Islamic Inheritance Calculator
Estimate the distribution of an estate according to Faraid — the Qur'anic law of inheritance — for the most common family situations.
Enter the estate value and which heirs survive the deceased. Leave fields at zero where they don't apply.
What Is Faraid?
Faraid is the Islamic law of inheritance, derived primarily from the Qur'an (especially Surah An-Nisa), the Sunnah, and scholarly consensus. It specifies fixed shares (fara'id) for certain heirs and rules for how the remainder is distributed. It's one of the most precisely detailed areas of Islamic law — and one of the few where exact mathematical shares are explicitly given in scripture.
The Order of Distribution
Before any inheritance is divided, four obligations come first, in order: covering funeral and burial expenses, settling all outstanding debts, fulfilling any valid bequest (wasiyyah, capped at one-third of the estate for non-heirs), and only then distributing the remaining net estate among the heirs according to Faraid.
How to Use This Calculator
Enter your net estate value — the amount remaining after funeral costs, debts, and any valid bequest. Then specify which heirs survive: spouse, parents, and children. The calculator applies the core Qur'anic fixed shares and distributes any residue, showing each heir's fraction and dollar amount.
The Core Fixed Shares
| Heir | Share | Condition |
|---|---|---|
| Husband | 1/2 | No children |
| Husband | 1/4 | With children |
| Wife | 1/4 | No children |
| Wife | 1/8 | With children |
| Mother | 1/3 | No children/siblings |
| Mother | 1/6 | With children |
| Father | 1/6 | With children (+ residue) |
| Daughter(s) | 1/2 or 2/3 | If no sons present |
The 2:1 Principle for Children
When both sons and daughters inherit as residuary heirs, the Qur'an specifies that a son receives twice the share of a daughter. This calculator applies that ratio after fixed shares (like those of a spouse and parents) are allocated. It's worth understanding the wisdom often cited for this: in classical Islamic law, men carry mandatory financial obligations (mahr, spousal and family maintenance) that women do not, so the larger share corresponds to greater financial duty.
What This Calculator Does NOT Handle
- Grandparents, grandchildren, siblings, and extended relatives
- "Blocking" (hajb) rules where one heir excludes another
- The special 'Umariyyatan cases involving spouse, parents, and no children
- 'Awl (proportional reduction) and Radd (proportional return) adjustments
- Differences between the four madhhabs (schools of jurisprudence)
- Multiple wives as distinct shares, non-Muslim heirs, and other special circumstances
These are exactly why a real estate distribution needs a qualified scholar — the rules interact in ways no simplified calculator can fully capture.
Why You Must Consult a Scholar
Inheritance has real, binding consequences for families and carries spiritual weight in Islam. Getting it wrong can mean wronging an heir of their God-given right. This tool can help you understand the general framework and have an informed conversation, but the final distribution of any actual estate should always be determined by a qualified mufti or Islamic inheritance specialist who can assess every heir and circumstance.
Where This Fits
Pair this with our Zakat calculator and Hijri date converter, and browse the full Islamic & cultural tools collection. For general estate value math, our net worth calculator can help you total the estate first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Explore All NerdyTools By Categories
Find the right tool for any task — free, fast, and no sign-up required