Technology and AI for Calculating Inheritance: Transparent and Accurate

Why Inheritance Calculations Are Often Confusing

Inheritance distribution in Islam (faraid) has detailed rules. The Qur'an An-Nisa 4:11, 4:12, and 4:176 as well as the Compilation of Islamic Law (KHI) Book II are the main references in Indonesia. Each heir has a predetermined share (furudh) or receives the residue (ashabah). Sometimes the share must be calculated with fractions, such as 1/8, 1/6, 2/3, and so on. Not to mention conditions such as 'aul (increase of the denominator) or radd (return of the residue to certain heirs). For ordinary families, this can feel complicated and prone to miscalculation.

A small error in calculation can have a big impact: someone feels treated unfairly, disputes arise, and inheritance is even delayed for years. Therefore, accuracy and transparency are very important.

The Role of Technology and AI in Calculating Inheritance

Technology can help ease the calculation burden. An application or digital platform can input family genealogy data, then calculate each heir's share based on faraid and KHI rules. AI (artificial intelligence) can be used to recognize patterns, check data consistency, and simulate various distribution scenarios.

The main benefits are:

• Reducing calculation errors because the process is carried out automatically and systematically.
• Transparency: every calculation step can be traced, so the family can see the basis for the numbers that appear.
• Fast simulation: if an heir has died earlier or there are special conditions, the results can be updated immediately.
• Documentation: calculation results can be stored as a record of family deliberations.

However, keep in mind: AI is only a tool. It does not replace the role of scholars, judges, or the heirs themselves. This tool must be based on valid sources and still be verified by humans.

A Simple Example: Calculating Inheritance Shares with the Help of a Tool

Suppose a husband named Ahmad passes away. He leaves behind a wife, mother, two sons, and one daughter. The inheritance left is Rp 120,000,000 (after deducting debts and bequests).

Calculation steps:

1. Identify the heirs: Wife, mother, two sons, one daughter.
2. Determine the furudh shares:
   • The wife receives 1/8 because there is a child (An-Nisa 4:12).
   • The mother receives 1/6 because there is a child (An-Nisa 4:11).
3. Calculate the residue for ashabah (the children): 1 - 1/8 - 1/6 = 24/24 - 3/24 - 4/24 = 17/24.
4. The share of sons and daughters is 2:1. Two sons = 4 parts, one daughter = 1 part. Total 5 parts.
5. Calculate the shares:
   • Wife: 1/8 x Rp 120,000,000 = Rp 15,000,000
   • Mother: 1/6 x Rp 120,000,000 = Rp 20,000,000
   • Residue: Rp 120,000,000 - Rp 35,000,000 = Rp 85,000,000
   • Each son: (2/5) x Rp 85,000,000 = Rp 34,000,000
   • Daughter: (1/5) x Rp 85,000,000 = Rp 17,000,000

Total: Rp 15,000,000 + Rp 20,000,000 + Rp 34,000,000 + Rp 34,000,000 + Rp 17,000,000 = Rp 120,000,000. This calculation is exact.

With a digital tool, this process can be done in seconds, and the results can be immediately checked together with the family.

Transparency and Accountability in Inheritance Distribution

Transparency is the key to preventing conflict. When a family uses a tool, all parties can see how the numbers are obtained. A good tool will display the legal basis used (for example, a KHI article or a Qur'anic verse) and its calculation steps. This makes deliberation more objective and reduces mutual suspicion.

In addition, AI can help detect data input errors or rule inconsistencies. For example, if there is an heir who should be excluded, the tool can give a warning. However, the final decision remains in the hands of the family and the experts.

Limitations of Technology and the Role of Experts

Although technology helps, it has limitations. Islamic inheritance rules have many branches and differences of opinion among scholars. Cases such as gharrawain, munasakhah, substitute heirs, or 'aul and radd may not be fully covered in a simple tool. In addition, the status of an heir (for example, non-Muslim, killer, or apostate) requires careful human judgment.

Therefore, the calculation results from any tool should be consulted with the Religious Court, a notary/PPAT, or a ustadz who understands faraid. They can verify the validity of the data and provide a valid fatwa or determination.

Practical Steps for Using Technology for Inheritance

Here is a brief guide for families who want to use technology:

1. Collect family data completely: names, relationship status, dates of marriage, birth, and death.
2. Choose a credible tool based on KHI and Qur'anic rules. Make sure the tool explains its legal sources.
3. Enter data carefully. A small error can change the results.
4. Check the results together. Discuss with other heirs, be open to correction.
5. Consult with experts (Religious Court, notary, or ustadz) before determining the distribution.
6. Document the deliberation results and calculations as a family archive.

For example, IndoWaris can draw a family tree and calculate shares according to KHI, making joint checking easier. However, verification from the authorities is still needed.

With the right technology and an open attitude, inheritance distribution can become fairer, more transparent, and preserve family harmony. May it be beneficial.