Understanding Islamic Inheritance: Who Inherits What?

Inheritance is sensitive. It's often the source of family feuds. But in Islam, the rules are divine, designed to prevent conflict and ensure fairness.

It's Not Up to You

In most secular laws, you can leave your money to anyone you want—your cat, a charity, or just your favorite child. In Islam, you don't have that absolute freedom.

Why? Because Allah (SWT) says that He knows best who is closest to you in benefit. By fixing the specific shares in the Quran (Surah Nisa), He removed the burden of decision-making from the dying person and protected vulnerable heirs from being cut out.

The Two Main Groups of Heirs

Islamic inheritance (Faraid) might seem like complicated math, but it boils down to two main groups of people.

1. The Fixed Sharers (Ashab al-Furud)

These are the "VIPs" who get a specific percentage mentioned in the Quran (like 1/2, 1/4, 1/8).

• Spouses: Husband or Wife always gets a share.
• Parents: Mother and Father always get a share.
• Daughters: Guaranteed a share.

The system prioritizes the immediate nuclear family. No matter what, these primary heirs cannot be blocked.

2. The Residuaries (Asabah)

After the Fixed Sharers take their cut, whatever is left goes to the Residuaries. This is usually the male relatives (sons, brothers, uncles).

Why Can't I "Disinherit" Someone?

This is a common question. "My son has been disobedient; I don't want him to get anything."

In Islam, family ties are sacred. You cannot sever a blood tie that Allah has established. Even if a relative is estranged, they have a God-given right to their share. Attempting to block a legal heir using a secular will is considered a major sin (Kabirah) because it directly contradicts the Quran.

What About Adopted Children?

This is important: In Islamic law, biological lineage dictates inheritance. Adopted children or foster children do not inherit automatically.

Does that mean they get nothing? No! You can (and should) use your Wasiyyah (Bequest) to leave them up to 1/3 of your estate. This is your "discretionary fund" to help those who aren't automatic heirs.