QURAN 4.11
..... The male shall have
the equal of the portion of two females.....
This verse has long been interpreted as prescribing a 2:1 inheritance ratio, where men receive 66.6% and women receive 33.3% of an estate. However, a closer inspection of the wording reveals something extraordinary—a deeper mathematical structure embedded within divine law.
The Golden Ratio:
A Universal Mathematical Constant
The Quran does not simply say, “A man shall receive twice the share of a woman.” Instead, it states that a male’s share is equal to the portion of two females—suggesting a proportional relationship rather than a rigid 2:1 division.
This aligns with the Golden Ratio (1.618), a fundamental mathematical principle found throughout nature, art, and even human anatomy. The Golden Ratio (Φ) describes a perfect proportional balance, where:
• The larger quantity relates to the smaller one as the sum of both relates to the larger.
• Mathematically: If the total inheritance is 1, then the shares should be divided as follows:
A Mathematical Injustice to Women?
The traditional 2:1 ratio (66.6% vs. 33.3%) does not align with the Quran’s phrasing and inadvertently shortchanges women by 4.85%. The Golden Ratio (61.8% vs. 38.2%) would be a more precise balance, reflecting divine symmetry and natural order.
Golden Ratio in Creation and Divine Law
The presence of the Golden Ratio in the Quran is not arbitrary—it is a signature of divine wisdom, appearing across nature and human biology:
• DNA spirals follow the Golden Ratio.
• The human body’s proportions (e.g., the ratio of hand to forearm, face symmetry).
• The arrangement of leaves, galaxies, and even Islamic art follows this pattern.
Reevaluating Our Interpretations
If the inheritance law reflects a deeper mathematical truth, then how many other divine commands might contain similar intricacies that require a refined understanding? This insight challenges us to look beyond surface-level interpretations and recognize the mathematical elegance within divine revelation.
Perhaps the Quran is urging us not to rigidly fix laws but to continuously seek wisdom and deeper truths. This perspective transforms 4:11 from a simple inheritance rule into a profound mathematical and philosophical lesson—one that emphasizes balance, justice, and harmony in all aspects of life.