Islamic Will Calculator
Calculate Islamic inheritance shares (faraid) for all heirs according to Quran and Sunnah. Enter values for instant results with step-by-step formulas.
Formula
Distributable Estate = Gross Estate - Debts - Bequests (max 1/3)
Debts and funeral expenses are paid first, then bequests up to one-third of the remaining estate, then the distributable estate is allocated to heirs: spouse, parents receive fixed Quranic shares, and sons receive double the share of daughters from the residuary.
Worked Examples
Example 1: Estate with Wife, Sons and Daughters
Problem: A man dies leaving an estate of $500,000, no debts, no bequests. Heirs: wife, mother, 2 sons, 1 daughter. Calculate each share.
Solution: Net estate: $500,000\nWife (with children): 1/8 = $62,500\nMother (with children): 1/6 = $83,333\nRemainder: $500,000 - $62,500 - $83,333 = $354,167\nSons + daughter parts: (2 x 2) + 1 = 5 parts\nPer part: $354,167 / 5 = $70,833\nEach son: $70,833 x 2 = $141,667\nDaughter: $70,833
Result: Wife: $62,500 | Mother: $83,333 | Each Son: $141,667 | Daughter: $70,833
Example 2: Estate with Debts and Bequest
Problem: A woman dies leaving $300,000 estate, $30,000 in debts, and a $50,000 bequest to charity. Heirs: husband, 1 son, 1 daughter, no parents.
Solution: Net estate: $300,000 - $30,000 = $270,000\nMax bequest (1/3): $270,000 / 3 = $90,000\nActual bequest: $50,000 (within limit)\nDistributable: $270,000 - $50,000 = $220,000\nHusband (with children): 1/4 = $55,000\nRemainder: $220,000 - $55,000 = $165,000\nSon + daughter parts: 2 + 1 = 3\nSon: $165,000 x 2/3 = $110,000\nDaughter: $165,000 x 1/3 = $55,000
Result: Husband: $55,000 | Son: $110,000 | Daughter: $55,000 | Charity bequest: $50,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Islamic inheritance law (faraid)?
Faraid is the Islamic system of inheritance distribution prescribed in the Quran, primarily in Surah An-Nisa (Chapter 4), verses 11, 12, and 176. It establishes specific shares for designated heirs based on their relationship to the deceased, ensuring that wealth is distributed fairly among family members according to divine guidance. The system recognizes two categories of heirs: those with fixed shares (ashab al-furud) such as spouses, parents, and daughters, and residuary heirs (asabah) such as sons who receive what remains after fixed shares are allocated. Islamic inheritance law is considered one of the most detailed and precisely defined areas of Islamic jurisprudence, and Muslim scholars have developed extensive literature over centuries to address complex inheritance scenarios.
What is the maximum bequest (wasiyyah) allowed in Islamic law?
Islamic law limits voluntary bequests to a maximum of one-third of the net estate after debts are paid. This limit is established by the well-known hadith of Saad ibn Abi Waqqas, who asked the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) if he could bequeath all his wealth, then two-thirds, and the Prophet declined both. When Saad asked about one-third, the Prophet replied that one-third is acceptable and even that is a lot. Furthermore, a bequest cannot be made in favor of an heir who already receives a prescribed share, as this would disturb the divinely ordained distribution. Any bequest exceeding one-third or made to an existing heir requires the unanimous consent of all other heirs after the death of the testator to be valid.
What is the concept of awl (proportional reduction) in Islamic inheritance?
Awl is an important jurisprudential concept that addresses situations where the total fixed shares of all heirs exceed the entire estate, meaning there is not enough to give everyone their full prescribed share. In such cases, all fixed shares are proportionally reduced so that each heir receives a fraction of their entitled share rather than some heirs being fully paid while others receive nothing. For example, if the total prescribed shares add up to seven-sixths of the estate (more than 100 percent), each heir receives six-sevenths of their original entitlement. This mechanism was first applied during the caliphate of Umar ibn al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) and has been accepted by the majority of scholars. The opposite scenario, where fixed shares total less than the estate leaving a residual, is handled through the concept of radd (return).
Is an Islamic will legally recognized in Western countries?
The legal status of Islamic wills in Western countries varies significantly depending on jurisdiction and how the will is structured. In most Western legal systems, a properly executed will that meets formal requirements such as witness signatures and testator capacity will be recognized and enforced by courts, even if it follows Islamic distribution principles. However, some jurisdictions have forced heirship laws or community property rules that may override certain provisions. In the United States and United Kingdom, courts generally respect testamentary freedom, meaning a properly drafted Islamic will can direct estate distribution according to faraid principles. It is strongly recommended to work with a lawyer experienced in both Islamic inheritance law and local estate law to ensure the will is legally valid, properly witnessed, and structured to achieve the intended distribution while complying with local regulations.
Is my data stored or sent to a server?
No. All calculations run entirely in your browser using JavaScript. No data you enter is ever transmitted to any server or stored anywhere. Your inputs remain completely private.
Can I use Islamic Will Calculator on a mobile device?
Yes. All calculators on NovaCalculator are fully responsive and work on smartphones, tablets, and desktops. The layout adapts automatically to your screen size.