Islamic Inheritance Calculator (Mirath)

Understanding Islamic Inheritance (Mirath)

Islamic inheritance law, also known as Mirath or Fara'id, is a comprehensive system for the distribution of a deceased person's assets among their heirs. These laws are derived directly from the Quran and Sunnah, making them an important religious obligation for Muslims to follow.

The Importance of Islamic Inheritance

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized the importance of following Islamic inheritance laws, stating: "Learn about the inheritance laws and teach them, for they are half of knowledge, and it will be forgotten, and it is the first thing that will be taken away from my community." (Ibn Majah, Daraqutni)

Basic Principles of Islamic Inheritance

Islamic inheritance follows several key principles:

• The estate is distributed after paying funeral expenses, debts, and bequests (up to 1/3 of the estate)
• Fixed shares are allocated to primary heirs as specified in the Quran
• Remaining portions are distributed to residuary heirs (Asaba)
• Male heirs generally receive twice the share of female heirs in the same class
• The presence of certain heirs can block others from inheriting

Primary Heirs and Their Shares

The Quran specifies fixed shares for certain heirs:

• Husband: 1/2 if no children or grandchildren; 1/4 if children or grandchildren exist
• Wife: 1/4 if no children or grandchildren; 1/8 if children or grandchildren exist
• Father: 1/6 plus residuary if no sons; 1/6 if sons exist
• Mother: 1/3 if no children, grandchildren or siblings; 1/6 if children, grandchildren or multiple siblings exist
• Daughter: 1/2 if only one and no sons; 2/3 collectively if multiple daughters and no sons
• Son: Residuary, with male receiving twice the share of female siblings

How to Use This Calculator

To use this Islamic Inheritance Calculator:

1. Enter the total estate value after deducting debts, funeral expenses, and bequests
2. Select the deceased's gender
3. Add all surviving heirs by selecting their relationship to the deceased
4. For each heir, provide the required information (gender, number)
5. Click "Calculate Inheritance" to see the detailed distribution

Important Considerations

While this calculator provides a general distribution according to Islamic principles, several factors may affect the final distribution:

• Different schools of Islamic jurisprudence (madhabs) may have slightly different interpretations
• Local laws in your country may affect how inheritance is distributed
• Complex cases should be reviewed by a qualified Islamic scholar or expert in inheritance law
• This calculator assumes all heirs are Muslim (different rules apply for non-Muslim heirs)

Seeking Professional Guidance

While this calculator provides a valuable starting point, it's recommended to consult with a qualified Islamic scholar or expert in Islamic inheritance law for complex cases or to ensure compliance with both religious obligations and local laws.