Islamic wills and inheritance

• When a person passes away, the burial expenses (i.e. shroud, grave fees, etc.) should be paid from the wealth (estate) they have left behind.
• After paying for the burial expenses, all debts of the deceased should be settled from the remaining estate.
• If the deceased has left behind any bequests, only after all the debts have been settled should any bequests of the deceased be fulfilled.
• The bequests should be fulfilled from only one third (1/3) of the estate that remains after paying for the burial expenses and settling any debts.
• Lastly, after fulfilling any bequests from one third (1/3) of the estate, the remaining estate should be distributed among the heirs of the deceased according to Islamic rules of estate distribution, which have been predetermined and stipulated in the Holy Quran.
• It is extremely important for Muslims to leave a will that is in accordance with Islamic guidelines and UK law so as to avoid the estate being distributed in a non-Islamic manner.
• The purpose of preparing an Islamic will is to inform one’s heirs of the outstanding obligations one has regarding the rights (huqooq) of Allah ta'ala and the rights (huqooq) of the creation.