Al-Khwarizmi is an inheritance calculator that conforms to the best of its ability to the shariah (Islamic Law). This app is a humble effort by a Muslim developer who is NOT a student of knowledge, but has tried to study the rules of inheritance according to Islam through various means, and has then tried to translate those laws into code. In Ahlus-Sunnah, we recognize the four schools of thought, and understand that there are subtle differences between these madhahib on this subject as well. While the developer of this app belongs to the Hambali madh-hab, the app itself most closely conforms to the Hanafi madh-hab for the following two reasons:
1. Based on research by asking various students of knowledge which opinions were the strongest according to the proofs from the Quran and the Sunnah.
2. Simplicity
The main issue of contention here that I wish to point out to the user is what share does the grandfather take, in the absence of the father? According to the Hambali madh-hab, and others (and this is also the opinion of Umar-May ALLAH be pleased with him), the grandfather gets the larger of the following three options:
1. Equal share as that of the full brothers
2. 1/6 of the entire estate
3. 1/3 of the residual
According to the Hanafi opinion (and the opinion of Abu Bakr, and other sahabah - May ALLAH be pleased with all of them), the grandfather simply replaces the father altogether in every aspect, including share, as well as residual. As mentioned earlier, due to the strength of this opinion (and by no means to belittle the other opinion), as well as the ease of implementing this option into code, this option was chosen.
For those who are strict adherents of their respective madh-hab (and there is nothing wrong with this), I do apologize in advance for not being able to implement solutions to meet the requirements of all four schools of thought. I hope InshaALLAH that in the near future, myself, and/or others will be able to make the necessary enhancements to make this option available. We ask ALLAH to make this possible, Ameen.
I also wish to point out that this app is by no means a definitive, authoritative guide, and does NOT, in any way whatsoever, replace the scholars, Imams, and students of knowledge that are at our disposal. This app is merely a tool to be used to help us follow the Quran and Sunnah when it comes to rules of inheritance, and not meant to replace the people of knowledge altogether.
ALLAH says in the Holy Quran:
"..Allah will exalt in degree those of you who believe, and those who have been granted knowledge…" 58:11
and also:
"..So ask of those who know the Scripture if you know not." 16:43
I apologize in advance if for any reason, an error is discovered during its use. If an error of any kind is found, please bring it to my intention with an explanation of why it is an error, and what you think is the possible solution via email to: [email protected] . I will do my best to respond quickly to address the issue, or perhaps clarify why the results are the way they are.
Was-Salamualaikum
Fayyaz