What is a Wasi?

In Islamic terminology, a Wasi is the executor or personal representative of your will – the person who will carry out your wishes after you pass away.

The role of Wasi is a position of trust (Amanah) and responsibility. Your Wasi will handle your funeral arrangements, gather your assets, pay your debts, and distribute your estate according to Islamic principles and English law.

Key Responsibilities of a Wasi

Your Wasi will need to:

Immediate Responsibilities

  • Arrange your funeral according to Islamic practices
  • Inform relevant authorities and institutions of your death
  • Secure your property and assets

Legal and Financial Duties

  • Apply for probate (legal authority to act)
  • Value your entire estate
  • Identify all debts and liabilities
  • Pay outstanding debts before any distribution
  • Pay funeral expenses
  • Handle any tax obligations (Inheritance Tax if applicable)

Distribution Responsibilities

  • Calculate Faraid shares correctly (or seek expert help)
  • Implement Wasiyyah bequests
  • Transfer assets to beneficiaries
  • Keep accurate records of all transactions
  • Communicate clearly with all heirs

Qualities to Look For

Choose a Wasi who is:

Trustworthy and Honest

This is the most important quality. Your Wasi will have access to your entire estate and must act with complete integrity.

Organized and Responsible

Administering an estate involves paperwork, deadlines, and attention to detail. Your Wasi needs these skills.

Knowledgeable About Islamic Principles

Ideally, your Wasi should understand Faraid and Wasiyyah. If they don't, they must be willing to consult Islamic scholars or experts.

Able to Handle Potential Family Conflict

Inheritance can create tensions. Your Wasi should be diplomatic, fair, and able to mediate if needed.

Resident in the UK

While not required, having a Wasi in England and Wales makes the process much easier.

Willing to Serve

Always ask the person first. Being a Wasi is demanding, and they must genuinely agree to take on the role.

Who Can Be Your Wasi?

You have several options:

Family Members

  • Spouse: Often the first choice, but consider if they'll be emotionally capable while grieving
  • Adult children: Can be good choices if mature and responsible
  • Siblings: May have the distance needed to handle affairs objectively
  • Parents: Consider their age and whether they'd be able to handle the responsibility

Professional Executors

  • Solicitors who specialize in Islamic wills
  • Professional executor services familiar with Islamic inheritance
  • Islamic finance institutions that offer executor services

Community Leaders

  • Trusted imam or Islamic scholar (if willing)
  • Community organization representatives

Joint Executors

Many Muslims appoint two or more Wasi to share the responsibility:

  • One family member + one professional
  • One family member + one Islamic scholar
  • Two adult children together

Joint executors must work together and agree on decisions.

Questions to Ask Potential Wasi

Before appointing someone, discuss:

  • Are you willing and able to take on this responsibility?
  • Do you understand Islamic inheritance principles or are you willing to learn?
  • Can you commit the time needed (months to over a year)?
  • Are you comfortable handling potential family disagreements?
  • Do you know where to find help if needed (solicitors, scholars, accountants)?
  • Are there any conflicts of interest?

Backup Wasi

Always name at least one substitute Wasi in case your first choice is unable or unwilling to serve when the time comes. Consider:

  • What if they're deceased or too ill?
  • What if they've moved abroad?
  • What if they simply don't want to do it anymore?

Your backup Wasi should meet the same criteria as your primary choice.

Supporting Your Wasi

You can make your Wasi's job easier by:

  • Keep records organized: List of assets, accounts, insurance policies
  • Document locations: Where important papers are kept
  • Account information: Banks, pensions, investments (not passwords, just institutions)
  • Professional contacts: Your solicitor, accountant, financial advisor
  • Islamic guidance: Name of imam or scholar they can consult
  • Clear instructions: Write down any specific wishes about your funeral or estate

Store this information securely and tell your Wasi where to find it.

Wasi Compensation

Under English law, executors can claim reasonable expenses and, if professional, a fee for their work. For family members acting as Wasi:

  • Expenses: Travel, postage, phone calls can be reimbursed from the estate
  • Professional Wasi: If you appoint a solicitor or professional service, they will charge fees (typically 2-5% of the estate value)
  • Family Wasi: Usually serve without payment, as an act of service to the family

You can specify in your will whether you want your Wasi to receive compensation beyond expenses.

Making It Official

To appoint your Wasi:

  1. Choose your primary executor(s)
  2. Choose at least one backup
  3. Ask them if they're willing to serve
  4. Name them clearly in your will with full names and addresses
  5. Give them a copy of your will or tell them where it's stored
  6. Review your choice every few years and update if needed

WillsConnect's Islamic will service guides you through choosing and appointing your Wasi, ensuring everything is legally correct and clear.

Start your Islamic will today and give yourself peace of mind knowing the right person will implement your wishes.