How is a will split in Islam? A guide to Islamic inheritance laws

Writing a will is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your family and make sure your wishes are carried out. For Muslims, this is not only a legal responsibility but a spiritual one, guided by the principles of Faraid, the Islamic inheritance laws. Understanding how a will is split in Islam helps you make informed decisions and keep your estate distributed according to your faith.

This guide explains the key principles of Islamic inheritance, how assets are divided, and why a Shariah-compliant will matters for every Muslim in the UK.

What are Islamic inheritance laws (Faraid)?

Islamic inheritance laws are drawn from the Quran and the Sunnah. They set clear guidelines on how a person’s estate should be distributed after death, so that the rights of family members and beneficiaries are honoured.

The key principles of Faraid include:

• Fixed shares. Specific portions of the estate are allocated to certain heirs, such as spouses, children and parents.
• Priority to close family. Immediate family members come before distant relatives.
• Charity. A portion of the estate can be left to charitable causes, such as Sadaqah Jariyah.

How is a will split in Islam?

Under Faraid, the estate is divided into fixed shares, with each heir receiving a specific portion. Here is how assets are typically distributed.

Spouses

• Husband. If the deceased has children, the husband is entitled to 1/4 of the estate. If there are no children, he receives 1/2.
• Wife. If the deceased has children, the wife is entitled to 1/8 of the estate. If there are no children, she receives 1/4.

Children

• Sons. Sons typically receive twice the share of daughters. For example, with one son and one daughter, the son receives 2/3 of the estate and the daughter receives 1/3.
• Daughters. If there are only daughters, they collectively receive 2/3 of the estate. A single daughter receives 1/2.

Parents

• Father. If the deceased has children, the father receives 1/6 of the estate. If there are no children, he receives 1/3.
• Mother. The mother receives 1/6 if the deceased has children or siblings. If there are no children or siblings, she receives 1/3.

Siblings

Siblings inherit only if there are no children or parents. Brothers typically receive twice the share of sisters.

Charity

Up to 1/3 of the estate can be left to charitable causes, such as Sadaqah Jariyah, provided it does not harm the rights of the heirs.

Why a Shariah-compliant will matters

UK law does not apply these rules automatically. Without a valid will, your estate may be distributed under the intestacy rules of England and Wales, which can conflict with Islamic principles. That can lead to family disputes, delays in accessing inheritance, and wealth passing in a way you never intended.

A Shariah-compliant will lets you:

• Set out your wishes clearly.
• Allocate a portion to charity (Sadaqah Jariyah).
• Plan to reduce inheritance-tax liability.
• Protect your family’s future.

Take the first step

Do not leave your family’s future to chance. Putting a Shariah-compliant will in place is how you keep your legacy ordered according to your faith and recognised by the law.