The difference in inheritance shares in Verse 11 of Surah An-Nisāʾ has consistently been one of the focal points of debate in Islamic studies. Part of these challenges arises from neglecting the diversity of explanatory levels within Qur’anic exegesis. The present study, employing a descriptive-analytical method and a comparative approach between Sunni and Shi‘i tafsīr traditions, seeks to develop a typology of the explanations concerning the wisdom behind this difference.
The findings indicate that exegetes have articulated the rationale of this ruling on three levels: a duty-based level, emphasizing the financial responsibilities of men; a system-based level, situating the ruling within the broader legal and social structure of Islam; and an educational level, focusing on the formative dimension of consciously accepting divine legislation.
The results demonstrate that the differences among exegetes do not stem from fundamental doctrinal disagreement, but rather from their focus on distinct analytical levels. In fact, these explanations are complementary, and only through a comprehensive perspective encompassing all three levels can a coherent understanding of the wisdom behind the legislation of inheritance shares be achieved.