Understanding Faraidh Inheritance: A Practical Guide for British Muslims

When a Muslim dies, their wealth does not simply pass to whoever the family decides. Islam prescribes an inheritance system — Faraidh — that is directly from the Quran. It is detailed, mathematically precise, and described by Allah as a divine obligation.

For British Muslims, understanding Faraidh is practical as well as spiritual. It determines how to write a valid Wasiyyah, how to protect family members who might otherwise be overlooked, and how to avoid the significant conflicts that arise when estates are distributed incorrectly.

Before the shares are calculated: what comes first

Faraidh shares are calculated on the net estate — what remains after four prior obligations are settled in order:

Only after these four obligations does the Faraidh distribution begin.

The six Faraidh fractions

The Quran specifies exactly six fractions for inheritance:

These six fractions are the building blocks of every Faraidh calculation.

The residuary heirs (Asaba)

Not all heirs receive a fixed fraction. Some receive whatever remains after the fixed-share heirs have taken their portions — these are the Asaba (residuary heirs).

The son is the primary Asaba heir. When sons inherit alongside daughters, neither receives a fixed Quranic fraction — they share the residue, with each son receiving double a daughter's share.

The father is also an Asaba when there are no children — he takes the remainder after the spouse's and mother's shares.

How a complete calculation works

Let us work through a realistic scenario for a British Muslim family in 2026.

The family: Ahmed, married to Yasmin. Two sons (Omar and Ibrahim) and one daughter (Aisha). Ahmed's father passed away five years ago; his mother Fatima is alive. Estate (after debts): £480,000.

Step 1 — Spouse: Yasmin receives 1/8 (with children). 1/8 × £480,000 = £60,000

Step 2 — Mother: Fatima receives 1/6 (with children). 1/6 × £480,000 = £80,000

Step 3 — Children (Asaba): Remainder = £480,000 - £60,000 - £80,000 = £340,000

Units: Omar (2) + Ibrahim (2) + Aisha (1) = 5 units Each unit = £340,000 ÷ 5 = £68,000

Omar: 2 × £68,000 = £136,000 Ibrahim: 2 × £68,000 = £136,000 Aisha: 1 × £68,000 = £68,000

Total check: £60,000 + £80,000 + £136,000 + £136,000 + £68,000 = £480,000 ✓

The blocking rules: who excludes whom

Faraidh has a precise system of priority. A closer heir blocks a more distant one:

• Father blocks: paternal grandfather, brothers, paternal uncles
• Son blocks: brothers, paternal uncles, grandsons (in most cases)
• Mother blocks: maternal grandmother
• Full brother blocks: paternal half-brother, paternal uncle

This is called Hajb (blocking). An excluded heir receives nothing — they are not simply reduced.

Faraidh and non-Muslim family members

Non-Muslims do not inherit under Faraidh. The hadith is explicit: "A Muslim does not inherit from a disbeliever, nor does a disbeliever inherit from a Muslim." (Bukhari & Muslim)

This applies regardless of closeness of relationship. A non-Muslim wife, parent, or child receives no Faraidh share.

However, the optional 1/3 bequest can be used to provide for non-Muslim family members. See our guide on Faraidh for non-Muslims for how to use this effectively.

What Faraidh cannot resolve

Faraidh is a precise system for standard family structures. It does not fully address:

• Adopted children — not Faraidh heirs; can receive from the 1/3 bequest
• Children from unknown or disputed parentage — requires scholarly ruling
• Multiple simultaneous wives — the total wife's share (1/8 or 1/4) is shared equally among all wives
• Jointly owned property held as joint tenants — passes outside the estate automatically
• Business partnerships — your share of a partnership must be valued and may require specific arrangements

For any of these situations, a qualified Islamic scholar's guidance is essential alongside your Wasiyyah.