Question
Reference number: 185803 | Inheritance, Bequests, Endowment, Personal Status | Jan. 16, 2021
Forty years ago, I had an agreement with my mother. It was that as long as I looked after her farm by planting trees, she would give me the half. Her farm was then thirty acres, and we had an official contract to document the agreement of giving me fifteen acres. I worked applying the agreement’s items. Then I travelled abroad. Later, I found out that she wrote 30 acres of land out of ninety in my name claiming that this would be my right provided that I should not claim any inheritance and leave the other sixty to my two brothers. Can I ask for the fifteen acres according to the contract?
Answer
Praise Be to Allah and Peace Be Upon His Messenger.
Referring to your question, getting some acres in return to your work according to a contract is lawful. The inheritors should give you your rights first; then the inheritance shall be distributed fairly. If one of those who signed the contract dies, or if a conflict happens, you are allowed to raise an issue and submit all the documents that you have.