Islamic Inheritance Distribution

Faraid Inheritance Calculator

Compute the Quranic shares of a deceased Muslim's estate among spouses, children, parents, and siblings — with results displayed in both English and Urdu.

Estate & heirs

Enter the total estate value and the surviving relatives. Shares are calculated per the Quranic verses of inheritance (An-Nisa 4:11–12, 176).

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Distribution result
Enter heirs and calculate.

Important note

Faraid is a complex science with many special cases (awl, radd, hajb, etc.). This calculator covers the common scenarios. For complex family structures (e.g. step-children, adopted children, multi-generation trusts), consult a scholar specialized in Faraid or an Islamic inheritance lawyer.

The Principles of Islamic Inheritance (Faraid)

Faraid is the Islamic science of inheritance, prescribed in precise detail in the Quran — most notably in Surah An-Nisa (4:11–12 and 4:176). It is one of the few areas of Islamic law where the Quran gives explicit numerical shares. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "Learn the laws of inheritance and teach them, for they are half of knowledge." (Ibn Majah)

The four-step process

  1. Settle funeral expenses. Reasonable burial costs (kafan, transport, etc.) are paid first from the estate.
  2. Settle debts. All outstanding debts of the deceased are paid next.
  3. Execute the wasiyyah (bequest). Up to one-third (1/3) of the remaining estate may be distributed to non-heirs or to heirs (in some schools) per the deceased's written will. The remaining two-thirds+ falls under Faraid.
  4. Distribute per Faraid. The remaining estate is distributed to Quranic heirs according to their fixed shares.

Key shares

HeirConditionShare
HusbandNo children1/2
HusbandWith children1/4
Wife (each)No children1/4
Wife (each)With children1/8
DaughterAlone (no sons)1/2
2+ DaughtersNo sons2/3 (shared)
SonAlwaysResidue (2× daughter)
FatherWith child1/6
FatherNo child1/6 + residue
MotherWith child or 2+ siblings1/6
MotherNo child, no 2+ siblings1/3
Full sisterAlone, no children/parents1/2
2+ Full sistersNo children/parents2/3 (shared)

Awl and Radd — special adjustments

In rare cases, the sum of fixed shares exceeds 1 (the whole estate). This is resolved by awl (proportional reduction): each share is reduced proportionally. For example, if shares sum to 27/24, every share is multiplied by 24/27. The opposite case — where shares sum to less than 1 and there is no residuary heir to absorb the remainder — is resolved by radd (proportional return): the surplus is distributed back to the Quranic heirs (excluding the spouse) in proportion to their shares. Our calculator handles awl automatically; radd is applied where applicable.

Why does a son inherit twice a daughter?

This is one of the most questioned features of Faraid. The answer lies in the broader Islamic financial framework: a Muslim man is obligated (faridah) to financially maintain his wife, children, parents, and unmarried sisters. His inheritance is therefore a responsibility-bearing share, not a privilege. A Muslim woman, by contrast, keeps her entire inheritance for her own use — no one has a claim on it. She is also entitled to mahr (dowry) from her husband. The differential, in context, is part of a balanced system of mutual obligations rather than a statement about worth.

Reminder: Faraid is a sacred obligation. Distributing an estate incorrectly — out of ignorance or family pressure — is a serious matter in Islam. Always consult a qualified scholar for your specific family situation.