Islamic Inheritance Laws: An Overview of the Rules and Regulations

Islamic Inheritance Laws are a set of rules and regulations that govern the distribution of assets and properties after a person’s death. These laws are derived from the Qur’an and the Sunnah, which are the teachings and practices of the Prophet Muhammad. Islamic Inheritance Laws are an essential part of Islamic jurisprudence, and they provide a framework for Muslims to manage their wealth and assets in a fair and equitable manner.

The principles of Islamic Inheritance Laws are based on the concept of justice and fairness. According to these laws, the distribution of assets and properties must be carried out in a way that ensures the rights of all heirs and beneficiaries. The shares and entitlements of each heir are determined based on their relationship with the deceased and the value of the assets left behind. These laws are designed to prevent any disputes or conflicts among family members and to ensure that the distribution process is carried out smoothly and efficiently.

• Islamic Inheritance Laws are derived from the Qur’an and the Sunnah and provide a framework for Muslims to distribute their assets and properties after their death.
• These laws are based on the principles of justice and fairness and ensure that the shares and entitlements of each heir are determined based on their relationship with the deceased and the value of the assets left behind.
• The distribution process is carried out in a way that prevents disputes and conflicts and ensures that all heirs and beneficiaries receive their fair share of the inheritance.

Fundamentals of Islamic Inheritance Laws

Islamic inheritance law is an important aspect of Shariah, which is the path to be followed by Muslims. The laws of inheritance are stipulated by Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala swt (Allah, the most glorified, the most high) and are considered an integral part of Shariah. The fundamental rules of Islamic inheritance are prescribed by the Qur’an and the Sunnah, which gives a list of legal heirs with the aggregate of each heir’s entitlement meticulously stated.

Qur’anic Injunctions

The Qur’an provides guidance on how to distribute the estate of a deceased person fairly among the legal heirs. Inheritance in Islam is based on the principle of “faraid”, which means the ordained shares. The Qur’an outlines the shares of each legal heir and the order in which they are entitled to inherit. For example, the husband is entitled to one-half of his wife’s estate if she has no children, and one-fourth if she has children. Sons are entitled to twice the share of daughters. Parents are entitled to a share of the estate if there are no children, and so on.

Legal Maxims

Islamic inheritance law is based on several legal maxims, including the principle of “ta’sib”, which means the right to inherit by virtue of blood relationship. This principle ensures that the closest relatives of the deceased are given priority in inheritance. Another important legal maxim is the principle of “awl”, which means the right of representation. This principle ensures that if a legal heir dies before the deceased, his or her share is passed on to his or her own legal heirs.

In conclusion, understanding the fundamentals of Islamic inheritance laws is essential for Muslims who wish to distribute their estates in accordance with Shariah. The Qur’an provides guidance on how to distribute the estate of a deceased person fairly among the legal heirs, and legal maxims ensure that the closest relatives of the deceased are given priority in inheritance.

Heirs and Beneficiaries

Islamic inheritance laws are based on the Qur’an and the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The laws specify the distribution of a deceased person’s property among their heirs and beneficiaries. The heirs include the deceased person’s close relatives, while the beneficiaries can be anyone designated by the deceased person in their will.

Primary Heirs

Primary heirs, also known as Ashabul-Furud, are the first class among various classes of shareholders. They are entitled to two-thirds of the deceased person’s property, which must be distributed as per the Islamic inheritance law mentioned in the Quran. The primary heirs include:

Secondary Heirs

Secondary heirs, also known as Dhawu al-Qurba, are the second class of heirs. They are entitled to the remaining one-third of the deceased person’s property after the primary heirs have received their share. The secondary heirs include:

• Grandparents
• Grandchildren
• Brothers
• Sisters
• Paternal uncles
• Paternal aunts
• Maternal uncles
• Maternal aunts

Non-Heirs

Non-heirs, also known as Dhawu al-Fara’id, are not entitled to any share of the deceased person’s property. However, the deceased person can designate them as beneficiaries in their will. The non-heirs include:

• Friends
• Charities
• Distant relatives
• Non-Muslims

It is important to note that Islamic inheritance laws are complex and require careful consideration. The laws vary depending on the relationship between the deceased person and their heirs, as well as the type and value of the property being distributed. It is recommended to seek legal advice from a qualified Islamic scholar or lawyer to ensure that the distribution of property is carried out in accordance with Islamic principles.

Shares and Entitlements

Islamic inheritance laws define the shares and entitlements of designated heirs. The primary heirs or Quranic shareholders (Ashabul-Furud) are the first class among various classes of shareholders. The shares of each designated heir are calculated based on their relationship with the deceased and the presence of other heirs.

Fixed Shares

Fixed shares are the shares that are allocated to certain heirs according to the Quranic injunctions. These shares are not affected by the presence or absence of other heirs. The fixed shares are as follows:

• The wife receives 1/8 of the estate if the deceased has children. If the deceased has no children, the wife receives 1/4 of the estate.
• The husband receives 1/4 of the estate if the deceased has no children. If the deceased has children, the husband receives 1/8 of the estate.
• Each daughter receives 1/2 of the share of each son.
• Each son receives twice the share of each daughter.

Residuary Shares

Residuary shares are the shares that remain after the fixed shares have been distributed. Residuary shares are distributed among the designated heirs based on their relationship with the deceased and the presence of other heirs. The residuary shares are calculated as follows:

• If the deceased has no children, the residuary share is distributed equally among the surviving heirs.
• If the deceased has children, the residuary share is distributed as follows:
  • The sons receive 2/3 of the residuary share.
  • The daughters receive 1/3 of the residuary share.
  • The mother receives 1/3 of the residuary share.
  • The father receives 2/3 of the residuary share.

  Obstruction Rules

  Obstruction rules apply when a designated heir is prevented from receiving their share due to certain circumstances. The obstruction rules are as follows:

  • If a designated heir is deceased, their share is distributed among their own heirs.
  • If a designated heir is absent or missing, their share is held in trust until they are found or until the end of the distribution process.
  • If a designated heir is disqualified due to certain circumstances, their share is distributed among the remaining heirs.
  • If a designated heir is a non-Muslim, they are not entitled to any share of the estate.

  Islamic inheritance laws ensure that the designated heirs receive their rightful shares of the estate. The shares are calculated based on the relationship between the deceased and the heirs and the presence of other heirs. The fixed shares, residuary shares, and obstruction rules are used to distribute the estate among the designated heirs.

  Distribution Process

  When someone passes away, their estate must be distributed according to Islamic inheritance laws. This process involves three main steps: debt settlement, will execution, and remaining estate division.

  Debt Settlement

  The first step in the distribution process is to settle any debts owed by the deceased. This includes any outstanding loans, bills, or taxes. The executor of the will is responsible for ensuring that all debts are settled before any inheritance is distributed. If there are not enough assets to cover the debts, then the remaining debts are forgiven.

  Will Execution

  Once all debts have been settled, the executor of the will must execute the will according to Islamic law. The will should clearly state how the estate is to be distributed among the heirs. If there is no will, then the estate is distributed according to Islamic law.

  Remaining Estate Division

  After debts have been settled and the will has been executed, the remaining estate is divided among the heirs according to Islamic inheritance laws. The distribution process can be complex, as each heir is entitled to a specific share of the estate based on their relationship to the deceased.

  For example, daughters are entitled to half the share of sons, and parents are entitled to a share of the estate if there are no children or spouses. It is important to note that Islamic law places a strong emphasis on fairness in the distribution process.

  In conclusion, the distribution process of Islamic inheritance laws involves debt settlement, will execution, and remaining estate division. It is a complex process that requires careful attention to detail and a thorough understanding of Islamic law.

  Special Cases in Inheritance

  Islamic Inheritance Law has some special cases that have been derived from the Quran and the Sunnah. These cases are determined by the scholars through Ijtihad due to some circumstances. The following are some of the special cases in inheritance:

  Missing Beneficiary

  If a beneficiary is missing, then their share is not distributed among the remaining beneficiaries. Instead, the share is held in trust until the missing beneficiary is found or declared dead. The trust can be used for charitable purposes or for the benefit of the beneficiaries who are present.

  Murder of the Deceased

  If the deceased was murdered, then the murderer is not entitled to any share in the inheritance. The share that would have been given to the murderer is distributed among the other beneficiaries. This rule applies even if the murderer is a beneficiary.

  Newborn Heirs

  If a child is born after the death of their parent, then they are entitled to a share in the inheritance. The share is determined based on the relationship of the child to the deceased. For example, if the child is a son, then he is entitled to twice the share of a daughter. If the child is a daughter, then she is entitled to half the share of a son.

  Islamic Inheritance Law has some special cases that are derived from the Quran and the Sunnah. These cases are determined by the scholars through Ijtihad due to some circumstances. The above-mentioned special cases in inheritance are important to understand when dealing with inheritance issues.

  Contemporary Applications

  Inheritance Calculators

  Modern technology has made it easier for Muslims to calculate their inheritance shares accurately. Inheritance calculators such as the one provided by Islamic Relief UK allow individuals to input their personal details and receive a detailed breakdown of their inheritance shares according to Islamic law. These calculators not only simplify the process of calculating inheritance shares but also ensure that the distribution is done correctly, eliminating the need for disputes among family members.

  Legal Challenges and Reforms

  In recent years, there have been legal challenges to the application of Islamic inheritance laws in some countries. For example, in Europe, there have been cases where individuals have argued that the application of Islamic inheritance law constitutes a form of discrimination, as it puts them in a legal position that is less advantageous than under civil law. In one such case, Molla Sali argued that the application of Islamic inheritance law was discriminatory and won the case. However, this decision has been met with criticism as it is seen as a departure from the principle of freedom of religion.

  In response to such legal challenges, some Muslim-majority countries have introduced legal reforms to modernize their inheritance laws. For example, in 2019, Tunisia introduced a law that grants women equal inheritance rights to men, which was previously not the case. This move was seen as a significant step towards gender equality and was praised by many human rights activists.

  Overall, the contemporary applications of Islamic inheritance laws highlight the importance of adapting to changing times while still upholding the principles of Islamic law. It is crucial to strike a balance between tradition and modernity, ensuring that the rights of all individuals are protected.