The Misconception

Many Muslims living in England and Wales believe that Islamic inheritance rules will automatically apply when they pass away. Unfortunately, this is a dangerous misconception that can leave families in financial difficulty and create conflict.

English law does not automatically recognize Islamic inheritance principles. Without a valid will, your estate will be distributed according to intestacy rules – which are very different from Islamic Faraid.

What Happens Without a Will?

If you die without a will in England and Wales (dying intestate), the law decides who gets what. This rarely matches Islamic principles:

  • Spouse: May receive everything if the estate is small, or a fixed portion plus half the remainder if there are children.
  • Children: Share the remainder equally (no distinction between sons and daughters).
  • Parents: May receive nothing if you have a spouse or children.
  • Unmarried partners: Receive nothing, even in long-term relationships.
  • Stepchildren: Receive nothing unless legally adopted.

These rules conflict with Faraid principles and can cause significant hardship for family members who would have been provided for under Islamic law.

Protecting Your Family

An Islamic will ensures your family is protected in multiple ways:

  • Financial security: Your spouse, children, and parents receive their prescribed shares.
  • Clarity and certainty: Your family knows exactly what you intended, reducing disputes.
  • Speed of distribution: A clear will makes probate faster and simpler.
  • Guardianship: You choose who will care for your children, not the courts.
  • Charitable legacy: You can support causes you care about through Wasiyyah.

Fulfilling Your Islamic Duty

Creating a will is strongly encouraged in Islam. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

“It is not permissible for any Muslim who has something to will to stay for two nights without having a written will with him.†(Bukhari and Muslim)

By creating an Islamic will, you are:

  • Following the Sunnah of the Prophet (PBUH)
  • Ensuring your obligations to family are met
  • Preventing family disputes and hardship
  • Leaving a legacy of planning and responsibility
  • Creating opportunities for ongoing charity (Sadaqah Jariyah)

Common Reasons Muslims Delay Making a Will

Despite its importance, many Muslims delay making a will for various reasons:

  • “I'm too youngâ€: Tragedy can strike at any age. Everyone over 18 with assets should have a will.
  • “It's too complicatedâ€: Modern services like WillsConnect make it straightforward.
  • “It's too expensiveâ€: Islamic wills can be affordable (from £89), and the cost of not having one is far higher.
  • “I'll do it laterâ€: None of us know when our time will come. Start today.
  • “I don't have much to leave,†Every estate, no matter the size, needs proper planning.

Take Action Today

Creating your Islamic will doesn't have to be difficult or expensive. With WillsConnect, you can:

  • Complete your will online in 20-30 minutes
  • Get expert review before finalizing
  • Pay only £89 when you're ready
  • Update it anytime as your life changes

Protect your family, fulfill your Islamic duty, and gain peace of mind. Start your Islamic will with WillsConnect today.