What is Islamic Inheritance (Mirath)?
Islamic inheritance, known as Mirath (علم الفرائض), is one of the most important and precisely detailed parts of Shariah. It comes directly from the Quran (Surah An-Nisa 4:11-12, 4:176) and the teachings of the Prophet ﷺ.
The Prophet ﷺ said: "Learn the laws of inheritance and teach them, for they are half of knowledge." (Ibn Majah)
Allah ﷻ declares: "For men is a share of what the parents and close relatives leave, and for women is a share of what the parents and close relatives leave — be it little or much — an obligatory share." (Quran 4:7)
Our Inheritance Calculator makes applying these rules easy and accurate.
Why Every Muslim Needs an Islamic Will
In many countries, if you die without a proper Islamic will, secular laws will distribute your wealth — often ignoring Quranic shares. This can cause major family problems and injustice.
That’s why we created the Islamic Will Tool — to help you protect your family according to Allah’s command.
Order of Distribution
- 1. Funeral & burial expenses
- 2. Outstanding debts (including to Allah)
- 3. Wasiyyah (up to 1/3 to non-heirs)
- 4. Fixed Quranic shares to legal heirs
Fixed Shares (Ashab al-Furud)
Spouses
- Husband: 1/2 or 1/4
- Wife: 1/4 or 1/8
Parents
- Father: 1/6 + residuary
- Mother: 1/6 or 1/3
Son gets twice the share of a daughter when they inherit together.
Practical Example
Man dies leaving: Wife + 1 Son + 2 Daughters + Both Parents (Estate = $120,000)
Wife: $15,000 (1/8)
Mother: $20,000 (1/6)
Father: $20,000 (1/6)
Son: $32,500
Each Daughter: $16,250
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Giving everything to sons and excluding daughters
- Thinking a will can replace Quranic shares
- Delaying the writing of an Islamic will