What is Islamic Inheritance Law (Faraid)?
Islamic inheritance law is one of the most detailed and precise systems prescribed directly by Allah in the Quran (Surah An-Nisa, 4:11-12, 4:176). Unlike many legal systems where a person can freely distribute their estate, Islam prescribes fixed shares for specific relatives to ensure justice and prevent disputes.
Order of Deductions
- Funeral expenses — paid from the estate first.
- Outstanding debts — all debts of the deceased must be cleared.
- Wasiyyah (Will) — up to 1/3 of the remaining estate. Cannot be given to an existing heir.
- Inheritance distribution — the remainder is distributed according to Quranic shares.
FAQ
Why does a son inherit double the daughter's share?▼
In Islam, a son has the financial obligation (Nafaqah) to provide for his wife, children, and parents. A daughter has no such obligation — her financial needs are provided by her father, husband, or brothers. The 2:1 ratio accounts for these different financial responsibilities.
Can I give my entire estate to one child?▼
No. The Quranic shares are mandatory and cannot be overridden by a will. You may only bequeath up to 1/3 of your estate via Wasiyyah, and it cannot go to an existing heir without the consent of all other heirs.
What happens if shares add up to more than 100%?▼
This is called Awl (increase in denominator). All fixed shares are proportionally reduced so they fit within 100%. This happened during the time of Umar (RA) and is accepted by all four madhabs.