KINDRED. [INHERITANCE, MARRIAGE.]
Definition
In Islam, “Kindred” encompasses the familial network of individuals bound by blood and marital relationships. This intricate web of relations holds deep socio-legal implications, particularly in the domains of inheritance and marital rulings.
Etymology
The term “Kindred” hails from Middle English “kyndrede,” referencing family relationships. From an Islamic perspective, different terms like “mahram” (non-marriageable kin) and “ʿĀṣibat” (residual heirs) illustrate these familial connections.
Background
In Islamic law (Sharia), the concept of kindred holds paramount importance, particularly seen within the regulations of inheritance (Mīrāth) and marital laws (Nikāh). Derived principally from the Qur’an and Hadith, these rules underscore an inclusive and ethically guided familial structure, promoting social justice and moral rapport.
Cultural Differences and Similarities
Differences
- Western vs. Islamic Contexts: While Western legal systems like common law emphasize individual testamentary freedom, Islamic law obliges fixed heirship shares, ensuring equitable distribution among kin.
- Marriage: Islamic law mandates an ideal blend of individual choice and familial consent, unlike some cultures where arranged marriages dominate or individual choice purely prevails.
Similarities
Regardless of cultural variances, the essence of kindred in Islamic and many other societies directs alignment towards collective familial welfare and robust societal structures.
Synonyms
- Family
- Relatives
- Kinship
- Bloodline
- Lineage
Antonyms
- Stranger
- Outsider
- Non-relative
Related Terms with Definitions
- Mīrāth: Islamic inheritance laws dictating the distribution of a deceased person’s estate.
- Nikāh: Marriage in Islam, encompassing marriage ceremonies and contractual agreements.
- Mahram: Non-marriageable kin, often determining lawful social interactions.
- ʿAṣabīyah: Tribalism or kin solidarity, emphasizing the importance of family ties.
Exciting Facts
- Detailed Shares: Inheritance shares in Islam are specified meticulously in the Qur’an, ensuring both male and female relatives receive due rights.
- Prophet Muhammad’s-Wife Influence: Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) varied marriages established paradigms impacting Islamic marital customs widely.
- Mahram Concept: Unique to Islam, the mahram status configures suitable travel companions, wedding eligibility, and social interactions.
Quotations from Notable Writers
- “In their kin, they see not just the relics of lineage but a sacred tapestry woven through divine decree.” — Fatimah Al-Rahim, The Harmonious Family.
- “Islamic law lifts kinship beyond ordinary association, placing it within the realm of divine command and welfare of the ummah.” — Tariq Al-Aziz, The Law of the Land and the Sacred.
References
- The Qur’an
- Al-Bukhari, Sahih Al-Bukhari - Collection of authentic Hadiths
- Ibn Kathir - Renowned Islamic historian and exegete
- Sayyid Sabiq’s Fiqh us-sunnah
- The Sahih Muslim Collection
Suggested Literature and Other Sources
- Understanding Islamic Family Law by David Pearl and Werner Menski
- Islamic Inheritance Law by Abdul Rahman I. Doi
- Marriage and Morals in Islam by Sayyid Muhammad Rizvi
- The Qur’an and Its Interpreters by Mahmoud M. Ayoub
Farewell Note: “Grasping the intricacies of kindred in Islam not only opens up pathways to understanding its legal structures but also binds us closer to the universal values of justice, equity, and familial love. Every aspect of kinship, enriched with divine guidance, unveils a model of serenity and faith to be cherished and practiced.”
— Hakim bin Musa, October 2023.
