Specialised legal consultations on Islamic wills, Faraid shares, one-third bequest, guardianship, and estate planning for Muslims in the United Arab Emirates.
"Organising an Islamic estate is not just a legal matter — it is a responsibility to protect your family and the rights of your heirs."
Islamic Sharia rules apply to personal status matters for Muslims in accordance with the laws and regulations of the United Arab Emirates. These rules organise the distribution of estates and the shares of each heir through the Faraid system.
Understanding these provisions helps in organising the estate, protecting the rights of heirs, and avoiding future complications. Legal advice is recommended to identify the available options in each case.
Legal Note: Faraid rules apply to Muslim estates in accordance with the laws and procedures applicable in the UAE. Specialised legal advice is recommended to understand the options available in each case.
What you can do: Bequeath up to one-third to non-heirs, determine debt repayment priorities, appoint a guardian for minors, and organise the charitable aspect of your estate.
Personal Status Law and related regulations
Muslim Inheritance and FaraidCivil Transactions and related property laws
Real Estate and Civil EstatesDIFC and ADGM Will Systems
Options for Non-MuslimsRecent Laws and Regulations
Estate Planning and Family MattersThe following table provides simplified illustrative examples of Faraid shares. Final shares may differ depending on the number of heirs, residuary heirs (Asaba), debts, bequests, and the specific circumstances of each case.
| Heir | Condition | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Wife / Wives | With children | One-eighth (1/8) |
| Wife / Wives | Without children | One-quarter (1/4) |
| Husband | With children | One-quarter (1/4) |
| Husband | Without children | One-half (1/2) |
| Sole daughter | Without brother | One-half (1/2) |
| Two or more daughters | Without brother | Two-thirds (2/3) |
| Mother | With children | One-sixth (1/6) |
| Father | With son | One-sixth (1/6) |
| Paternal grandfather | Without father | May inherit one-sixth or more depending on heirs |
| Grandmother | Without mother | One-sixth (1/6) |
Residuary Heirs (Asaba): After distributing primary shares, the remainder passes to the Asaba — the nearest male relatives. Their order is determined according to Faraid rules and the specific circumstances of each case.
Exclusion (Hajb): Some heirs may be fully or partially excluded by the presence of closer heirs. For example, a grandmother does not inherit when the mother is alive.
Important Legal Note: The shares above are simplified illustrative examples of Islamic Faraid rules. Final shares may differ based on the number of heirs, debts, bequests, and the specific circumstances of each case. Specialised legal advice is recommended for every estate.
Bequeathing to persons who are not legal heirs, such as friends or distant relatives, up to one-third of the estate.
Bequeathing to mosques, schools, charitable organisations, or establishing an Islamic Waqf, not exceeding one-third.
Specifying priorities and sources for debt repayment to ease the burden on heirs.
Choosing a trusted person to care for minor children and manage their finances until they come of age.
A bequest to a legal heir is not valid unless approved by the other heirs after death.
Any bequest exceeding one-third of the estate to non-heirs is subject to applicable Sharia and legal rules.
Faraid shares apply in accordance with the applicable laws and regulations in the UAE.
Faraid shares apply in accordance with Islamic inheritance rules and the laws applicable in the UAE.
Guardianship and custody matters are subject to court discretion based on the best interests of the child and applicable laws in the UAE. Prior arrangement of guardianship within a suitable will helps clarify the family's wishes.
Legal guardianship matters are organised in accordance with the laws and judicial procedures applicable in the UAE. Consulting a specialist is recommended to identify the appropriate arrangements for each case.
Properties and related procedures are subject to UAE laws and regulations, and some transactions may require legal or judicial approvals depending on the estate's circumstances.
Bank accounts may be temporarily frozen after death pending the legal procedures related to the estate. Prior planning may help facilitate the process and reduce future complications.
Inheritance bars are subject to Sharia rules and the laws and procedures applicable in the UAE. Specialised legal advice is recommended for specific details in each case.
Separate wills or documents for each country are recommended. Coordination with specialised legal parties may be needed to ensure appropriate arrangements for each jurisdiction.
Speak with our legal team to organise your Muslim will in accordance with Sharia and UAE law.
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