Quick answer: Faraid is the Islamic law of inheritance that assigns fixed Quranic shares to heirs. Spouses, parents, and children receive set fractions. A wife gets 1/8 if there are children and 1/4 if there are none. Any remainder goes to residuary heirs (asabeh), who inherit what is left. The exact shares depend on which relatives survive the deceased.
Faraid is one of the most detailed systems in Islamic law. Getting the division right matters. This guide shows the order of distribution, the main fixed shares, and the 2:1 principle. It also explains why a qualified scholar should confirm any real division.
The order of distribution
Before any heir receives a share, the estate is settled in this order:
- Funeral and burial expenses.
- Outstanding debts of the deceased.
- Bequest (wasiyyah) — up to a maximum of one-third of what remains, and not to a fixed heir.
- Fixed shares (faraid) to Quranic heirs.
- Residue to the residuary heirs (‘asaba). A residuary heir is one who inherits the remaining estate after fixed shares.
You can plan the bequest portion with the Wasiyyah (Islamic will) calculator.
The main fixed shares
Below are the most common Quranic shares in the Sunni framework. The exact share a person receives often changes depending on whether the deceased left children.
| Heir | Share with children | Share without children |
|---|---|---|
| Husband | 1/4 | 1/2 |
| Wife | 1/8 | 1/4 |
| Mother | 1/6 | 1/3 (conditions apply) |
| Father | 1/6 + any residue | residuary |
| Daughter (single) | 1/2 | — |
| Two+ daughters (no son) | 2/3 shared | — |
| Son | residuary (2× daughter) | residuary |
The 2:1 principle
When sons and daughters inherit together as residuaries, a son receives twice the share of a daughter. Classical jurists link this rule to the man’s financial duties. Nafaqah means the man’s duty to maintain the household. A woman keeps control of her own wealth. This context helps explain the rationale behind the 2:1 rule.
A simple worked example
A man dies leaving a wife, one son and one daughter. The estate is $90,000 after debts and burial costs.
- Wife (with children): 1/8 = $11,250.
- The remainder, $78,750, goes to the children as residuaries, split 2:1.
- Son: 2 parts of 3 = $52,500; Daughter: 1 part of 3 = $26,250.
Real cases can be more complex when parents, grandparents, multiple spouses, or no direct heirs are involved. That is why the calculator and a scholar are useful.
Important note
This article explains general principles for education only. Faraid has many special cases. Examples include ‘awl (fractional adjustment), radd (return of residue), and blocking/hajb (when one heir blocks another). Different schools of law may apply rules differently. For an actual estate, always consult a qualified Islamic scholar or a specialist in Islamic inheritance law. For related planning, see our Nisab and Zakat guide.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a wife inherit in Islam?
A wife inherits 1/8 of the estate if the deceased left children. She inherits 1/4 if there were no children. If there are multiple wives, they share that portion equally.
Why does a son get more than a daughter?
When they inherit together as residuaries, a son receives twice a daughter’s share. Classical law pairs this rule with the man’s duty to financially maintain the family.
Can I leave a will in Islam?
Yes. You may give up to one-third of the estate as a wasiyyah. You cannot leave that bequest to someone who is already a fixed heir unless the other heirs agree.
What is paid before inheritance is divided?
First pay funeral expenses. Next pay debts. Then pay any valid wasiyyah of up to one-third. Only after these are settled are the fixed shares distributed.
In plain language
Islamic Inheritance (Faraid): How Heirs’ Shares Are… is easiest to follow when you start with the basic definition. Keep every input in the same unit. Check results step by step. Use short sentences and simple checks to reduce mistakes. Finally, verify any real division with a qualified scholar.
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