Islamic Inheritance (Faraid): Who Inherits and How Much
Islamic inheritance — also called Muslim inheritance, or more loosely "halal inheritance" — is one of the few areas where the Quran specifies exact numbers. Surah An-Nisa lays out fixed shares for the people closest to you — your spouse, children, and parents first, then siblings and grandparents in specific cases. This guide explains how much each heir inherits, the rules that change those shares, and how to make sure your family actually receives them under U.S. law.
Free Faraid calculator — handles blocking, ʿawl, and radd for you
Direct answer
How is inheritance divided in Islam?
Islamic inheritance (Faraid) assigns fixed Quranic shares to the spouse, children, and parents first, with siblings and grandparents inheriting in specific cases. Two-thirds of the estate must follow these shares; up to one-third may be willed to non-heirs or charity.
Faraid is the Quranic system of inheritance. Fixed shares go to the spouse, children, and parents first; siblings and grandparents inherit in specific situations. Two-thirds of the estate must follow these shares, while up to one-third can be bequeathed to non-heirs or charity. In the U.S., an Islamic will is required to make this distribution legally enforceable.
- The Quran assigns exact fractional shares to close relatives
- Sons inherit as residuaries; daughters by fixed share or 2:1 with sons
- Parents are guaranteed a share — usually 1/6 each when children exist
- Blocking, ʿawl, and radd adjust the final figures — use a calculator
- U.S. intestacy ignores Faraid; an Islamic will makes it enforceable
How Faraid Works
Distribution happens in a set order. First, funeral expenses and all the deceased's debts are paid — including any unpaid mahr owed to a wife. Next, any valid bequest (wasiyyah) of up to one-third of what remains is honored. Only then is the rest divided among the Quranic heirs by their fixed shares, with residuary heirs (like sons) taking the balance. Three rules keep it exact: blocking (a nearer heir can exclude a more distant one), ʿawl (shares are scaled down proportionally when the fractions exceed the whole), and radd (a surplus is returned to fixed-share heirs when no residuary exists).
Inheritance Share by Relative
Select a relative to see exactly how much they inherit, the conditions that change it, a worked example, and how to protect their share:
Grandchildren (through sons)
Protecting the Shares in the U.S.
None of these shares happen automatically in America. State intestacy law decides who inherits when there is no will, and it does not follow Faraid. To put the Quranic distribution in control you need a legally valid Islamic will, and for couples or multi-state estates often an Islamic trust.
ShariaWiz builds scholar-reviewed, state-specific Islamic wills and trusts with a built-in Faraid engine — an Islamic will from $199, the Individual Islamic Trust at $499, and the Joint Islamic Trust (Family Waqf) for couples at $799.
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Consider Consulting an Islamic Scholar
Major Islamic inheritance (Faraid) decisions often involve nuances that vary by scholarly opinion and personal circumstance. While HalalWallet provides educational comparisons and tools, we are not scholars or financial advisors. For personal guidance on Shariah compliance, consider speaking with a qualified Islamic scholar, your local imam, or a Shariah-certified financial advisor familiar with your situation.
Important: HalalWallet is an educational comparison platform. We do not provide financial, legal, or religious advice.
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Reviewed by: HalalWallet Editorial Team
Last reviewed: 2026-06-09
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