Fixed shares in Islamic inheritance
| Heir | Share | Condition |
|---|---|---|
| Husband | 1/2 or 1/4 | 1/4 if the deceased left children |
| Wife (or wives together) | 1/4 or 1/8 | 1/8 if the deceased left children |
| Father | 1/6 (+ residue) | Takes the residue too if there is no son |
| Mother | 1/3 or 1/6 | 1/6 if there are children or two or more siblings |
| One daughter (no son) | 1/2 | |
| Two or more daughters (no son) | 2/3 | Shared equally |
| Sons and daughters together | Residue | Each son gets twice a daughter's share |
| Full brothers and sisters | Residue / 1/2 / 2/3 | Excluded by a son or the father |
Special rules the calculator applies
- 'Awl (proportional reduction): if the fixed shares add up to more than the whole estate, every share is reduced proportionally.
- Radd (return): if something is left over and there is no residuary heir, it goes back to the blood relatives in proportion to their shares. The spouse does not take part in radd in the Hanafi school.
- 'Umariyyatain: when the heirs are only a spouse, the mother and the father, the mother receives one-third of what remains after the spouse's share.
Worked example
A man leaves Rs 1 crore, a wife, his mother, two sons and one daughter. The wife takes 1/8 (Rs 12.5 lakh) and the mother 1/6 (about Rs 16.67 lakh). The remaining 17/24 is split in the ratio 2:2:1, so each son receives 34/120 (about Rs 28.33 lakh) and the daughter 17/120 (about Rs 14.17 lakh).
Inheritance cases can involve facts that change the result, such as gifts made during life, missing persons or disputes. Have a qualified scholar or lawyer confirm the shares before transferring property.
Frequently asked questions
What is the share of a wife in inheritance?
A wife receives 1/8 of the estate if the deceased husband left children, and 1/4 if he left no children. If there is more than one wife, they share this portion equally.
What is the share of a husband?
A husband receives 1/4 if his deceased wife left children, and 1/2 if she left no children.
Why does a son get double the share of a daughter?
The Quran (Surah An-Nisa 4:11) sets a son's share at twice a daughter's when they inherit together. Scholars explain this by the son's duty to provide for the family, including his wife, children and parents, while a daughter's share is entirely her own.
Do brothers and sisters inherit if there is a son?
No. A son, or the father, excludes full brothers and sisters completely.
What is paid before the estate is divided?
First funeral costs and debts are paid. Then any will (wasiyyah) is carried out, up to a maximum of one-third of what remains and not in favour of an heir. The rest is divided among the heirs.
Is daughters' inheritance enforced in Pakistan?
Yes. Under Pakistani law, Muslims' inheritance follows their personal law, and depriving women of their share is a criminal offence under the Prevention of Anti-Women Practices law. Provinces also have inheritance-protection laws.
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Sources
- Quran, Surah An-Nisa 4:11, 4:12 and 4:176
- Al-Sirajiyyah (Hanafi law of inheritance)
- Muslim Personal Law (Shariat) Application Act 1962
This calculator gives an estimate for guidance. It is not official advice. Rates and rules change, so confirm important decisions with the relevant authority or a qualified professional. See how we calculate, or report a mistake.