International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume II, Issue XI, November 2018 | ISSN 2454–6186

Contributions of ZaidBnThabit in the Development of Islamic Law of Inheritance

Dr. Muntaka Yahaya Aminu

 Department of Islamic Studies, Faculty of Arts and Islamic Studies, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria

Abstract: – ZaidbnThabit (RA) was one of the renowned Sahabah of the Prophet (SAW). He was one of the prominent scribes of the noble Prophet (SAW). He was one of the four prominent companions who specialized in Islamic law of succession. Namely: AliyubnAbiTalib, Ibn Abbas and IbnMas’ud (RA). He was commended by the Prophet (SAW), among the Sahabah and other prominent scholars for his deep understanding of Islamic law of inheritance. ZaidbnThabit (RA) held a number of opinions regarding some aspects of mirath. He exercised various juristic analogies (Ijtihadat) on Islamic law of inheritance. Most of his views form the majority line. It is in view of this development that this paper seeks to analyze some of his major opinions on Islamic law of inheritance and the significance of the views to the development of the science.

Keywords: Zaid Bin Thabit, Development of Islamic Law and Inheritance.

I. INTRODUCTION

The significance of Islamic law of inheritance to the socio-political, economic and religious development of the lives of the Muslims cannot be underestimated. This is one of the reasons that the Prophet (SAW) commanded Muslims to learn the knowledge of inheritance and transmit it to others for it is half of knowledge which is easily forgotten and the first to be lifted from his (Ummah) community.Allah (SWT) has blessed this Ummah with different personalities who are well grounded in the knowledge of Islamic law of inheritance right from the first generation of the Muslims down to the contemporary era. One of these important figures among the companions of the Prophet (SAW) was ZaidbnThabit (RA). He gave many verdicts based on juristic reasoning on many aspects and issues relating to Islamic law of succession most of which were unanimously agreed upon by the majority of the scholars.