How It Works
Three simple steps to calculate Islamic inheritance shares
Enter Family Details
Select the deceased's gender, choose the school of jurisprudence, and add surviving heirs (spouse, children, parents, siblings, etc.)
Get Instant Results
See each heir's share percentage with Quran verse references, a visual family tree, and detailed calculation steps explaining the logic
Get Scholar Verification
Optionally submit your case to a qualified Mufti/Alim for review. Receive a sealed letterpad document with verified shares
Comprehensive Faraid Calculation
Built on authentic Islamic inheritance rules with full transparency
Quran References
Every share calculation shows the specific Quran verse (Surah An-Nisa 4:11, 4:12, 4:176) and rule applied, so you understand the basis.
Family Tree Visualization
See a live family tree that builds as you add heirs. Each person shows their share percentage, blocked status, and relationship to the deceased.
Scholar Verification
Submit your calculation for review by a qualified Mufti/Alim. The scholar reviews via a secure magic link and can upload their signed & sealed letterpad document as verification.
Awl & Radd Handling
Automatically handles Awl (when shares exceed 100%) and Radd (when shares fall short) with clear explanation of the adjustment.
Estate Calculation
Optionally enter estate value and deductions (funeral expenses, debts, unpaid mahr, wasiyyah) to see exact amounts each heir receives.
WhatsApp Updates
Track your case via WhatsApp. Get notified when a scholar picks up your case, requests info, or delivers the verified certificate.
Faraid Inheritance Shares — Quick Reference
Faraid is the Islamic law of inheritance prescribed in the Quran (Surah An-Nisa 4:11, 4:12, 4:176) that assigns fixed shares (fard) to specific heirs. Under Hanafi jurisprudence — followed by the majority of Muslims in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Turkey — the estate is distributed after deducting funeral expenses, debts, unpaid mahr, and wasiyyah (bequest to non-heirs, limited to 1/3 of the estate).
| Heir | Condition | Fixed Share | Quran Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Husband | No children | 1/2 | Quran 4:12 |
| Husband | With children | 1/4 | Quran 4:12 |
| Wife | No children | 1/4 | Quran 4:12 |
| Wife | With children | 1/8 | Quran 4:12 |
| Daughter (sole) | No son | 1/2 | Quran 4:11 |
| 2+ Daughters | No son | 2/3 shared | Quran 4:11 |
| Father | With children | 1/6 | Quran 4:11 |
| Mother | With children or 2+ siblings | 1/6 | Quran 4:11 |
| Mother | No children, fewer than 2 siblings | 1/3 | Quran 4:11 |
| Full Sister (sole) | No brothers, no children, no father | 1/2 | Quran 4:176 |
| Son | Always | Residuary (asabah) | Quran 4:11 |
What is Awl?
Awl is the proportional reduction applied when the total prescribed shares exceed 100% of the estate. For example, if a husband (1/2), mother (1/3), and full sister (1/2) all inherit, the total is 8/6 — exceeding the estate. Awl reduces each share proportionally so the total equals exactly 100%.
What is Radd?
Radd is the surplus redistribution applied when prescribed shares total less than 100% of the estate. Under Hanafi jurisprudence, the surplus is redistributed proportionally among the fixed-share holders (excluding spouses). This ensures the entire estate is distributed to rightful heirs.
This table shows common fixed shares (fard) under Hanafi rules. The actual share depends on the full combination of surviving heirs, blocking rules (hajb), and special circumstances. Use the calculator for your specific case.
Faraid Calculation Examples
Step-by-step worked examples showing how Islamic inheritance shares are calculated under Hanafi jurisprudence
A man dies leaving a wife, 2 daughters, and a mother
Step 1 — Identify heirs and check blocking: Wife, 2 daughters, and mother are all primary heirs. No heir is blocked in this combination.
Step 2 — Assign Quranic shares (Ashab al-Furud):
| Heir | Rule | Share | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wife | Spouse with children → 1/8 | 1/8 = 12.5% | Quran 4:12 |
| 2 Daughters | 2+ daughters with no son → 2/3 shared | 2/3 = 66.67% | Quran 4:11 |
| Mother | With children → 1/6 | 1/6 = 16.67% | Quran 4:11 |
Step 3 — Check total: 1/8 + 2/3 + 1/6 = 3/24 + 16/24 + 4/24 = 23/24 = 95.83%. The total is less than 100%, leaving a surplus of 1/24.
Step 4 — Apply Radd (surplus redistribution): The surplus of 1/24 is redistributed proportionally among non-spouse quota holders (daughters and mother). The wife is excluded from Radd under Hanafi rules. Daughters and mother share the surplus in ratio 4:1 (2/3 : 1/6), bringing their final shares to approximately 69.57% and 17.93%.
Final shares:
Wife: 12.5% · Each Daughter: 34.78% · Mother: 17.93% · Total: 100%
If the estate is ₹50,00,000 after deductions, the wife receives ₹6,25,000, each daughter receives ₹17,39,130, and the mother receives ₹8,96,739.
A woman dies leaving a husband, 1 son, and 1 daughter
Step 1 — Identify heirs: Husband, son, and daughter. No blocking applies.
Step 2 — Assign Quranic shares: Only the husband receives a fixed share. The son is a residuary heir (asabah), and the daughter becomes residuary alongside him.
| Heir | Rule | Share | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Husband | Spouse with children → 1/4 | 1/4 = 25% | Quran 4:12 |
| Son | Residuary — gets 2× daughter's share | 50% | Quran 4:11 |
| Daughter | Residuary alongside son — gets 1× share | 25% | Quran 4:11 |
Step 3 — Calculate residuary: After the husband's 1/4, the remainder is 3/4 (75%). The son and daughter share this as residuaries with the male receiving twice the female share (2:1 ratio). Total parts = 2 + 1 = 3. Son gets 2/3 of 75% = 50%. Daughter gets 1/3 of 75% = 25%.
Final shares:
Husband: 25% · Son: 50% · Daughter: 25% · Total: 100%
A woman dies leaving a husband, 2 full sisters, and a mother (Awl case)
Step 1 — Identify heirs: Husband, 2 full sisters, and mother. No children, no father. No blocking applies.
Step 2 — Assign Quranic shares:
| Heir | Rule | Prescribed Share | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Husband | No children → 1/2 | 1/2 = 3/6 | Quran 4:12 |
| 2 Full Sisters | 2+ sisters, no father → 2/3 | 2/3 = 4/6 | Quran 4:176 |
| Mother | With 2+ siblings → 1/6 | 1/6 = 1/6 | Quran 4:11 |
Step 3 — Check total: 3/6 + 4/6 + 1/6 = 8/6. The prescribed shares exceed 100% — this triggers Awl (proportional reduction).
Step 4 — Apply Awl: The common denominator increases from 6 to 8. Each heir keeps their numerator but the denominator becomes 8 instead of 6:
Final shares after Awl:
Husband: 3/8 = 37.5% · 2 Full Sisters: 4/8 = 50% (25% each) · Mother: 1/8 = 12.5% · Total: 100%
Awl is a well-established principle from the time of Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA). It ensures all Quran-prescribed shares are honored proportionally when they would otherwise exceed the estate.
These are simplified examples. Real cases may involve more heirs and complex blocking rules.
Understanding Faraid: A Complete Guide
Essential concepts every Muslim family should understand about Islamic inheritance law
Order of Estate Deductions Before Distribution
Before calculating heir shares, the estate must be reduced by four categories of deductions in a specific order prescribed by Islamic law. The Faraid shares are calculated only on the remaining distributable amount after all deductions.
Funeral Expenses
Reasonable burial costs including kafan (shroud), grave preparation, and related expenses
Debts
All outstanding debts owed by the deceased, including loans, credit, and financial obligations
Unpaid Mahr
Any deferred or unpaid mahr (dower) owed to the wife is a debt that must be settled
Wasiyyah (Bequest)
Voluntary bequest to non-heirs, limited to a maximum of 1/3 of the estate after above deductions
Example: A man's total estate is ₹1,00,00,000 (1 crore). Funeral expenses are ₹50,000, debts are ₹5,00,000, unpaid mahr is ₹2,00,000, and he bequeathed ₹10,00,000 to charity (wasiyyah). The distributable estate is ₹1,00,00,000 − ₹50,000 − ₹5,00,000 − ₹2,00,000 − ₹10,00,000 = ₹82,50,000. Faraid shares are calculated on this amount.
Blocking Rules (Hajb) — Who Inherits and Who Doesn't
In Faraid, the presence of a closer heir can partially or fully exclude a more distant heir from inheritance. This is called Hajb (blocking). Understanding blocking is essential because the same heir may receive a share in one family situation but be completely excluded in another.
| This heir... | Is blocked by... | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Son's Son | Son | A closer male descendant takes priority |
| Grandfather (Father's Father) | Father | A closer male ascendant takes priority |
| Full Brother | Son, Son's Son, or Father | Male descendants or father exclude siblings |
| Paternal Half-Brother | Son, Son's Son, Father, or Full Brother | Full siblings have priority over half-siblings |
| Paternal Grandmother | Mother or Father | Closer parent(s) exclude grandparents |
| Maternal Grandmother | Mother | Mother's presence excludes her own mother |
| Full Paternal Uncle | Son, Son's Son, Father, Full Brother, and more | Distant agnates blocked by all closer male relatives |
Heirs who are NEVER blocked
Six heirs can never be fully excluded from inheritance: Son, Daughter, Father, Mother, Husband, and Wife. These primary heirs always receive a share regardless of who else is present.
Faraid and Indian Law — When Does Islamic Inheritance Apply?
In India, the Muslim Personal Law (Shariat) Application Act of 1937 mandates that Islamic inheritance law (Faraid) applies to all Indian Muslims for matters of succession and inheritance. This means Faraid rules take precedence over the Indian Succession Act of 1925, which applies to non-Muslim citizens.
Key legal points for Muslims in India:
- Faraid is mandatory — A Muslim cannot disinherit an heir prescribed by the Quran through a will. The wasiyyah (bequest) is limited to 1/3 and can only go to non-heirs.
- No probate required — Unlike Hindu Succession Act properties, Muslim inheritance does not always require probate. However, a legal heir certificate from the court is often needed for bank accounts and property transfer.
- Hanafi school predominates — The majority of Indian Muslims follow the Hanafi school of jurisprudence for inheritance. Courts recognize school-specific differences in Faraid application.
- Joint family property excluded — Properties already held in joint ownership may have different rules. Faraid applies to the individual deceased's share of any jointly held property.
Disclaimer: This information is educational and not legal advice. For property disputes, succession certificates, and legal matters, consult a lawyer experienced in Muslim personal law alongside seeking scholar verification for the Faraid share calculation.
The 2:1 Male-Female Residuary Rule Explained
A commonly discussed aspect of Faraid is that when sons and daughters inherit as residuary (asabah) heirs, the male receives twice the female share (Quran 4:11: "for the male, what is equal to the share of two females"). This rule applies specifically when sons and daughters share the residuary portion — it does not mean men always get more than women.
In fact, there are several scenarios where female heirs receive more than male heirs:
- • A sole daughter gets 1/2 of the estate as a fixed share, while a sole son gets 100% as residuary — but when both are present with a mother, the daughter's combined protection (fixed share + Radd) can result in her receiving a significant portion.
- • A wife with children gets 1/8. But a husband with children gets 1/4. The difference reflects the Islamic principle that men bear financial responsibility (nafaqah) for the household.
- • A mother always receives 1/6 or 1/3 as a Quranic fixed share — she is never reduced to residuary and can never be fully blocked.
22 Heir Categories Supported
Full coverage of all Hanafi heir categories with proper blocking rules
Spouse & Children
- Husband / Wife
- Son / Daughter
- Son's Son / Son's Daughter
Parents & Grandparents
- Father / Mother
- Father's Father
- Paternal Grandmother
- Maternal Grandmother
Siblings
- Full Brother / Full Sister
- Paternal Half-Brother / Sister
- Maternal Half-Brother / Sister
Extended Family
- Full Brother's Son
- Paternal Half-Brother's Son
- Full Paternal Uncle
- Paternal Half-Uncle
- Full / Half Cousin
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Faraid?
Faraid is the Islamic law of inheritance, derived from the Quran (primarily Surah An-Nisa, verses 4:11, 4:12, and 4:176) and Hadith. It prescribes fixed shares (fard) for specific heirs like spouses, parents, and children, and distributes the remainder to residuary heirs (asabah). The system ensures fair and divinely ordained distribution of a deceased person's estate.
Is the calculator free?
Yes, completely free with no login required. You can calculate inheritance shares as many times as needed. Scholar verification (review by a qualified Mufti/Alim) is optional — you pay only the scholar's fee directly, we don't charge any markup or commission.
Which school of jurisprudence is supported?
Currently the calculator supports Hanafi jurisprudence, followed by the majority of Muslims in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Turkey, and Central Asia. Shia Ithna Ashari support is planned for a future release.
How accurate is the calculation?
The calculator implements standard Hanafi rules including heir blocking (hajb), awl (proportional reduction when shares exceed 100%), and radd (surplus redistribution). Each share includes the specific Quran verse reference. For legally binding matters, we strongly recommend getting scholar verification from a qualified Mufti/Alim.
What is wasiyyah and how is it handled?
Wasiyyah is a bequest (will) that the deceased leaves for non-heirs. Islamic law limits it to a maximum of 1/3 of the estate. Our calculator deducts wasiyyah (along with funeral expenses, debts, and unpaid mahr) before calculating heir shares from the remaining distributable estate.
What does scholar verification include?
A qualified Mufti/Alim reviews your case via a secure magic link, verifies or adjusts the auto-calculated shares (for special circumstances the algorithm may not handle), and uploads their signed & sealed letterpad document as verification. You're notified at each step via WhatsApp. The scholar may also request additional information if needed.
Does Faraid apply to Muslims in India?
Yes. The Muslim Personal Law (Shariat) Application Act of 1937 mandates that Islamic inheritance law applies to all Indian Muslims. This means Faraid rules govern the succession of a Muslim's estate in India, taking precedence over the Indian Succession Act of 1925 which applies to non-Muslims. Indian courts recognize and enforce Faraid-based inheritance distribution.
What is the difference between Faraid and the Indian Succession Act?
The Indian Succession Act (1925) provides general inheritance rules for non-Muslims in India, allowing free testamentary disposition (you can will your entire estate to anyone). Faraid, which governs Muslim succession, has key differences: (1) you cannot disinherit a Quran-prescribed heir, (2) bequests (wasiyyah) are limited to 1/3 and only to non-heirs, (3) shares are fixed by divine decree in the Quran, not by personal preference, and (4) there is no concept of a "legal heir certificate" being the sole determinant — the Quranic shares are the law.
What deductions are made before calculating Faraid shares?
Four categories are deducted from the estate before Faraid distribution, in this order: (1) Funeral expenses (kafan, burial costs), (2) Outstanding debts owed by the deceased, (3) Unpaid mahr (dower) owed to the wife, and (4) Wasiyyah (bequest to non-heirs, capped at 1/3 of the estate after the first three deductions). The remaining amount is the distributable estate on which heir shares are calculated.
What happens when there are no male heirs?
Female heirs still receive their Quranic fixed shares. For example, 2 daughters receive 2/3 and a mother receives 1/6. If no residuary (asabah) heir exists to absorb the remainder, the surplus is redistributed to non-spouse quota holders through Radd (proportional redistribution). Under Hanafi jurisprudence, spouses are excluded from Radd — any surplus after Radd goes to Bayt al-Mal (state treasury). In practice, Indian courts may distribute the remainder among existing heirs.
Can a Muslim make a will (wasiyyah)?
Yes, a Muslim can make a wasiyyah (bequest), but with two important restrictions: (1) it cannot exceed 1/3 of the estate after funeral expenses, debts, and unpaid mahr, and (2) it can only be directed to non-heirs — you cannot use a wasiyyah to give extra to an heir already prescribed by the Quran, unless the other heirs unanimously consent after the death. These restrictions ensure that Allah's prescribed inheritance shares are honored.
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