Introduction
In Islam, inheritance distribution is a fundamental aspect of Shariah law that reflects principles of justice, equity, and consideration for others. Unlike many other legal systems, Islamic inheritance law provides clear guidance on how to divide inheritance among relatives. It ensures that every individual receives their rightful share. This framework helps to mitigate family disputes and promote harmony by specifying each heir’s allocation based on their relationship to the deceased.
As Muslims, we adhere to the teachings of Islam in all aspects of life, including how we distribute wealth after someone passes away. The rules for inheritance in Shariah apply to every one of us, regardless of our personal preferences. Understanding the distribution of inheritance in Islam is essential for us as Muslims because it enables us to fulfill our religious obligations in wealth distribution.
To learn more about inheritance law in Islam, you can visit this link: Islamic Inheritance Laws: Rules, Heirs, and Justice.
The Quran outlines the shares of all heirs. Let us discuss it below.
Allah (SWT) says in the Quran;
Derived distribution Inheritance Rules in Islam
- Sons receive twice the inheritance share of daughters.
- If there are two daughters, they inherit two-thirds of the estate.
- A single daughter receives half the inheritance.
- Each parent is entitled to one-sixth of the inheritance if there are children.
- If there are no children, and the parents are the sole heirs, the mother receives one-third, and the father gets the remainder.
- If there are siblings, the mother receives one-sixth.
- All shares are contingent upon the payment of funeral costs and debts.
Note: The ending of the verse highlights that Allah (SWT) commands these shares, and we do not know who will be in greater need of this wealth after we pass away. Allah (SWT) knows what we do not and has established these rules for the benefit of the entire family.
Allah (SWT) says in the Quran;
Derived distribution Inheritance Rules in Islam
- Widowers receive 1/4 of the property if there are children.
- Widows receive 1/8 of the property if there are children.
- If there are no ascendants (parents) or descendants (children), siblings inherit 1/6 of the property.
- If there are two or more siblings, they share one-third if there are no parents or children.
In another place, Allah (SWT) said,
Derived distribution Inheritance Rules in Islam
- If a person dies without parents or children (kalalah) and leaves only one sister, she inherits half of the estate.
- If a person dies without children, leaving only one brother, the brother inherits the entire estate.
- If a person passes away, leaving only two sisters, the sisters will have 2/3 of the estate.
- If there are both male and female siblings, the males will receive double the share of the females.
Inheritance Distribution in Islam
In Islamic inheritance law, the distribution of property is based on specific shares assigned to each eligible heir. Here’s a simplified explanation of how the property is generally divided for each case:
1. Property Distribution of Mother
When a mother passes away, her property is distributed among her heirs according to the following principles:
Husband (if alive): Receives 1/4th of the property. If there are no children, the husband receives 1/2.
Children
- Sons: Receive double the share of daughters.
- Daughters: Each daughter receives half of what a son gets.
Parents (if alive)
- Father: Receives 1/6th of the property.
- Mother: Receives 1/6th of the property.
2. Property Distribution of Father
When a father passes away, his property is divided as follows:
Wife (if alive): Receives 1/8th of the property. If there are no children, the wife receives 1/4th
Children
- Sons: Receive double the share of daughters.
- Daughters: Each daughter gets half of what a son receives.
Parents (if alive)
- Father: Receives 1/6th of the property.
- Mother: Receives 1/6th of the property.
3. Property Distribution of Husband
When a husband passes away, his inheritance is divided as follows:
Wife (if alive): Receives 1/8th of the property if there are children or 1/4th if there are no children.
Children
- Sons: Receive double the share of daughters.
- Daughters: Each daughter receives half of what a son gets.
Parents (if alive)
- Father: Receives 1/6th of the property.
- Mother: Receives 1/6th of the property.
Example of Inheritance Calculation
Let’s assume the total estate is worth$96,000.
Wife’s Share: 1/8th of $96,000 = $12,000
Mother’s Share: 1/6th of $96,000 = $16,000
Father’s Share: 1/6th of $96,000 = $16,000
Remaining Estate:
- Total amount after distributing fixed shares:
- $96,000 – ($12,000 + $16,000 + $16,000) = $52,000
Distribution among Children: The remaining $52,000 will be divided among the two sons and one daughter.
Total Shares
Each son gets 2 shares, and the daughter gets 1 share.
So, the total shares = 2 (Son 1) + 2 (Son 2) + 1 (Daughter) = 5 shares.
Value of One Share: $52,000 ÷ 5 = $10,400 per share.
Sons’ Shares: Each son gets 2 shares: 2 x $10,400 = $20,800
Daughter’s Share: Daughter gets 1 share: 1 x $10,400 = $10,400
Property Distribution Calculator
You can use online calculators specifically designed for this purpose to calculate property distribution in accordance with Islamic inheritance law. These calculators usually require you to input information about the deceased’s estate and the surviving heirs. Subsequently, they will automatically calculate the shares based on Islamic inheritance rules (Fara’id).
Here are some links to the calculator for divide inheritance in Islam. To find the accurate values of all heirs, click on the following link.
Benefits and blessings of dividing inheritance
The commandments, principles, and laws established by Islam for us as Muslims bring countless benefits and blessings, both in this world and the hereafter. When we distribute inheritance according to Islamic laws and principles, we experience these blessings in several important ways.
Firstly, by following Islamic inheritance rules, we earn the pleasure of Allah Almighty. Those of us who act upon Shariah rulings on inheritance deserve Heaven and are protected from the torment of Hellfire—a great success in the afterlife. Additionally, when a person gains inheritance by following Islamic laws, the wealth is Halal, and Allah accepts any financial worship carried out with this Halal wealth.
Conclusion
The distribution of inheritance in Islam ensures fairness and justice. By following these principles, we can avoid disputes and quarrels that often arise when inheritance is improperly distributed. We fulfill one of Islam’s key objectives by ensuring that our weak relatives, women, and children receive their rightful shares of inheritance, thereby being well-wishers to our fellow Muslims. This also earns us their prayers, sympathy, and affection.
According to Shariah, when we distribute inheritance, we protect ourselves from cruelty and dictatorship. We avoid the dangers of enmity, jealousy, and criticism from relatives and others. Following Islamic inheritance laws brings us closer to Allah (SWT) and fosters peace and harmony within our families and communities.
