirds, and latter one-third, 286. maternal — among them all share alike without distinction of sex, 285. on failure of, their children and children's children succeed, 328. VESTED INTERESTS. described, 318 et seq. VIRGIN. assent of, to marriage, may be inferred from silence, 9. WIDOW. always bound to observe iddut, 160. iddut of, 164. hedad, or mourning, incumbent on, 165. has no right to maintenance during the iddut, 171. share of, in husband's estate. See Wife. WIFE. no man can have more than four wives by permanent contract, 27. no limit to number of wives by temporary contract, or by right of property, 28. may refuse herself to her husband till dower is paid, 70. repudiated three times unlawful to repudiator till married to another husband, 120. ■ nine times, forever unlawful to repudiator, 119. revocably, inherits to her husband if he die during the iddut, 294. s gift by, to husband may be retracted, 206. to, by husband may be retracted, ib. share of, in deceased husband's estate, 273, 294, 338, 381. who has no child does not share in land left by her husband, has no right to residue of her husband's estate, 262, 339. term not properly applicable to woman contracted in vwotd, 344 WILL. definition of, 229. by a suicide, when valid, 232. requires two witnesses for its establishment, 242. excluding children from their share in deceased's estate, invalid, 238. relating to emancipation of slaves, 245. for other matters relating to, see Bequest. WULA, OR PATRONAGE. a cause of inheritance, 296, 323. is of three kinds, 296, 345. i24 INDEX. WULA, OR PATKONAGE— continued. of emancipation, ib. conditions of, 347 et seq. of responsibility for offences, 301, 360. conditions of, 360 et seq. of Imrtmvt, 301,362. no right of inheritance founded on, except on failure of blood- relations, 346. case of reciprocal, 347. title to succession by, not transferable, 354. shifting of, 355 et seq. ZIHAR. form, 138. conditions. of the eihar itself, 139. of the moozahvr, or husband pronouncing it, ib. of the moozahurah, or wife the subject of it, ib. effects, 140. prohibition of conjugal intercourse till expiation is made, 140. expiation, see that head. not evaded by repudiation and revocation, 140. alternative of, in case of inability, 141. ZIMMEE. having more than four wives, must, on conversion to Islam, be separated from the excess, 31. has a right of choice in that case, ib. may exercise his right of choice after death of one of them, ib. ZIMMEEAH. what restraints may be imposed on, by a Mouslim husband, 33. iddut of, 168. ZINA. effect of, in establishing affinity, 23. parties guilty of, may intermarry, 27. previous to marriage, no ground for cancellation, 35. INDEX TO AEABIC WORDS EXPLAINED IN THE TEXT. Abik . 143 Deeut . 234 Abneeut . note 176 Deyn . . 203 Adil . 248 Durk . . 184 Ahl-beit . . 246 Ahleeut . . 123 Eedan . . 237 Akar . 197 Eela . 147 Akilas . . 351 Eeman . . 34 Akrub . . 247 Ekalut . note 113 Alat . 295 Ameen . . 250 Fajirah . . 56 Areeut . . 54 Fasik . . 248 Arz . 175 Firash . . 155 Arzeen . note lb. Foorooz . 378 Asheerah . 246 Fukeer . . 247 Asmut . . 166 Fureezut . . . 274 Asubah . . 253 Furz . 261 Ateent . . 203 Athna-asheria t . 216 Habis . 227 Awl . 274 Hail . note 110 Awleeah note 6 Hajib . 262 Awseeah . 248 Halu , note 110 Ayessab . 54 Heba . 4 Ayn note 203 Hebbat . Hedad . . 203 . 165 Bain . 118 Hillal . . 162 Beya . 4 Hizanut . 94 Beyt . . 68 Hoobs . . 226 Bidaut . . 118 Hudd . . 46 Bubeemah note 104 Hubusu . note 227 Butturee . 190 Hujj . . . Huluf . . 98 . 157 Dar . 68 Hurbee . . 134 Deeat . 354 Husban . . 241 F F 426 INDEX TO ARABIC WORDS. Husun . . note 2 Kuyyim . . 219 Huzz . 239 Lian . . . 29 Luhzah . . 157 Iamar . 227 Ibabut . . 54 Mai note 277 Ifzao . 60 Mooamur . 227 Ibram . note 27 Mooatuddah . . 36 Ijaruh . . 4 Moobarat . . . 136 Ikbaz note 204 Moodd . . 145 Imam . 47 Moodubbir . 269 Irnamut . . 261 Moodubbur . . ib. In . . 116 Moodubburah note 55 Inin . 59 Moohrim note 27 Injeel . 215 Moohsunnah . . 152 Irish . 234 Mookatub . 244 Iskan . 226 Mookatubah . . 133 Ismut note 113 Mookatubut . note 269 Isteelad . . 57 Mookhalif . 35 Istibra . note 111 Mookbtullah . . 133 Izl . . 43 Moola . . 148 Moolain . . 155 Jecran . . 246 Moolaunah . ib. Joozam . . 60 Moolee . . 148 Joozz . 237 Moolee-al-mowlah . . 297 Jub . 60 Moomin . . 35 Moomineen . . 215 Kafir . 10 Moorahik . 143 Khali . . 133 Moosa-bihi . 233 Kharijee . 42 luho . 244 Khoola . . 129 Moosee . . 232 Khooms . . 301 Mooshaa, . 204 Kiblah . . 215 Mooskin 227 Kismut . . 83 Mooslim . 215 Kist . 239 Mooslimah . 40 Kitabee . note 29 Moostubrat . . Ill Kitabeeah . ib. Moostuwludah . 143 Kit abut . . 169 Moostuzif . 35 Koora . 161 Moota . . 2 Koorbut . 144 Mootubayun . . 314 Koor . 258 Mootudakhil . . ib. Kowm . . 246 Mootullik . 107 Kows . 241 Mootullukah . . 109 al Nushab . ib. Mootumathil . . 314 al Nulil . . ib. Mootuwafik . . ib. Kubeer . note 8 Moowujjul . 78 Kubeerah . ib. Moozahir . 139 Kubz note 203 Moozaknrah . . ib. Kulalut . . 262 Moozarubut . note 181 Kurn . 60 Mowkoof . 213 Kusum . . 157 Mowkoof alelii . 214 INDEX TO ARABIC WORDS. 427 Mowroos Muhabat Muhr Muhr-al-soonnut Muhr-i-misl Muhr-i-mithl Muhullah Mujboob Mujoosee Mujooseeah Musakin Musalib . Mushhid Musjid . Muskin . Musluhut Nasbizah Nasib Nazir Nifas Nikah Nikab-al- Nuhlut Nufukat Nufukut Nusbooz Nuseeb Nusub Daim Ood Oom-i-wulud Oomr Oomra . Rizaa Rookba . Roosbd . Rudd . Rujaee . Rujat Rutuk . Sheeah . Shei Shekak . Sbighar . Shoofa . yhufee . Sb.uk . Sbureek . note 267 256 67 68 69 . ib. . 221 . 148 . 310 . 17 note 175 . 215 . 217 . 185 note 175 note 215 , 86 243 219 110 1 ib. note 203 note 97 . ih . 87 . 239 . 13 . 237 note 55 . 226 . ib. note 94 . 226 note 4 262 118 126 61 216 238 88 37 175 179 88 note 175 Siham . Siyyebab Sookna . Soonnut . Subee Subeel . Subeel allabi Subub . Sudak Sudukat . Sudukah Sufkut . Sugheer . Sugheerah Suheeb . Subum . Sukunu . Taaseeb . Tabeer . Tahir . Talik . Thuyyibah Toohr . Towreet . Tudakhool Tudbeer . Tudlees . Tuf weez . Tufweftz-al-Booza Tufweez-al-Mubr Tuhleel . Tukail . Tukulloos Tulak Tulak Bain Tulak Bidaut Tulak-ool-Iddut Tunak-oos-Soonnut Tulak Rujaee Tumkeen Tumleek Tumuttooa Tuzweej Un. Urj Ushbubo Usubab Usubat note note 317 note 7 . 226 . 68 . 4 note 211 . 221 . 261 . 35 . 211 . 224 . 177 note 7 . ib. note 2 . 237 note 226 . 274 note 186 note 115 116 7 110 215 173 55 63 70 ib. ib. 55 129 '270 33 118 ib. 119 118 ib. 97 4 3 2 116 60 109 229 ib. vote 428 INDEX TO ARABIC WORDS. Wakif . . 214 Zahir . 128 Wilayut . . note 231 Zamin b'il durk . 192 Woojooh-ool-birr . note 216 Zanee . 22 Wookoof . 211 Zaneeah . . 40 Wukf . . ib. Zihar . 138 Wula . . 261 Zimmee . . 30 Wulee . . note 6 Zimmeeah . 17 Wulud-ooz-zina . 305 Zina . 17 Wusaya . .. note 229 Ziraa . 246 Wusiyyut . ib. Zoafan . . 255 Wusee . . note 248 Zoaf-i-zoaf Zoo f urz . . ib. . 262 Yaissah . . Ill Zowjeeut . 261 Yumeen . . 150 Zuvee kurabut . 246 THE END. PBIKTKD BY SroTTKWOODE AND CO., NEW-STREET SQCAUE LONDON Date Due 1 Ap 4 3 8 1 FEB 2 1 *53 f f 1 *^^ w**«^ f) EH •MiK';' I ■ 931 '/W* n WlQM i