What is Islamic Inheritance (Mirath)?
Islamic inheritance law (علم الفرائض — Ilm al-Fara'id) is one of the most precisely detailed areas of Islamic jurisprudence, derived directly from the Quran (4:11-12, 4:176). It ensures wealth is distributed fairly among family members after death.
Why Have an Islamic Inheritance Plan?
- It fulfils the Quranic obligation on the deceased
- It protects your family from disputes
- Without a will, non-Muslim countries will distribute your estate by their own law, which likely differs from Islamic law
Primary Heirs and Their Shares
- Husband: 1/4 (if children exist) or 1/2 (if no children)
- Wife: 1/8 (if children exist) or 1/4 (if no children)
- Daughter (one): 1/2 | Two or more daughters: 2/3
- Son: Receives double the share of a daughter (as Asabah)
- Father: 1/6 (if the deceased has children)
- Mother: 1/6 (if the deceased has children or multiple siblings) or 1/3
What is Deducted First?
Before inheritance is distributed, three things are settled from the estate in order:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Outstanding debts (including unpaid Zakat or Kaffarah)
- The Wasiyyah (will) — up to one-third of the remaining estate can be bequeathed to non-heirs
Writing Your Will
Every Muslim should have a valid Islamic will. Use our Islamic Will tool to create yours, and our Inheritance Calculator to understand how your estate will be divided.
Calculate inheritance shares now: Open the Inheritance Calculator →