Islamic Inheritance Calculator
Calculate islamic inheritance easily with our free tool. Get practical results, tips, and comparisons for everyday decisions.
Reviewed for accuracy by Daniel Agrici, Founder & Lead Developer
Islamic Inheritance Calculator
Calculator
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Formula: Each heir receives their Quranic share (1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 2/3, 1/3, 1/6), with residual going to Asabah heirs
Worked example — Wife: $12,500 | Son: $58,333 | Daughter: $29,167
Formula
Each heir receives their Quranic share (1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 2/3, 1/3, 1/6), with residual going to Asabah heirs
Islamic inheritance follows a priority-based system. First, fixed-share heirs (ashab al-furud) receive their Quranic portions. Then, residual heirs (asabah) — primarily sons, then father — receive the remainder. If shares exceed the estate, proportional reduction (Awl) is applied. Sons receive twice the share of daughters when inheriting together as residual heirs.
Worked Examples
Example 1: Deceased Male with Wife, Son, and Daughter
Problem:A man passes away leaving an estate of $100,000. His heirs are his wife, 1 son, and 1 daughter. Calculate each heir's share.
Solution:Wife's share = 1/8 (has children) = $12,500 Remainder = $100,000 - $12,500 = $87,500 Son gets 2 parts, daughter gets 1 part = 3 total parts Son = $87,500 × 2/3 = $58,333.33 Daughter = $87,500 × 1/3 = $29,166.67
Result:Wife: $12,500 | Son: $58,333 | Daughter: $29,167
Example 2: Deceased Female with Husband, Mother, and Father
Problem:A woman passes away with $200,000. Her heirs are her husband, mother, and father. No children.
Solution:Husband's share = 1/2 (no children) = $100,000 Mother's share = 1/3 (no children, no multiple siblings) = $66,666.67 Father's share = Residual = $200,000 - $100,000 - $66,666.67 = $33,333.33
Result:Husband: $100,000 | Mother: $66,667 | Father: $33,333
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Islamic inheritance system (Faraid)?
Faraid is the Islamic law of inheritance derived primarily from the Quran (Surah An-Nisa, verses 11-12 and 176) and the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). It prescribes specific shares for designated heirs based on their relationship to the deceased. The system is mandatory and cannot be altered by a will for the designated heirs, though up to one-third of the estate can be bequeathed to non-heirs through a wasiyyah (bequest). Faraid aims to distribute wealth across the family rather than concentrating it, ensuring that close relatives — including women — receive their rightful shares. The system considers the closeness of relationship, the generation of the heir, and financial responsibilities.
What are the fixed shares prescribed in the Quran?
The Quran prescribes six fixed shares (furud): one-half (1/2), one-quarter (1/4), one-eighth (1/8), two-thirds (2/3), one-third (1/3), and one-sixth (1/6). A husband receives 1/2 if no children or 1/4 if there are children. A wife receives 1/4 if no children or 1/8 if there are children. A single daughter gets 1/2 and two or more daughters share 2/3. The mother gets 1/6 if there are children or multiple siblings, otherwise 1/3. The father gets 1/6 when there are male descendants. These shares form the foundation of the distribution, with any remainder going to residual heirs (asabah), typically sons or the father. The mathematical precision of these allocations is considered one of the miracles of Islamic legislation.
Why do sons receive double the share of daughters?
In Islamic law, a son receives twice the share of a daughter, which is often understood in the context of the broader Islamic financial framework. Under Islamic law, a man bears financial obligations that a woman does not: he must provide mahr (dowry) to his wife, he is solely responsible for the financial maintenance of his wife and children, and he must support his parents if they are in need. A woman, on the other hand, is not obligated to spend her wealth on the household — any money she earns or inherits is entirely hers to keep. When these financial responsibilities are considered together, the net financial position may actually favor women. This ruling applies specifically to sons and daughters inheriting from the same parent; other relatives have different share allocations.
What happens when the total shares exceed 100% of the estate (Awl)?
When the prescribed shares add up to more than the total estate, a process called Awl (proportional reduction) is applied. This was first implemented by Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab when a case arose where the shares totaled more than the estate. In Awl, the denominator of the common fraction is increased to accommodate all shares, effectively reducing each heir's portion proportionally while maintaining relative ratios. For example, if shares total 13/12 of the estate, each share is divided by 13 instead of 12, reducing every share proportionally. This ensures all heirs receive some portion of their prescribed share and no single heir is completely excluded from their Quranic entitlement.
Can a Muslim write a will that overrides Faraid shares?
A Muslim can write a will (wasiyyah), but it is subject to important restrictions under Islamic law. A person may bequeath up to one-third of their estate to individuals or causes that are not among the prescribed Faraid heirs. The will cannot be used to give additional shares to existing heirs beyond what Faraid prescribes, unless the other heirs unanimously consent after the deceased's death. The remaining two-thirds (or more) of the estate must be distributed according to Faraid. Any debts of the deceased must be settled first, followed by funeral expenses, then the wasiyyah, and finally the Faraid distribution. This system ensures that while individuals have some testamentary freedom, close family members are always protected from disinheritance.
References
Reviewed for accuracy by Daniel Agrici, Founder & Lead Developer · Editorial policy
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