guide to islamic wills

Making Sharia-Compliant Wills in England & Wales

Published by WillsConnect
© 2025 WillsConnect. All rights reserved.

Version 1.0 | January 2025

🎯 How to Use This Guide

This is your quick reference guide to Islamic wills in England and Wales.

🕌 Making an Islamic Will? → Start with Section 1 (page 2)
📊 Understanding Shares (Fara'id)? → Jump to Section 2 (page 4)
📋 Wasiyyah (Bequests)? → Go to Section 3 (page 6)
✍️ Witnessing Process? → See Section 4 (page 7)
📋 Asset Template? → Find Section 5 (page 8)

Want full detail? Download our Complete Islamic Will Guide at www.willsconnect.com/islamic-guide

Why Islamic Wills Are Different (3-Minute Read)

Islamic wills follow the principles of Fara'id - the Islamic law of inheritance based on the Qur'an and Sunnah.

🕌 Key Principles

1. Fixed Shares (Fara'id) Allah (SWT) has specified fixed shares for certain relatives in the Qur'an. These shares are mandatory and cannot be changed.

2. Two-Thirds Mandatory Distribution At least two-thirds (and often more) of your estate must be distributed according to Fara'id.

3. One-Third Discretionary (Wasiyyah) Up to one-third of your estate can be given as you wish (bequests to charity, non-heirs, etc.).

4. Males Typically Receive Double Females Generally, male heirs receive twice the share of female heirs in the same category (with important exceptions).

5. Debts and Funeral Expenses First All debts and funeral expenses must be paid before any distribution.

🇬🇧 UK Law + Sharia Compliance

Good news: You can make a Sharia-compliant will that is legally valid in England and Wales.

How it works:

• Your will is written in English (legally binding document)
• It follows UK legal formalities (signing, witnessing)
• It distributes your estate according to Islamic principles
• The will is valid in UK courts

⚠️ IMPORTANT: English is the Legal Document

If you receive a translation (Arabic, Urdu, Bengali):

• This is for reference only
• The English version is the sole legally binding document
• In any dispute, the English version prevails

❌ Without an Islamic Will

If you die without a will in the UK, the intestacy rules apply. These rules:

• ✗ Do NOT follow Islamic principles
• ✗ May give your entire estate to your spouse
• ✗ May exclude parents and siblings entirely
• ✗ Do NOT apply Fara'id shares
• ✗ May contradict your religious obligations

Your estate would NOT be distributed according to Sharia.

✅ With an Islamic Will

Having an Islamic will means:

✓ Your estate is distributed according to Qur'an and Sunnah
✓ Fixed shares (Fara'id) are applied correctly
✓ You fulfill your religious obligation
✓ Your family receives their rightful shares
✓ You can make charitable bequests (wasiyyah)
✓ The will is legally valid in UK courts

Islamic Wills vs Standard Wills

Aspect Standard UK Will Islamic Will Distribution You decide who inherits Fara'id (fixed shares) apply to 2/3+ Beneficiaries Anyone you choose Specific relatives receive fixed shares Flexibility Complete flexibility Up to 1/3 discretionary (wasiyyah) Male/Female Equal treatment typical Males often receive 2x females Children Can inherit equally Sons receive 2x daughters Spouse Often inherits everything Receives fixed share (1/4 or 1/8) Parents May be excluded Parents receive fixed shares

💡 TIP: When to Choose an Islamic Will

Choose an Islamic will if:

• ✓ You want to fulfill your religious obligations
• ✓ You want your estate distributed according to Sharia
• ✓ You understand and accept the fixed shares
• ✓ Your family expects Islamic distribution

If you're unsure, consult with an Islamic scholar or WillsConnect's Islamic will specialists.

🕌 Making Your Islamic Will with WillsConnect

WillsConnect specializes in Islamic wills:

• ✓ Fara'id shares calculated accurately
• ✓ Compliant with UK law and Sharia principles
• ✓ Guided wizard (Arabic, Urdu, Bengali support)
• ✓ English legal document + reference translations
• ✓ Solicitor review available
• ✓ Islamic law experts on hand

Start now: www.willsconnect.com/islamic-will

Fixed Shares Explained (5-Minute Read)

Fara'id are the fixed shares specified in the Qur'an for certain relatives.

📊 The Six Main Fixed Shares

Share Fraction Percentage 1/2 One-half 50% 1/4 One-quarter 25% 1/8 One-eighth 12.5% 2/3 Two-thirds 66.67% 1/3 One-third 33.33% 1/6 One-sixth 16.67%

👥 Who Gets What Share?

Note: These are simplified. Actual shares depend on who else is alive.

SPOUSE'S SHARE

Wife (if husband dies):

• 1/4 if no children or grandchildren
• 1/8 if there are children or grandchildren

Husband (if wife dies):

• 1/2 if no children or grandchildren
• 1/4 if there are children or grandchildren

PARENTS' SHARES

Mother:

• 1/3 if no children and no more than one sibling
• 1/6 if there are children or 2+ siblings

Father:

• 1/6 if there are children
• Residuary (everything left) if no children

CHILDREN'S SHARES

One Daughter (alone):

• 1/2 of the estate

Two or More Daughters:

• 2/3 shared equally among them

Sons:

• Residuary heirs (asaba) - receive what remains after fixed shares
• Each son receives twice what each daughter receives

Mixed Sons & Daughters:

• All children share the residuary
• Sons receive 2x daughters

📖 EXAMPLE: Sons and Daughters

Estate value: £120,000
Children: 2 sons, 1 daughter

Distribution:

• Total shares = 2+2+1 = 5 shares
• Each share = £120,000 ÷ 5 = £24,000
• Each son: 2 shares = £48,000
• Daughter: 1 share = £24,000

SIBLINGS' SHARES

Full Siblings:

• Receive shares only if no children or grandchildren
• Males receive 2x females
• Specific fractions depend on number and gender

Half-Siblings:

• Lower priority than full siblings
• May be excluded by full siblings

🔄 Residuary Heirs (Asaba)

After fixed shares are distributed, remaining estate goes to residuary heirs in this order:

1. Sons (and grandsons if no sons)
2. Father (if no sons/grandsons)
3. Grandfather (if no father)
4. Full brothers (if no descendants or father)
5. Half-brothers (if no full brothers)
6. And so on...

💡 TIP: Complex Scenarios Need Expert Help

Islamic inheritance calculations can become complex with:

• Multiple heirs
• Absent heirs (e.g., no sons)
• Awl (adjustment when shares exceed 100%)
• Radd (redistribution of excess)

WillsConnect's Islamic will wizard calculates these automatically.

📋 Common Islamic Inheritance Scenarios

Scenario 1: Married with Children

Family: Husband dies, leaving wife, 2 sons, 1 daughter

Estate: £300,000

Distribution:

• Wife: 1/8 = £37,500
• Remaining: £262,500 (residuary for children)
• Son 1: 2/5 of £262,500 = £105,000
• Son 2: 2/5 of £262,500 = £105,000
• Daughter: 1/5 of £262,500 = £52,500

Scenario 2: Married, No Children

Family: Husband dies, leaving wife, mother, father

Estate: £200,000

Distribution:

• Wife: 1/4 = £50,000
• Mother: 1/3 of remainder = 1/3 × £150,000 = £50,000
• Father: Residuary = £100,000

Scenario 3: Widow with Children

Family: Wife dies, leaving husband, 1 son, 2 daughters

Estate: £400,000

Distribution:

• Husband: 1/4 = £100,000
• Remaining: £300,000 (residuary for children)
• Son: 2/5 of £300,000 = £120,000
• Daughter 1: 1.5/5 of £300,000 = £90,000
• Daughter 2: 1.5/5 of £300,000 = £90,000

Scenario 4: Parents Alive, No Spouse

Family: Person dies, leaving mother, father, 3 full sisters

Estate: £240,000

Distribution:

• Mother: 1/6 = £40,000
• Father: 1/6 = £40,000 + residuary
• Sisters: May receive from father's discretion or wasiyyah

(Complex scenario - consult Islamic scholar)

⚠️ WARNING: Non-Muslims Cannot Inherit via Fara'id

If an heir is not Muslim, they cannot receive a share under Fara'id.

However:

• They CAN receive up to 1/3 via wasiyyah (bequest)
• You can specify this in your will

Example: If your spouse is not Muslim, you cannot give them a Fara'id share, but you can leave them up to 1/3 via wasiyyah.

The Bequeathable Third (3-Minute Read)

Wasiyyah allows you to give up to one-third (1/3) of your estate as you wish.

📐 The 1/3 Rule

Maximum bequest: 33.33% of your net estate (after debts and funeral expenses)

You can use wasiyyah for:

• ✓ Charitable donations (sadaqah jariyah)
• ✓ Gifts to mosques, Islamic schools, orphanages
• ✓ Bequests to non-heirs (friends, distant relatives)
• ✓ Bequests to non-Muslim spouse or children
• ✓ Additional support for a specific heir (if others consent)

⚠️ CRITICAL LIMITS:

✗ Cannot exceed 1/3 of estate (without heirs' consent)
✗ Cannot use wasiyyah to avoid Fara'id obligations
✗ Cannot disinherit mandatory heirs

💡 Common Uses of Wasiyyah

1. Charitable Bequests

2. Non-Muslim Spouse

3. Specific Needs

💡 TIP: Wasiyyah for Sadaqah Jariyah

Many Muslims use wasiyyah for ongoing charity (sadaqah jariyah):

• Building wells
• Supporting orphans
• Mosque construction
• Islamic education
• Qur'an distribution

This allows you to continue earning reward (thawab) after death.

🤲 Recommended Wasiyyah Items

Funeral Expenses:

• Ensure funds for ghusl (washing)
• Kafan (shroud)
• Burial costs
• Janazah arrangements

Outstanding Obligations:

• Missed fasts (fidyah)
• Unpaid zakat
• Unfulfilled hajj
• Debts to individuals

Charitable Causes:

• Favorite charities
• Mosque projects
• Educational institutions

Step-by-Step Process (3-Minute Read)

✅ Step 1: Prepare Information

Before you start, gather:

□ Family details (spouse, children, parents, siblings)
□ Asset information (property, bank accounts, investments)
□ Debt information (mortgage, loans, credit cards)
□ Wasiyyah wishes (charities, specific bequests)
□ Executor choices (who will administer your will)
□ Guardian choices (for children under 18)

✅ Step 2: Create Your Will Online

With WillsConnect:

1. Select "Islamic Will" option
2. Choose your language (English, Arabic, Urdu, Bengali)
3. Answer guided questions about your family and assets
4. System calculates Fara'id shares automatically
5. Add wasiyyah bequests (optional, up to 1/3)
6. Appoint executors and guardians
7. Review your will (in English and your chosen language)

Time: 30-60 minutes

✅ Step 3: Choose Witnesses

Your Islamic will must be witnessed like any UK will:

Requirements:

• 2 witnesses
• Both 18 or older
• Both present together when you sign
• NOT beneficiaries (they would lose their inheritance)

Good choices:

• Muslim friends (who don't inherit)
• Imam or mosque committee members
• Work colleagues
• Neighbors

✅ Step 4: Sign and Witness

The signing process:

1. Print your will (English version is the legal document)
2. Gather both witnesses in the same room
3. Sign your will in their presence
4. Both witnesses sign in your presence
5. All sign on the same date

Done! Your will is now legally valid.

✅ Step 5: Store Safely

Recommended storage:

• Probate Registry (£20 storage fee) - most secure
• With a solicitor
• At home in fireproof safe

Tell your executors where the will is stored.

✅ Step 6: Update When Needed

Review your will after:

• Marriage or divorce
• Birth or adoption of children
• Death of a beneficiary or executor
• Major change in assets
• Moving to Scotland or abroad

Review every 3-5 years even without changes.

🕌 Solicitor Review Option

Not sure if your situation is straightforward?

WillsConnect offers solicitor review of your Islamic will:

• Qualified solicitor with Islamic law expertise
• Reviews your will for accuracy
• Confirms UK legal compliance
• Confirms Sharia compliance
• Provides peace of mind

Add solicitor review at: www.willsconnect.com

⚠️ When to Seek Islamic Scholar Advice

Complex scenarios requiring expert guidance:

• Missing mandatory heirs (e.g., no sons or father)
• Non-Muslim heirs
• Heirs of different faiths in family
• Adopted children (not heirs under Fara'id)
• Stepchildren
• Estranged family members
• Large estates with tax implications
• Business ownership
• Overseas assets

WillsConnect can connect you with Islamic scholars and specialist solicitors.

The Witnessing Process (Same as Standard Wills)

Islamic wills follow the same UK legal witnessing requirements as standard wills.

✅ Witness Requirements

You must:

• Be 18 or older
• Be present with the other witness (both together)
• Watch the testator sign
• Sign in the testator's presence
• Provide your full name, address, and occupation

You must NOT:

• Be a beneficiary under the will
• Be married to a beneficiary
• Be under 18

⚠️ CRITICAL WARNING

If you are a Muslim heir who would inherit via Fara'id:

DO NOT witness the will - you would lose your entire inheritance.

Example:

• You are the testator's son (you would inherit via Fara'id)
• You witness your father's will
• You lose your Fara'id share entirely

Always use neutral witnesses who do not inherit.

💡 Good Witness Choices for Islamic Wills

Recommended:

• Imam or mosque committee members (if not beneficiaries)
• Muslim friends (who don't inherit)
• Work colleagues
• Neighbors
• Professional advisors

Not recommended:

• Your children (they inherit via Fara'id)
• Your parents (they may inherit via Fara'id)
• Your siblings (they may inherit via Fara'id)
• Your spouse (they inherit via Fara'id)

Help Your Executors Find Your Assets

Your Islamic will specifies who inherits and what shares. This guide tells executors where to find your assets.

📋 ISLAMIC WILL ASSET LOCATION TEMPLATE

Complete this and store with your will.

PERSONAL DETAILS

Full Name: ___________________________________________

Date of Birth: ________________________________________

National Insurance Number: _____________________________

Executors:

1. Name: __________________ Phone: ____________________
   
2. Name: __________________ Phone: ____________________
   

Family (for Fara'id calculation):

□ Spouse: Name: ______________________________________

□ Children: Names & Ages: ______________________________

□ Parents: Names: _____________________________________

□ Siblings: Names: _____________________________________

ASSETS

Property:

Address: _______________________________________________

Value: £__________ Mortgage: £__________ (Lender: ________)

Bank Accounts:

Account 1: Bank: ____________ Account No: _______________

Account 2: Bank: ____________ Account No: _______________

Investments:

Provider: _______________ Account No: ___________________

Pensions:

Pension 1: Provider: __________ Policy No: _______________

Pension 2: Provider: __________ Policy No: _______________

Life Insurance:

Insurer: _____________ Policy No: _________ Sum: £________

DEBTS (Must be paid first, before Fara'id)

Mortgage:

Lender: ________________ Balance: £_____________________

Loans:

Lender: ________________ Balance: £_____________________

Credit Cards:

Provider: _______________ Balance: £_____________________

Outstanding Zakat:

Amount owed: £_________________________________________

Other Obligations:

Missed fasts (fidyah): £__________________________________

Unpaid debts to individuals: £____________________________

WASIYYAH (DISCRETIONARY BEQUESTS - Up to 1/3)

Charitable Bequests:

Charity 1: __________________ Amount: £_________________

Charity 2: __________________ Amount: £_________________

Other Bequests:

Beneficiary: ________________ Amount: £_________________

Beneficiary: ________________ Amount: £_________________

Total Wasiyyah: £____________ (ensure ≤ 1/3 of estate)

FUNERAL WISHES (Sunnah Burial)

Burial Preference:

□ Muslim cemetery: _____________________________________

□ Specific location: ____________________________________

Ghusl to be performed by: _____________________________

Janazah arrangements: ________________________________

Funeral plan in place: □ Yes □ No

If yes, provider: ________________________________________

IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS

Will location: _______________________________________

Passport: ___________________________________________

Marriage certificate: ________________________________

Property deeds: _____________________________________

Share certificates: __________________________________

PROFESSIONAL ADVISORS

Solicitor: __________________________________________

Accountant: _________________________________________

Financial Advisor: __________________________________

Imam/Islamic Scholar: _______________________________

Document completed: _________________________________

Last updated: ________________________________________

💡 REMINDER: Update This Annually

Review and update:

• When you open/close accounts
• When assets change significantly
• After major life events
• Every year (set a reminder)

✅ Create Your Islamic Will Today

Why WillsConnect for Islamic Wills?

✓ Fara'id Expertise

• Accurate calculation of Islamic shares
• Compliant with Qur'an and Sunnah
• Validated by Islamic scholars

✓ UK Legal Compliance

• Legally valid in England & Wales
• Proper witnessing procedures
• Enforceable in UK courts

✓ Multi-Language Support

• Create in: English, Arabic, Urdu, Bengali
• English document is legally binding
• Translations for reference only

✓ Guided Process

• Simple step-by-step wizard
• Clear explanations in your language
• Questions in plain English/Arabic/Urdu/Bengali
• Takes 30-60 minutes

✓ Solicitor Review Available

• Optional solicitor review service
• Islamic law expertise
• Extra peace of mind
• Affordable pricing

✓ Support When You Need It

• Islamic scholars available for consultation
• Complex scenarios handled properly
• Connects you with specialists when needed

📝 The Process

1. Start Online

• Visit: www.willsconnect.com/islamic-will
• Select your language
• Answer guided questions

2. We Calculate

• System calculates Fara'id shares automatically
• Shows you the distribution
• Explains each heir's share

3. Add Wasiyyah

• Optional charitable bequests (up to 1/3)
• Specify mosques, charities, causes
• Non-heir bequests

4. Review & Download

• Review your complete will
• English version (legal document)
• Translation (reference only)

5. Print, Sign, Witness

• Print English document
• Sign with 2 witnesses (neutral, non-heirs)
• Store safely

Done! Your Islamic will is complete and legally valid.

💰 Transparent Pricing

Online Islamic Will:

• Create your own Islamic will
• Fara'id shares calculated automatically
• Multi-language support included

Solicitor-Approved Islamic Will:

• Everything in online will
• Plus: Qualified solicitor review
• Islamic law expertise
• Peace of mind

Islamic Will Consultation:

• For complex situations
• Connect with specialist solicitor
• Personal advice
• Tailored solutions

Visit www.willsconnect.com for current pricing

🤲 Fulfill Your Obligation Today

Making a will is part of Islamic responsibility.

The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:

Don't delay. Protect your family and fulfill your duty.

📞 Need Help?

Questions about Islamic wills?

Email: islamic@willsconnect.com
Website: www.willsconnect.com/islamic-will
Support: Available in English, Arabic, Urdu, Bengali

📚 Want More Information?

Download our Complete Islamic Will Guide:

• Detailed Fara'id explanations
• Extensive worked examples
• Complex scenarios covered
• Full legal guidance
• Glossary of Islamic terms

Free download: www.willsconnect.com/islamic-guide-complete

ABOUT WILLSCONNECT

WillsConnect is a UK-based online will creation platform specializing in both Standard and Islamic wills.

Our Mission: Make Sharia-compliant will creation simple, accurate, and accessible for Muslims in England and Wales.

Our Expertise:

• Islamic inheritance law (Fara'id)
• UK legal compliance
• Multi-language support
• Cultural sensitivity

Our Commitment:

• Accurate Fara'id calculations
• Validated by Islamic scholars
• Legally sound in UK courts
• Affordable and transparent pricing
• Respectful, knowledgeable support

Create your Islamic will today: www.willsconnect.com/islamic-will

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER

This guide provides general information about Islamic wills in England and Wales. It is not legal or religious advice.

For specific guidance on complex situations, consult:

• A qualified solicitor (for legal matters)
• An Islamic scholar (for religious rulings)

While we have taken care to ensure accuracy, WillsConnect accepts no liability for any action taken based on this guide.

Islamic inheritance law can be complex. When in doubt, seek professional advice.

© 2025 WillsConnect | www.willsconnect.com

JazakAllahu Khairan (May Allah reward you) for taking this important step.

END OF ESSENTIAL ISLAMIC WILL GUIDE