Distribution of Inheritance

QUESTION:

A man passed away and is survived by his wife, 2 brothers and 2 sisters. How should his estate be distributed?

ANSWER:

According to the Islamic law of succession, the estate will be dissolved in the following manner:

a) The burial expenses will be paid by the estate.
b) Any debts incurred by the deceased which still remain outstanding, will be settled.
c) Any bequests made by the deceased will be settled from 1/3 of the remainder. (i.e. the remainder after off–setting the debts and paying burial expenses).
d) The remainder will be distributed amongst the legal heirs according to the Quraan and Sunnah as calculated below:

WIFE: 6 shares (25%)
BROTHER 1: 6 shares (25%)
BROTHER 2: 6 shares (25%)
SISTER 1: 3 shares (12.5%)
SISTER 2: 3 shares (12.5%)
TOTAL: 24 shares (100%)

May Allah Ta’ala grant the Marhoom Jannatul Firdaus, Aameen!

ALLAH TA’ALA ALONE IN HIS INFINITE KNOWLEDGE KNOWS BEST!

ANSWERED BY:

Mufti Abdul Kader Fazlani

Date: 13 Safar 1448 / 28 July 2026

CHECKED AND APPROVED BY:

Mufti Yacoob Vally Saheb