Women’s Inheritance Rights in the West Pakistan Muslim Personal Law, Shariat Act 1962: An Analysis of Practices

Abstract

 This study aims to explore the socio-cultural and legal practices that create barriers for women in Pakistan in acquiring their rightful inheritance. Using qualitative research design, nine women and five lawyers were interviewed, and a thematic analysis of the collected data was done. The findings of this research reveal that patriarchal beliefs exist both within the institutional and domestic spheres. The study concludes that despite having inheritance and succession rights declared in the Muslim Family Law Ordinance 1961 and the West Pakistan Muslim Personal Law, Shariat Act 1962 and legal jurisdictions of both laws being practiced in the courts, women are not getting their inheritance rights as directed by Islam. This study therefore recommends creating awareness among people and strengthening the legal system to promote women's inheritance.