Frequently Asked Questions
Everything about inheritance in Islam
General Questions
Islamic inheritance calculation (Faraid) follows a precise order established by the Quran and Sunnah:
- Payment of debts and funeral expenses of the deceased
- Execution of the will (wasiya), limited to maximum 1/3 of the estate
- Distribution of fixed shares (fard) to heirs designated by the Quran
- Distribution of the remainder (residue) to residuary heirs (asaba)
The shares are clearly defined in the Quran, Surah An-Nisa (4:11-12).
Faraid (or 'Ilm al-Fara'id) is the Islamic science governing the distribution of inheritance. The term comes from the Arabic word "fard" meaning "obligation" or "determined share".
This science is considered extremely important. Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
"Learn Faraid and teach it, for it is half of useful knowledge, and it will be the first to be forgotten by my Ummah."
The main rules are stated in the Quran, particularly in Surah An-Nisa (4:11-12), which details the shares of each category of heirs.
Our calculator covers the most common cases of Islamic succession: spouse, children (sons and daughters), parents, grandparents, and siblings.
The calculator also handles:
- Brothers and sisters (full, paternal, maternal)
- Paternal and maternal grandparents
- Cases of 'Awl (proportional reduction when shares exceed 100%)
- Cases of Radd (redistribution when shares don't reach 100%)
Important : For complex situations or significant stakes, we strongly recommend consulting a qualified scholar (mufti or specialist in Islamic succession law). This tool is informational and does not replace expert advice.
Learn more:
Guide on 'Awl and Radd →These are two adjustment mechanisms used when the total of fixed shares doesn't equal 100% of the estate.
'Awl (العول) - Reduction:
When the total of fixed shares exceeds 100%, all shares are proportionally reduced. Example: if the total is 9/6, each share is multiplied by 6/9.
Radd (الرد) - Redistribution:
When the total of fixed shares is less than 100% and there is no residuary heir (asaba), the surplus is redistributed to fixed share heirs (except the spouse according to the majority).
Detailed examples:
Understanding 'Awl and Radd with concrete cases →Questions about Shares
Asaba (عصبة) refers to residuary heirs who receive what remains of the estate after distribution of fixed shares (fard).
"Give the fixed shares (fara'id) to those entitled to them, then what remains goes to the closest male relative [in degree of kinship]."
Priority order of asaba:
- The son (and his male descendants)
- The father
- The full brother (same father and mother)
- The paternal half-brother (same father)
- Paternal uncles, etc.
If the total of fixed shares is less than 100%, the remainder goes to the asaba. If there is no asaba, it may be redistributed to fixed share heirs (radd).
Learn more:
Table of fixed and residuary shares →Practical Questions
This limit comes from a famous hadith of Sa'd ibn Abi Waqqas (may Allah be pleased with him) who, being seriously ill, asked the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) if he could bequeath all his wealth:
"Can I bequeath two-thirds of my wealth?" — "No." "Half?" — "No." "One-third?" — "One-third, and one-third is much. It is better to leave your heirs wealthy than to leave them poor, begging from people."
Important rule:
The will (wasiya) cannot benefit a legal heir, unless the other heirs consent after death. This rule prevents favoring one heir over others.
Complete guide:
Everything about the Islamic will (Wasiya) →Debts take priority over inheritance. They must be repaid before any distribution to heirs.
He initially refused to pray the funeral prayer over a debtor until someone guaranteed the debt.
Types of debts to settle:
- Financial debts to individuals or institutions
- Unpaid loans
- Taxes and duties owed
- Debts to Allah: unpaid zakat, unfulfilled vows, obligatory pilgrimage not performed
The order is: funeral expenses → debts → will → inheritance.
Learn more:
The order of distribution in Faraid →When a person dies without spouse or children, the inheritance mainly goes to parents and/or siblings according to the following rules:
If parents are alive:
- Mother: 1/3 (or 1/6 if 2+ siblings)
- Father: the remainder as asaba
If no parents, siblings inherit:
- Full siblings have priority
- Then paternal half-siblings
- Maternal half-siblings can inherit with full siblings
Detailed examples:
This calculator produces an informational document, not a legal act. In France, succession is governed by the Civil Code, which notably provides for a "reserved portion" protecting certain heirs.
Options to apply Islamic rules:
- Will: Use the disposable portion (free share) to adjust distribution
- Lifetime donations: Make donations before death to distribute according to Islamic rules
- Family agreement: After receiving the legal share, heirs can voluntarily redistribute according to Sharia
Conseil : For significant estates, consult a notary AND an Islamic law advisor to find the best solution compliant with both systems.
If the estate contains income non-compliant with Sharia, it must be separated before distribution.
Examples of income to purify:
- Bank interest (riba)
- Income from illicit activities (alcohol, gambling, etc.)
- Non-compliant investment gains
How to proceed:
- Identify and calculate the amount concerned
- Remove this amount from the estate
- Give it to charity (sadaqa) without intention of reward
- Distribute the remainder to heirs
For complex cases or significant amounts, consult a qualified scholar to determine the appropriate method.
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