Islam and Communism — Page 24
24 the property must be fairly divided among the near relations. This law of inheritance is very wisely conceived. . It does not recognise primogeniture. It recognises the claim of all descendants, the kith and kin. . According to a well defined proportion the whole property is divided among the children of the deceased, male and female, his parents, and, in some cases, his brothers, sisters and other relatives as well. Islam thus creates hurdles in the way of accumulation of wealth. At the passing of each generation a new hurdle is placed to reduce the disparity which may have arisen in the mean time. . It is not merely the division of heritage that is here aimed at. A fair and equitable distribution of national wealth is also one of the objects. As a corollary to this law of inheritance, Islam also devises and enforces what may be called the law of testament, according to which every Muslim can will away one-third of his property for the non-kindred inheritors. For instance, if one holds property worth three lacs, he can