Agreement of the heirs in the distribution of inheritance in the Gayo Community

Abstract

In the distribution of inheritance, the share of each heir has been clearly determined in the Islamic Shari'a with a ratio of 2:1 between male and female heirs. However, in practice, in Gayo communities, the distribution of inheritance is carried out by agreement of the heirs by not following the literal provisions in the Qur'an. The results of the study found that the distribution of inheritance by agreement of the heirs in the Gayo community is carried out after an explanation and determination of the size of the heirs' rights in accordance with Islamic Shari'a. The division of inheritance by agreement of the heirs is justified by Syara'. Factors that influence the distribution of inheritance by agreement of heirs in the Gayo community include adat and reusam as kinship ties in the Gayo community are very strong, the female heirs who look after and care for the testator in their old age and when they are sick, women also work like men in meeting household needs, some of the heirs are already economically established and one of the parents of the heirs is still alive.