Women’s Inheritance Rights in Pakistan: Bridging the Gap Between Islamic Mandate and Cultural Practice

Abstract

This article provides a comprehensive examination of the inheritance rights of women in Pakistan through the dual lenses of Islamic jurisprudence and national legislation. While the Qur'an and Sunnah established a revolutionary system of female inheritance fourteen centuries ago, pervasive cultural norms and misconceptions in various Pakistani regions systematically deprive women of their rightful shares. The study delineates common social misconceptions, elaborates on the precise mathematical principles of Islamic inheritance law (*Ilm al-Faraid*), and critically analyzes the Pakistani legal framework, including the Muslim Family Laws Ordinance, 1961, the Women's Property Rights Act, 2020, and the role of NADRA inheritance certificates. The article concludes with pragmatic recommendations aimed at enhancing public awareness, strengthening legal enforcement mechanisms, and achieving gender justice as ordained by Islamic principles.