Islamic Inheritance Calculator | Faraid Calculator Online

What is Islamic Inheritance Law (Faraid)?

Islamic Inheritance Law or the Faraid (also spelled Fara'id) is a divine system of inheritance, which Allah (SWT) has decreed in the Holy Quran for the Share of a deceased Muslim's estate. The word Faraid is derived from the root word fard, which means obligatory. This system is obligatory upon all Muslims.

What makes the system of Faraid unique is that it is explicitly detailed in the Quran. Unlike other systems of inheritance, which are man-made, the system of Faraid is directly prescribed by Allah (SWT) Himself.

In Surah An-Nisa, verses 11, 12, and 176; Allah has explicitly decreed the shares of various heirs.

Why Should You Know About Faraid?

Many people are not aware that the system of inheritance falls under the most important Islamic laws. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:

"Learn the laws of inheritance and teach them to the people; for they are one half of useful knowledge." (Umdat al-Salik)

By knowing the basics of Islamic Inheritance, you can:

• Secure your family's rights after your demise
• Prevent fights and disputes among family members
• Follow the Quran's injunction explicitly
• Prepare an Islamic Will (wasiyyat)
• Understand the Divine wisdom behind it

Why do you need an Islamic Inheritance Calculator?

Islamic Inheritance calculations require a detailed understanding of various intricacies of Faraid. Every family situation is unique; the presence or absence of even one heir can greatly impact the share of another. That is why our Islamic Inheritance Calculator is so helpful; it can help you calculate the share of your various heirs.

It is designed to help you calculate the share of your various heirs. You can enter the details, and the tool will perform the complex calculations for you.

Who Inherits in Islam? A Brief Overview of the Heirs

In the Islamic system of Inheritance, there are basically two types of heirs:

• Primary Heirs (Ashab al-Furud)
• Residuary Heirs (Asabah)

Ashab al-Furud or Primary Heirs

All the Primary Heirs have been specifically mentioned in the Quran and have a fixed share. The share of the primary heirs is:

• Husband — 1/2 if there are no children, and 1/4 if there are children
• Wife — 1/4 if there are no children, and 1/8 if there are children (up to 4 wives)
• Father — 1/6 if there are children; residuary (entitled to the remainder of the estate) if there are no children
• Mother — 1/6 if there are children or numerous siblings; 1/3 otherwise
• Daughter — 1/2 if there is only one daughter and no sons; 2/3 shared if there are two or more daughters and no sons
• Son — Son inherits the remainder (residuary)
• Paternal Grandmother — 1/6
• Maternal Grandmother — 1/6

Asabah or Residuary Heirs

The share of the residuary heirs depends on what is left after the shares of the primary heirs have been given. The main residuary heirs are:

• Sons and daughters (male heirs get double the share of the female ones)
• Father (in some cases)
• Brothers and sisters (in some cases)
• Paternal uncles and their sons

Why do males get a bigger share in Islamic Inheritance? Or Why do males get twice the share of females in Islam?

One of the most commonly asked questions about the system of Islamic Inheritance is regarding the 2:1 ratio between males and females. There is a great deal of misunderstanding about this.

• Men are obligated to financially support their families (wife, children, parents)
• Women, on the other hand, retain all their wealth (for their own use)
• Women are also entitled to receive Mahr at marriage and to be financially supported during marriage
• The Islamic system of Inheritance ensures that every member of the family is cared for.

Allah (SWT) knows best; "...Allah is ever Knowing and Wise." (An-Nisa 4:11)

Islamic Inheritance Shares Chart

Below is a table showing the shares of different heirs in Islamic Inheritance. This is a brief version of the shares; please use our calculator above for more details.

Special Rules of Islamic Inheritance

1. Al-Awl (Increasing of Shares): Sometimes the sum of the shares of the children and grandchildren exceeds one. In this case, the shares of all children and grandchildren should be reduced.

2. Ar-Radd (Returning of Surplus): Sometimes the sum of the shares of the children and grandchildren is less than one. In this case, the extra is returned to the sharers according to their shares.

3. Hijab (Blocking): Sometimes the presence of one heir blocks the claim of another heir to his share. For example, a son blocks the share of his brother. Similarly, a father blocks the share of his father (grandfather).

4. 1/3 Wasiyyah Rule: A Muslim can leave up to 1/3 of his estate as Wasiyyah (a will) to non-heirs or to any of his heirs (in addition to his share). The remaining 2/3 must be distributed according to the Quran's Inheritance rules.

Importance of Islamic Inheritance Law

The Quran's law of Inheritance is not just a financial system; it is an act of worship meant to benefit your family for generations to come. Below are some reasons why the system of Islamic Inheritance is important:

1. The system eliminates family disputes

We often hear of family disputes due to unequal distribution of property. Disputes arise between brothers, sisters, and sometimes even between parents and children. But, by following the Quran's Inheritance laws, you can prevent disputes and discord.

2. The system protects the vulnerable

Islam is all about protecting the weak and making sure that they are provided for. This includes wives, daughters, mothers, and so on. The Quran has decreed the shares to make sure that they are rightfully distributed to the heirs.

3. It is an obligation upon every Muslim to prepare an Islamic will

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said to us: "Prepare wills and make things easy, and do not cause harm." Therefore, every Muslim should prepare an Islamic will and distribute his estate according to the Quran's Inheritance rules. A believer should take upon himself this responsibility and not procrastinate.

4. The system ensures absolute justice

The laws of Inheritance are a prime example of divine justice. The wisdom of Allah (SWT) is unfathomable; "...Allah is ever Knowing and Wise." (An-Nisa 4:11)

5. The system preserves wealth within families

By following the system of Inheritance prescribed by the Quran, a person ensures that his wealth stays within his family for generations.

How to Use Our Islamic Inheritance Calculator

Using our Free Faraid Calculator is simple. Just follow the steps below:

1. Enter the Net Estate Value: This is the value of everything you own (cash, property, etc.) minus debts, funeral expenses, and any other dues.
2. Select Deceased Gender: Whether the deceased is male or female; this affects the share of the spouse.
3. Enter Spouse Details: Are there any surviving spouses?
4. Enter Children Information: Make sure to enter the number of sons and the number of daughters.
5. Parents' Status: Enter the status of both parents (alive or deceased).
6. Siblings Information: Do you have any surviving siblings?

After filling in the appropriate information, click on the calculate button and you will see your family members' share in fractions and in money.

Scenarios Where the Faraid Gets Complicated

Here are some of the complicated scenarios that require the expertise of a Mufti:

• The deceased has grandchildren but no children
• The deceased has paternal and maternal grandmothers
• The deceased has half-siblings and/or adopted children
• The deceased had a will (wasiyyah) which is more than 1/3 of the estate
• The deceased has unsettled debts, business partnerships, etc.

In these scenarios, it is important that you seek the help of a qualified Islamic scholar. Our calculator is only a tool and cannot replace the wisdom and experience of a Mufti.