Islamic Wills & Succession

Understanding Islamic Inheritance Law in the UK

Islamic inheritance law (Mirath) is divinely ordained in the Quran and requires specific distribution of assets according to Faraid principles. Our specialist solicitors create wills that comply with both Sharia law and UK legal requirements, ensuring your religious obligations are met while protecting your family's interests.

What Our Islamic Succession Solicitors Can Help With

• Sharia-Compliant Wills: Wills following Islamic inheritance principles and Faraid calculations
• Faraid Distribution Planning: Correct calculation of fixed Quranic shares for all heirs
• Wasiyyah Provisions: One-third discretionary bequests for charity and non-heirs
• Islamic Trust Structures: Protecting family assets within Islamic principles
• Cross-Border Islamic Estates: International Islamic succession planning
• Islamic Executor Training: Guidance for executors on religious requirements
• Haram Asset Management: Dealing with non-Sharia compliant investments
• Islamic Probate Administration: Estate administration following Islamic principles

Understanding Faraid - The Islamic Inheritance System

Fixed Sharia Shares for Heirs:

• Surviving Spouse: Wife receives 1/4 (with children) or 1/2 (without children); Husband receives 1/8 (with children) or 1/4 (without children)
• Male Children: Receive twice the share of female children from residuary estate
• Parents: Each parent receives 1/6 (with children present) or more (without children)
• Siblings: Various shares depending on family composition and presence of other heirs
• Other Relatives: Extended family members according to priority order (Asabah system)

The One-Third Rule (Wasiyyah):

• Maximum 1/3 of estate can be freely bequeathed to non-heirs
• Charitable donations (Sadaqah Jariyah) highly encouraged
• Remaining 2/3 must follow strict Faraid distribution
• All debts, funeral expenses, and Zakat obligations paid first

Challenges in UK Islamic Succession Planning

Our solicitors address complex issues unique to Islamic inheritance in England and Wales:

• Joint Property Ownership: Dealing with jointly owned matrimonial homes and Islamic principles
• Pension Benefits: Ensuring workplace pensions distribute according to Islamic law
• Life Insurance & Takaful: Managing insurance proceeds within Islamic guidelines
• Business Assets: Islamic succession planning for family businesses and partnerships
• Investment Portfolios: Handling mixed halal and haram investment assets
• International Assets: Coordinating Islamic inheritance across multiple jurisdictions
• Forced Heirship: UK law conflicts with Islamic prohibition on disinheriting certain relatives

The Islamic Will Creation Process

1. Religious Consultation: Understanding your Islamic obligations and family circumstances
2. Asset Assessment: Comprehensive review of all property, investments, and liabilities
3. Faraid Calculation: Precise working out of each heir's Quranic entitlement
4. Dual Compliance Drafting: Creating documents valid under both Islamic and UK law
5. Scholar Review: Optional consultation with Islamic scholars for complex matters
6. Execution & Witnessing: Proper witnessing according to UK legal requirements
7. Storage & Registration: Secure storage with family notification arrangements

Types of Islamic Succession Documents

Standard Islamic Will:

• Follows Faraid distribution for all assets
• Includes charitable bequests within 1/3 limit
• Appoints Muslim executors familiar with Islamic law
• Contains religious declarations and prayers

Complex Islamic Will with Trusts:

• Incorporates Islamic trust structures for asset protection
• Manages business succession according to Sharia principles
• Addresses international assets and cross-border inheritance
• Includes detailed Wasiyyah provisions

Living Islamic Trust (Waqf):

• Charitable endowment structures for ongoing Islamic causes
• Family Waqf for education and welfare of descendants
• Religious property dedication for mosque or Islamic centre use

Common Islamic Succession Issues

• Non-Muslim Beneficiaries: How to provide for non-Muslim spouses or children
• Adopted Children: Islamic law doesn't recognise adoption - alternative provision methods
• Estranged Family Members: Cannot disinherit Quranic heirs even due to disputes
• Charitable Bequests: Maximising Islamic charitable giving within legal limits
• Business Continuity: Ensuring Islamic business principles continue after death
• Geographic Complications: Different Islamic schools (Madhabs) across family locations

Why Choose SolicitorConnect for Islamic Succession

• Islamic Law Expertise: Solicitors trained in Faraid calculations and Islamic principles
• Cultural Sensitivity: Deep understanding of Islamic values and community practices
• Dual Legal Knowledge: Expertise in both Islamic jurisprudence and UK succession law
• Scholar Networks: Access to respected Islamic authorities for complex rulings
• Community Experience: Extensive experience serving Muslim families across the UK
• Ongoing Support: Guidance for executors and families during estate administration

Islamic succession planning requires deep understanding of both religious obligations and UK legal requirements to ensure your family's spiritual and financial welfare.

This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific legal advice tailored to your situation, please consult with a qualified solicitor.