Faraid · Siblings
Sister's Share of Inheritance in Islam: 1/2, 2/3, or 2:1 with brothers
A full sister inherits 1/2 (one, alone) or 2/3 (two or more, shared) when there is no son, son's son, father, or full brother. With a full brother she inherits as a residuary in a 2:1 ratio, and alongside daughters she becomes a residuary too.
Real estates combine heirs — the calculator resolves the precise fractions for your family
Direct answer
How much does a sister inherit in Islam?
A full sister inherits 1/2 (one, alone) or 2/3 (two or more, shared) when there is no son, son's son, father, or full brother. With a full brother she inherits as a residuary in a 2:1 ratio, and alongside daughters she becomes a residuary too.
A full sister inherits 1/2 (one, alone) or 2/3 (two or more, shared) when there is no son, son's son, father, or full brother. With a full brother she inherits as a residuary in a 2:1 ratio, and alongside daughters she becomes a residuary too.
- Deceased left a son, son's son, or father → Blocked
- One full sister, no brother/descendants/father → 1/2
- Two or more full sisters, same conditions → 2/3 (shared)
- Full sister(s) with full brother(s) → 2:1 residuary
- Combined heirs trigger blocking, ʿawl, and radd — use the Faraid calculator
- U.S. intestacy does not produce these shares — an Islamic will is required
The Sister's Quranic Share by Situation
The basis is Surah An-Nisa 4:176. The share depends on which other heirs survive the deceased:
| Situation | Share | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Deceased left a son, son's son, or father | Blocked | A full sister inherits nothing in this case. |
| One full sister, no brother/descendants/father | 1/2 | A fixed Quranic half (4:176). |
| Two or more full sisters, same conditions | 2/3 (shared) | Divided equally. |
| Full sister(s) with full brother(s) | 2:1 residuary | Each brother takes twice each sister's share. |
When the Share Changes or Is Blocked
A full sister is blocked by a son, a son's son, or the father. When a daughter or son's daughter is present, a full sister becomes a residuary heir (ʿasaba maʿa al-ghair), inheriting the remainder after the daughters' shares.
Example: a woman dies leaving a husband and two full sisters (no children, no parents)
The husband takes 1/2 (no children). The two full sisters together take 2/3 as a fixed share. Because 1/2 + 2/3 exceeds the whole, the shares are proportionally reduced (ʿawl) so they fit — a classic case the Faraid calculator resolves automatically.
Want this resolved for your own family? Run it through the Faraid calculator — it applies blocking, ʿawl, and radd automatically.
Why U.S. Law Won't Deliver This Share
A sister's Quranic share — sometimes a half, sometimes a residue alongside daughters — has no equivalent in U.S. intestacy, which keys off spouse and children first. Honoring her exact entitlement requires an Islamic will.
An Islamic will is the only way to make sure the sister's Quranic share is honored instead of your state's default intestacy rules. ShariaWiz builds scholar-reviewed, state-specific Islamic wills and trusts — an Islamic will from $199, with a built-in Faraid engine.
Create an Islamic will at ShariaWizPartner link — HalalWallet may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. See our disclosure.
Shares of other heirs
The Final Step: Your Scholar Conversation
Major Islamic inheritance (Faraid) decisions involve nuances that vary by scholarly opinion and personal circumstance — which is why HalalWallet is built as the research step, not the ruling. We do the homework on comparisons, structures, and oversight; a qualified Islamic scholar, your local imam, or a Shariah-certified financial advisor covers what no comparison site can — guidance specific to your situation. Bring your shortlist to that conversation so it starts at the decision, not the basics.
How to use this comparison: HalalWallet is an independent educational comparison platform — by design, we do not provide financial, legal, or religious advice. We do the research homework so your final checks are quick and personal.
Product structures and Shariah oversight vary by provider, so finish with three built-in steps:
- Confirm current terms and halal compliance directly with the provider — their quote is final.
- Review the contract structure (Murabaha, Ijara, Musharakah, etc.) and any disclosed Shariah board opinions.
- Bring your shortlist to a qualified Islamic finance advisor or scholar, so the conversation is about your situation, not the basics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources and review process
This page is reviewed against HalalWallet editorial standards and source documentation.
Reviewed by: HalalWallet Editorial Team
Last reviewed: 2026-07-01
How to cite this page
Preferred format (HTML):
For time-sensitive claims (rates, fees, state availability), please verify directly with the provider's official documentation and note the retrieval date.
Editorial Team, HalalWallet
Independent halal finance research
Reviewed quarterly and updated for major content changes.