Farra is a death administration assistant for UK families. Get step-by-step guidance for registering a death, applying for probate, notifying banks, and managing bereavement admin. From essential documents to practical checklists, Farra simplifies estate paperwork and funeral-related tasks so you can focus on what matters.
Need to apply for probate?
Answer 15 questions and we'll tell you exactly what to file, in what order — from £95.
Islamic inheritance (faraid) prescribes fixed shares for relatives. UK Muslims must write Sharia-compliant will or UK intestacy applies (not Islamic law). Maximum 1/3 estate to non-heirs, remaining 2/3 via fixed shares—sons double daughters, spouse 1/4 or 1/8, parents 1/6 each. Use Islamic will solicitors (£200-£500). Without will, UK gives all to spouse—violates Islamic requirements.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "It is not permissible for any Muslim who has something to bequeath to spend two nights without having a written will." Writing a will is important because:
If a Muslim dies without a will in the UK, the estate is distributed according to UK intestacy rules—which differ significantly from Islamic inheritance. For example, UK law may give everything to a spouse, while Islamic law requires shares for children, parents, and others. A will is essential to ensure Islamic compliance.
Islamic inheritance (known as faraid or mirath) follows Quranic guidelines:
The Quran specifies fixed shares for certain relatives (known as "quota heirs"). These include spouses, daughters, parents, and others. The shares are distributed from the estate after debts and bequests.
After fixed shares are distributed, remaining estate goes to residuary heirs—typically male relatives like sons, father, brothers. If there are no residuary heirs, the estate may return to fixed-share heirs.
Up to 1/3 of the estate can be bequeathed to non-heirs (like charity, friends, or distant relatives). Bequests to Quranic heirs are not permitted without other heirs' consent.
Here are the key fixed shares specified in the Quran (simplified):
Islamic inheritance is a complex subject with many variations depending on which relatives survive. The above are simplified guidelines. For actual estate distribution, consult a scholar or specialist in Islamic inheritance law.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) limited bequests to non-heirs to maximum 1/3 of the estate. This means:
UK law allows you to distribute your estate according to your wishes, including Islamic principles. Options include:
Several UK organisations offer Sharia-compliant will writing services. They combine UK legal requirements with Islamic inheritance rules. Examples include services offered by Islamic Relief, NZF, and specialist Islamic law firms.
Some UK solicitors specialise in Sharia-compliant wills. They can draft legally valid UK wills that follow Islamic inheritance principles.
You can write your own will following Islamic guidance, but it must be legally valid under UK law (signed, witnessed, etc.). Many Islamic organisations provide templates.
In certain situations, Islamic inheritance gives sons double the share of daughters. This is part of a holistic financial system in Islamic law where:
These rules are considered divine guidance by Muslims. For questions about application in specific circumstances, consult a qualified Islamic scholar.
Classical Islamic scholarship holds that inheritance follows religious lines—Muslim relatives inherit from Muslims. This can be a sensitive issue in mixed-faith families, and we understand the emotional complexity involved.
Importantly, UK law allows you to use the 1/3 wasiyyah (bequest) portion to leave gifts to non-Muslim family members, friends, or anyone you wish. Many Muslims use this to provide for non-Muslim relatives they care about deeply.
If you have non-Muslim family members you wish to provide for, discuss this with both an Islamic scholar and a solicitor to find the best approach for your situation.
In the UK, jointly owned assets (like a house with spouse) may pass automatically to the survivor. This needs careful consideration when planning Islamic inheritance.
Pension schemes often have separate nomination forms. Consider who you nominate and how this interacts with your Islamic will.
If the deceased had religious obligations they could not fulfil—such as missed fasts due to chronic illness, or unfulfilled vows—fidyah (compensation) may need to be paid from the estate.
Similarly, kaffarah (expiation) for broken oaths or other matters should be settled. These are considered debts to Allah (SWT) and are typically paid before inheritance distribution. Consult a scholar about your specific situation.
Review your will regularly, especially after:
Islamic inheritance is complex. While this guide provides an overview, we recommend consulting both an Islamic scholar and a UK solicitor to ensure your will is both religiously valid and legally enforceable.
If a Muslim dies without a will in the UK:
Complete guide to Muslim burial requirements in the UK. Islamic funeral rules, Sharia law compliance, burial timing, cemetery requirements, and what families need to know.
Complete guide to Islamic funeral rites and traditions in the UK. Ghusl, kafan, Janazah prayers, burial customs, and mourning practices explained.
Find Muslim cemeteries and Islamic burial grounds across the UK. Directory of Muslim sections in cemeteries, dedicated Islamic burial sites, and what to look for.
Complete guide to Ghusl, the Islamic ritual washing of the deceased. Step-by-step procedure, who can perform it, what's needed, and where to arrange it in the UK.
Complete guide to Salat al-Janazah, the Islamic funeral prayer. How it's performed, who should attend, what to recite, and funeral prayer etiquette in the UK.
Ready to apply for probate?
Answer 15 questions and we'll tell you exactly what to file, in what order, and what to do when it gets complicated.
Get started →Free to start · from £95