Islamic Inheritance Calculator (Faraid)
Calculate Islamic inheritance distribution according to Shariah law. Determine heir shares based on Quran and Sunnah. Supports spouse, children, parents, and extended family calculations.
Estate Information
Gross Estate
$500,000.00
Less Debts
-$0.00
Less Wasiyyah
-$0.00
Distributable
$500,000.00
Select Living Heirs
Primary Heirs
Extended Family
Select the living heirs above to calculate the inheritance distribution.
Important Disclaimer
This calculator provides a simplified estimation of Islamic inheritance distribution. Actual faraid calculations can be complex with many exceptions and special cases. This tool does not account for all scenarios including: grandchildren inheritance when their parent has died, complex sibling combinations, or regional madhab differences. Always consult a qualified Islamic scholar or faraid expert for actual estate distribution.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Faraid (Islamic Inheritance Law)?
Faraid (فرائض) is the Islamic law of inheritance, derived from the Quran, Hadith, and scholarly consensus. It prescribes specific shares for different heirs and aims to distribute wealth fairly within the family. Unlike Western inheritance systems, faraid has fixed shares that cannot be changed by will for designated heirs.
What is the 2:1 ratio for male and female heirs?
In Islamic inheritance, when sons and daughters inherit together, each son receives twice the share of each daughter. This ratio is explicitly stated in the Quran (4:11). Islamic scholars explain this in context of other Islamic financial obligations - men are required to provide for their families financially, while women's wealth is their own to keep. The daughter keeps her full share while the son's share goes toward family responsibilities.
Can I write a will in Islam?
Yes, you can write a will (wasiyyah) in Islam, but it has limitations. You can only bequeath up to 1/3 of your estate, and only to non-heirs (people who won't automatically inherit). You cannot use a will to change the fixed shares of Quranic heirs. Any bequest exceeding 1/3 or to an existing heir requires consent from all other heirs.
What debts are paid before inheritance?
Before inheritance is distributed, the estate must first pay (in order): 1) Funeral and burial expenses, 2) Outstanding debts of the deceased, 3) Valid bequests (wasiyyah) up to 1/3 of the remaining estate. Only after these obligations are settled is the remainder distributed among heirs.
What if total shares exceed 100%?
When the fixed shares add up to more than the estate (called 'Awl), each share is proportionally reduced. For example, if shares total 9/8, each heir receives their share divided by 9/8. This complex calculation requires expert knowledge and is one reason to consult a faraid specialist.
Who are the primary heirs in Islam?
The primary heirs who always receive a fixed share (when present) are: spouse (husband or wife), children (sons and daughters), and parents (father and mother). These heirs are never completely excluded. Other relatives may inherit depending on who else is present.
Fixed Shares in Islamic Inheritance
| Heir | Arabic | Share | Condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Husband | زوج | 1/4 or 1/2 | 1/4 if wife has children, 1/2 if no children |
| Wife | زوجة | 1/8 or 1/4 | 1/8 if husband has children, 1/4 if no children |
| Father | أب | 1/6 + residual | 1/6 if there are children, residual if no sons |
| Mother | أم | 1/6 or 1/3 | 1/6 if children/siblings exist, 1/3 otherwise |
| Daughter(s) | بنت | 1/2 or 2/3 | 1/2 if single, 2/3 if multiple (no sons) |
| Son(s) | ابن | Residual | Gets remainder after fixed shares (2:1 with sisters) |
| Full Sister | أخت شقيقة | 1/2 or 2/3 | If no children, father, or full brothers |
| Grandmother | جدة | 1/6 | If mother is not alive |
Quranic Foundation
"Allah instructs you concerning your children: for the male, what is equal to the share of two females. But if there are [only] daughters, two or more, for them is two-thirds of one's estate. And if there is only one, for her is half..."
— Surah An-Nisa (4:11)