Inheritance Islamic Calculator

Calculate inheritance shares based on Islamic law (Faraid/Mawarith). Fill in the details below.

Note: This calculator covers primary heirs (spouses, children, parents). For more complex scenarios involving grandparents, siblings, etc., or cases of ‘Awl (increase) and ‘Radd (return), consult a qualified scholar.

Distribution Summary Table

Heir	Share Fraction	Share Value
Spouse(s)	–	–
Father	–	–
Mother	–	–
Son(s) (Total)	–	–
Daughter(s) (Total)	–	–
Total	1	–

Summary of shares allocated to each heir category.

What is an Islamic Inheritance Calculator?

An Islamic Inheritance Calculator, also known as a Faraid or Mawarith calculator, is a tool designed to determine the distribution of a deceased Muslim’s estate according to the principles of Islamic law (Sharia). These principles are primarily derived from the Qur’an (notably Surah An-Nisa, verses 11, 12, and 176) and the Sunnah (teachings and practices of Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him).

The system of inheritance in Islam (Ilm al-Fara’id or Ilm al-Mawarith) is a detailed and fixed system that allocates specific shares to rightful heirs. An Islamic Inheritance Calculator aims to simplify the application of these rules for a given family structure and estate value.

Who Should Use It?

Anyone dealing with the estate of a deceased Muslim, including executors, family members, beneficiaries, and legal professionals, can use an Islamic Inheritance Calculator as a preliminary guide. It helps understand the potential distribution before consulting with qualified Islamic scholars or legal advisors who can handle more complex situations and local legal requirements.

Common Misconceptions

• All wealth goes to male heirs: This is incorrect. Female heirs like daughters, mothers, wives, and sisters have clearly defined shares.
• One can disinherit rightful heirs through a will: In Islam, a will (Wasiyyah) is limited to a maximum of one-third of the estate and cannot be made in favor of heirs who are already entitled to a fixed share (Fardh), unless other heirs consent after the testator’s death.
• The rules are unfair to women: While sons generally receive twice the share of daughters when inheriting as residuaries (‘Asabah), this is balanced by the fact that men have greater financial responsibilities in Islam (e.g., providing for the family), and women receive shares as daughters, wives, mothers, and sisters in various circumstances.

Islamic Inheritance (Faraid) Formula and Mathematical Explanation

Islamic inheritance law outlines fixed shares (Fara’id) for primary heirs and rules for distributing the remainder to other relatives (‘Asabah). The calculation starts after settling the deceased’s debts, funeral expenses, and bequests (up to 1/3 of the remaining estate).

The primary heirs with fixed shares include the husband, wife/wives, father, mother, and daughters (if there are no sons).

1. Spouses:
   • Husband: Gets 1/2 if the deceased wife had no children or son’s children (how low soever), and 1/4 if she did.
   • Wife/Wives: Get 1/4 if the deceased husband had no children or son’s children (how low soever), and 1/8 if he did (shared equally among wives).
2. Parents:
   • Father: Gets 1/6 if the deceased has children or son’s children. If no children/son’s children, he becomes a residuary (‘Asabah) or gets 1/6 + residue in some cases with the mother.
   • Mother: Gets 1/6 if the deceased has children, son’s children, or two or more siblings (full, consanguine, or uterine). Gets 1/3 if none of these are present. (Special case: 1/3 of remainder after spouse’s share in some scenarios with father and spouse).
3. Children:
   • Daughters: If only one daughter and no sons, she gets 1/2. If two or more daughters and no sons, they share 2/3 equally. If sons are present, daughters become residuaries with sons, sharing in a 2:1 ratio (son gets twice the daughter).
   • Sons: They are residuaries (‘Asabah). They take the remainder after fixed shares are distributed, or share with daughters in a 2:1 ratio.
4. Residue (‘Asabah): If there is any estate left after allocating fixed shares, it goes to the ‘Asabah (residuaries) in a specific order, with sons and daughters (with sons) being among the primary ‘Asabah.

Variables Table

Variable	Meaning	Unit	Typical Range
Net Estate	Value after debts and bequests	Currency	> 0
Number of Wives	Wives at time of death	Integer	0-4
Husband Alive	If deceased was female	Yes/No	N/A
Number of Sons	Biological or adopted (adoption not recognized for inheritance)	Integer	≥ 0
Number of Daughters	Biological	Integer	≥ 0
Father Alive	Biological father	Yes/No	N/A
Mother Alive	Biological mother	Yes/No	N/A

More complex cases involve grandparents, siblings, and other relatives, and situations like ‘Awl (when fixed shares exceed 1) and ‘Radd (when fixed shares are less than 1 and there are no ‘Asabah). Our Islamic Inheritance Calculator focuses on the primary heirs.

Practical Examples (Real-World Use Cases)

Example 1: Deceased Male with Wife, Sons, Daughters, and Parents

• Net Estate: 240,000
• Deceased: Male
• Wife: 1
• Sons: 2
• Daughters: 2
• Father: Yes
• Mother: Yes

Calculation:

• Wife’s share (with children): 1/8 = 30,000
• Father’s share (with children): 1/6 = 40,000
• Mother’s share (with children): 1/6 = 40,000
• Remaining for children (‘Asabah): 240,000 – 30,000 – 40,000 – 40,000 = 130,000
• Sons and daughters share 2:1. Total parts = (2 sons * 2) + (2 daughters * 1) = 4 + 2 = 6 parts.
• Each son gets (2/6) * 130,000 = 43,333.33 (approx.)
• Each daughter gets (1/6) * 130,000 = 21,666.67 (approx.)

Example 2: Deceased Female with Husband, Daughters, and Mother

• Net Estate: 120,000
• Deceased: Female
• Husband: Yes
• Sons: 0
• Daughters: 2
• Father: No
• Mother: Yes

Calculation:

• Husband’s share (with children): 1/4 = 30,000
• Daughters’ share (two or more, no sons): 2/3 = 80,000
• Mother’s share (with children): 1/6 = 20,000
• Total = 30,000 + 80,000 + 20,000 = 130,000. This is a case of ‘Awl (increase), as the sum of shares exceeds the estate. The shares are proportionally reduced. Initial sum of fractions = 1/4 + 2/3 + 1/6 = 3/12 + 8/12 + 2/12 = 13/12. So, the denominator increases from 12 to 13.
• Husband: (3/13) * 120,000 ≈ 27,692.31
• Daughters: (8/13) * 120,000 ≈ 73,846.15 (for both)
• Mother: (2/13) * 120,000 ≈ 18,461.54
• (Note: Our basic calculator may not fully implement ‘Awl and Radd, but it’s important to be aware of).

How to Use This Islamic Inheritance Calculator

1. Enter Net Estate Value: Input the total value of the estate after clearing debts and bequests.
2. Specify Deceased’s Gender: This affects the spouse’s share.
3. Enter Number of Wives/Husband: Fill in details about the surviving spouse(s).
4. Enter Number of Sons and Daughters: Input the number of surviving sons and daughters.
5. Indicate if Parents are Alive: Select ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ for the father and mother.
6. View Results: The calculator will display the shares and values for each heir category based on the provided information and the implemented Faraid rules.
7. Check Chart and Table: The visual chart and summary table give a clearer picture of the distribution.

The Islamic Inheritance Calculator provides an estimate. For complex cases or legal documentation, consult a scholar.

Key Factors That Affect Islamic Inheritance Results

1. Presence of Children: The spouse’s share and parents’ shares change based on whether the deceased had children or son’s children.
2. Number and Gender of Children: The presence of sons turns daughters into residuaries, and their shares are calculated in a 2:1 ratio. The number of daughters (one vs. more) affects their fixed share if no sons are present.
3. Presence of Parents: The father and mother have fixed shares, but the father can also be a residuary in the absence of male descendants.
4. Number of Wives: If the deceased male had more than one wife, they share the 1/4 or 1/8 portion equally.
5. Debts and Bequests: These must be settled before the inheritance is calculated from the net estate. Bequests are limited to 1/3 of the net estate after debts and cannot be for legal heirs without others’ consent.
6. Presence of Other Relatives: Grandparents, siblings, and other relatives can inherit in the absence of primary heirs or under specific conditions, which our basic Islamic Inheritance Calculator may not cover.
7. ‘Awl and ‘Radd: These are mechanisms to adjust shares if the sum is more or less than 1, respectively.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is Faraid?

Faraid (or Fara’id) is the Islamic law of inheritance, detailing how a Muslim’s estate is to be distributed after their death based on Qur’anic injunctions and the Sunnah.

2. Is using an Islamic Inheritance Calculator enough for estate distribution?

An Islamic Inheritance Calculator is a helpful tool for understanding basic distribution but should not replace consultation with a qualified Islamic scholar or legal expert, especially for complex family structures or legal formalities.

3. Can a Muslim give away all their property before death to avoid Islamic inheritance rules?

A Muslim can gift their property during their lifetime (Hiba). However, gifts made during the “death illness” (marad-ul-maut) may be treated as bequests and limited to 1/3 of the estate. It’s best to consult a scholar.

4. What about adopted children?

Islam does not recognize legal adoption in the sense of inheriting as a biological child. Adopted children do not automatically inherit, but they can receive a gift during the person’s lifetime or a bequest from up to 1/3 of the estate.

5. What if the total shares calculated are more than 1 (Al-‘Awl)?

If the sum of fixed shares exceeds 1, the denominator is increased to the sum of the numerators, and each share is proportionally reduced. This is called ‘Awl. Our basic Islamic Inheritance Calculator may have limitations here.

6. What if the total shares are less than 1 and there are no residuaries (Al-Radd)?

If the fixed shares add up to less than 1 and there are no ‘Asabah (residuaries), the remainder is usually distributed back to the fixed-share heirs (except the spouse in some views) in proportion to their shares. This is ‘Radd.

7. How are debts handled?

Debts of the deceased, including funeral expenses, must be paid before any inheritance distribution or bequests are fulfilled.

8. Can a non-Muslim inherit from a Muslim?

Generally, under traditional Islamic law, non-Muslims do not inherit from Muslims, and vice-versa, though some modern interpretations and local laws may vary. Consult a scholar.

Related Tools and Internal Resources

• Zakat Calculator: Calculate your annual Zakat obligation.
• Islamic Finance Guide: Learn about Halal investments and finance principles.
• Islamic Will (Wasiyyah) Information: Understand the components of an Islamic will.
• Mahr Calculator: Estimate Mahr based on different criteria.
• Fiqh of Inheritance: Deeper dive into the jurisprudence of Mawarith.
• Estate Planning in Islam: Guide to planning your estate according to Sharia.