Case study

Islamic inheritance: single person without children

The distribution of the estate of a person who died without spouse or children.

Quick summary

Father (if alive)Residue (Asaba)
Mother alone1/3
If no parents: siblingsAll
Calculate this case

Detailed explanation

When a person dies without spouse or children, the estate goes mainly to parents, then to siblings.

Scenario 1: Both parents alive

  • Mother: 1/3
  • Father: 2/3 (residue)

Scenario 2: Mother alone

  • Mother: 1/3
  • The rest goes to full siblings if any

Scenario 3: Father alone

  • Father: everything (as Asaba)

Scenario 4: Neither father nor mother

  • Full brothers: inherit as Asaba
  • Full sisters: 1/2 (one) or 2/3 (two or more)

Numerical example

A single person dies leaving €90,000 and both parents:

Calculation for €90,000

Mother (1/3)30 000 €
Father (residue 2/3)60 000 €

Frequently asked questions

Do siblings inherit if parents are alive?

If the father is alive, he excludes siblings.

What's the difference between full and paternal siblings?

Full siblings share both parents. Paternal siblings share only the father.