Two brothers have not yet divided their inheritance. One engages in trade using the estate's money. To whom do the profits belong?
Until the estate is divided, the brothers are like partners. Any profits from business dealings with the estate's money belong to the common partnership and are split equally.
Question 2
An older brother improves the estate's value through his own investment and says beforehand: 'I am working this and keeping the profits.' To whom does the improvement belong?
If a brother explicitly declares his intent to work and benefit personally (and the improvement came from his investment), he keeps the improvement. Without such a declaration, improvements are shared.
Question 3
One brother was appointed by the king to a government position because of his father's reputation. Must he share his government salary with his brothers?
When a king appoints a son 'because of his father's merit' (to honor the father's memory), the salary earned is treated as part of the estate and must be shared. If he was appointed on his own merit, the salary is his alone.
Question 4
A widow managed the deceased husband's estate, and promissory notes were issued in her name. She claims the money was from her own dowry. Is she believed?
If she has a dowry and claims the money came from it, her word is accepted. If she has no dowry or cannot prove her claim, everything is assumed to belong to the orphans' estate.
Question 5
The father sent a wedding gift 'in the name of his sons' to a friend. When the gift is returned, where does it go?
A gift sent in all the sons' names was made on behalf of all of them. When it returns, it goes to the common estate. Furthermore, the recipient need only return it when all brothers participate in his rejoicing.