الفَرَائِض
Islamic Inheritance (Faraid)
Learn the Quranic rules of inheritance with prescribed shares for all heirs.
Prescribed Shares
| Heir | Share | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Husband | 1/4 (if children) or 1/2 (if no children) | If wife(s), halve the share |
| Wife | 1/8 (if children) or 1/4 (if no children) | Multiply by number of wives; max 4 |
| Son | Double the share of a daughter | Per Quran 4:11 |
| Daughter | 1/2 of son's share | 1/2 if one daughter, 2/3 if two or more |
| Father | 1/6 (if children) or 1/4 (if no children) | Plus residue if no male heirs |
| Mother | 1/6 (if children) or 1/3 (if no children) | Max 1/3 of residue |
| Brother | As prescribed by Quran 4:11-12 | Only if no father or son |
| Sister | 1/2 if one, 2/3 if two or more | Only if no father or son |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Faraid in Islam?
Faraid refers to the mandatory inheritance shares prescribed by the Quran in Surah An-Nisa (4:11-12). These shares are fixed and cannot be changed by will or agreement.
Can a Muslim write a will for their property?
Yes, a Muslim can bequeath up to 1/3 of their estate as a will (Wasiyyah). The remaining 2/3 must be distributed according to Faraid.
Does a daughter inherit equally to a son?
No. In Islamic law, a son receives double the share of a daughter. This is based on Quran 4:11 and takes into account the financial responsibilities of men in Islam.
What if there are no direct heirs?
In the absence of direct heirs, inheritance passes to more distant relatives according to a prescribed hierarchy (Dhawu al-Arham — uterine relatives).
Is inheritance calculator accurate?
Online calculators provide estimates based on standard Quranic shares. For complex estates, consult a qualified Islamic scholar.
