A man dies with 5 sons — one is the firstborn. What fraction of the estate does the firstborn receive?
The firstborn receives twice an ordinary share. With 5 sons, the estate is divided into 6 parts: the firstborn gets 2 (= one third) and each ordinary son gets 1 (= one sixth).
Question 2
Does the firstborn receive a double portion of his mother's estate?
The firstborn's double portion applies only to the father's estate, as the verse says 'the first of his strength.' Brothers divide the mother's estate equally.
Question 3
A firstborn is born after his father's death. Does he receive a double portion?
If the baby's forehead emerged (the start of birth) while the father was alive, the son receives the double portion even if the full birth was after the father's death.
Question 4
A firstborn sells his extra share before the estate is divided. Is the sale valid?
The firstborn's extra share is real and distinct even before the estate is formally divided. A sale before division is therefore binding.
Question 5
How long is a mother's testimony about which twin is the firstborn accepted?
The mother's testimony is accepted for the first seven days after birth. The midwife's word is accepted only immediately at birth, while the father's testimony is accepted forever.