Case study

Islamic inheritance: widow without children

The distribution when a man dies without leaving children, but with a surviving wife.

Quick summary

Wife1/4
Father (if alive)Residue (Asaba)
Mother (without multiple siblings)1/3
Calculate this case

Detailed explanation

When a man dies without children or grandchildren, his widow receives 1/4 of the estate (instead of 1/8 if there were children).

The rest (3/4) is shared among other heirs according to priority order:

Scenario 1: Widow + Parents

  • Wife: 1/4
  • Mother: 1/3 of the rest (i.e., 1/4 of total)
  • Father: residue (i.e., 1/2 of total)

Scenario 2: Widow + Mother + Siblings

  • Wife: 1/4
  • Mother: 1/6 (reduced due to multiple siblings)
  • Full siblings: residue

Numerical example

A man dies leaving €100,000, a wife and his two parents:

Calculation for €100,000

Wife (1/4)25 000 €
Mother (1/3 of rest = 1/4)25 000 €
Father (residue = 1/2)50 000 €

Frequently asked questions

What is the widow's share without children?

The widow receives 1/4 of the estate when there are no children.

Who inherits with the widow?

The deceased's parents, siblings, or paternal uncles.