Islamic Inheritance Calculator (Mawarith)
Enter the value after all debts and funeral expenses have been paid.
What is an inheritance calculator in islam?
An Islamic inheritance calculator, also known as a Fara’id or Mawarith calculator, is a specialized tool designed to distribute a deceased Muslim’s estate according to the fixed shares prescribed in Islamic law (Shari’ah). Unlike a conventional will that allows for arbitrary distribution, Islamic inheritance follows a divine and mandatory system outlined primarily in Surah An-Nisa of the Qur’an. This system ensures that the rights of all primary heirs, such as the spouse, children, and parents, are protected and that the estate is divided justly.
This calculator is for anyone managing the estate of a deceased Muslim or for individuals planning their own estate distribution in compliance with their faith. It removes ambiguity and helps prevent family disputes by applying the correct Quranic formulas for various family structures. The calculation first accounts for debts and bequests before distributing the remaining assets.
The Islamic Inheritance (Mawarith) Formula and Explanation
Islamic inheritance is not a single formula but a set of rules that determine the shares of various relatives. The primary heirs are divided into “Quota-Heirs” (Ashab al-Furud), who receive fixed fractional shares, and “Residuaries” (‘Asabah), who inherit the remainder. A son, for example, inherits as a residuary, typically receiving double the share of a daughter. The process involves settling debts, paying funeral costs, and executing any valid bequests (Wasiyyah) up to one-third of the estate to non-heirs before distribution.
| Heir | Share | Condition |
|---|---|---|
| Husband | 1/2 or 1/4 | Receives 1/2 if the deceased wife has no children, and 1/4 if she has children. |
| Wife (or Wives) | 1/4 or 1/8 | Receives 1/4 if the deceased husband has no children, and 1/8 if he has children. This share is divided equally among all wives. |
| Daughter(s) | 1/2, 2/3, or Residue | A single daughter receives 1/2. Two or more daughters share 2/3. If a son is present, they inherit as Residuaries with the son. |
| Son(s) | Residue | Inherits what remains after Quota-Heirs, sharing with daughters in a 2:1 ratio. |
| Father | 1/6 | Receives 1/6 if the deceased has children. Can also inherit as a residuary in some cases. |
| Mother | 1/6 or 1/3 | Receives 1/6 if the deceased has children or siblings. Receives 1/3 otherwise. |
Practical Examples
Example 1: Deceased Male with Wife, Son, and Daughter
A man passes away leaving a net estate of 240,000. His surviving heirs are his wife, one son, and one daughter. His parents are not alive.
- Wife’s Share (Quota-Heir): Since there are children, the wife receives 1/8 of the estate. 1/8 * 240,000 = 30,000.
- Remaining Estate for Children: 240,000 – 30,000 = 210,000.
- Distribution to Children (Residuaries): The son and daughter share the remainder in a 2:1 ratio. This means there are 3 parts (2 for the son, 1 for the daughter).
- Value per part: 210,000 / 3 = 70,000.
- Son’s Share: 2 parts * 70,000 = 140,000.
- Daughter’s Share: 1 part * 70,000 = 70,000.
Example 2: Deceased Female with Husband and Parents
A woman passes away leaving a net estate of 120,000. Her surviving heirs are her husband, father, and mother. She has no children.
- Husband’s Share (Quota-Heir): With no children, the husband receives 1/2 of the estate. 1/2 * 120,000 = 60,000.
- Mother’s Share (Quota-Heir): With no children, the mother receives 1/3 of the estate. 1/3 * 120,000 = 40,000.
- Father’s Share (‘Asabah): The father inherits the remaining portion as a residuary. 120,000 – 60,000 – 40,000 = 20,000.
How to Use This inheritance calculator in islam
- Enter Net Estate Value: Input the total value of the assets after subtracting any debts, funeral costs, and legal bequests (wasiyyah).
- Select Deceased’s Gender: Choose ‘Male’ or ‘Female’ to show the correct spousal inputs.
- Specify Heirs: Use the input fields and checkboxes to indicate all the surviving primary heirs (spouses, children, parents).
- Calculate Shares: Click the “Calculate Shares” button to see the results.
- Review Distribution: The results section will display a detailed table showing each heir’s fractional share, percentage, and the final amount they will receive. A visual chart also helps to understand the distribution.
- Copy or Reset: You can copy the detailed results to your clipboard or reset the calculator to its default values for a new calculation.
Key Factors That Affect Islamic Inheritance Shares
- Surviving Heirs: The presence or absence of certain relatives dramatically changes the distribution. For example, the presence of a son makes daughters residuary heirs and excludes siblings entirely.
- Gender of Heirs: The 2:1 ratio for sons and daughters is a key principle. However, in other situations, like with maternal siblings, shares can be equal.
- Debts and Bequests: All debts must be paid before inheritance is calculated. A bequest (will or wasiyyah) can be made to non-heirs but is capped at one-third of the total estate.
- Number of Heirs: The share for daughters changes from 1/2 (for one) to a shared 2/3 (for two or more). Similarly, a single wife gets 1/8 (with children), but two wives must share that 1/8.
- Parents’ Status: A parent’s share is affected by the presence of the deceased’s children.
- Religious Difference: Generally, non-Muslims do not inherit from Muslims under Shari’ah, though they may be beneficiaries of a bequest.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can a person write a will to give all their property to one person?
No. In Islam, a person can only bequeath up to one-third (1/3) of their property to someone not already designated as a legal heir. The remaining two-thirds must be distributed according to the fixed shares of Faraid.
2. Do adopted children have a right to inheritance?
Adopted children do not have a legal right to inherit under the traditional Islamic law of inheritance. However, they can receive a gift (hibah) during the parent’s lifetime or be the beneficiary of a bequest (up to 1/3 of the estate).
3. What happens if the sum of all shares is greater than 100%?
This is a situation known as ‘Awl’ (increase). In this case, the shares are proportionally reduced. The denominator of the fractions is increased to match the sum of the numerators, thus decreasing each heir’s actual portion while keeping the proportions correct.
4. And what if the sum is less than 100% and there are no residuary heirs?
This is a case of ‘Radd’ (return). The remaining portion of the estate is redistributed proportionally among the entitled quota-heirs.
5. Are grandchildren entitled to inherit?
Grandchildren can inherit, but their right is conditional. A son’s son (agnatic grandson) can inherit if the son is deceased. However, the presence of a living son will exclude all grandchildren from inheritance.
6. Does a divorced wife receive any inheritance?
A wife who has been irrevocably divorced does not inherit. However, if she is within her ‘iddah’ (waiting period) following a revocable divorce, she is still considered a legal heir.
7. What is the share of siblings?
Siblings can inherit, but they are secondary heirs. They are completely excluded by the presence of any son or the father of the deceased.
8. How are assets held in joint tenancy handled?
In many Western legal systems, joint tenancy includes a right of survivorship, meaning the asset automatically passes to the surviving owner. This can conflict with Islamic law. It is crucial to get legal advice to ensure such assets can be correctly included in the estate for distribution.