If you’re a Muslim with wealth, knowing that Sharia obligates you to write a will is essential. However, it’s not enough to write a conventional will – it must be Sharia-compliant to ensure your assets will be distributed according to Islamic principles.

Islamic will has specific rules regarding what to include and who is entitled to what portion of the estate (chapter 4: Surah an-Nisa). The key difference between non-Islamic and Islamic wills is that Islam outlines the components of a Muslim’s will, giving them the power to decide their funeral arrangements, appoint executors, guardians, and make provisions for their children, specify the charities they want to support, and determine who receives what from their estate.

In an Islamic Will, at least two-thirds of a Muslim’s estate must be distributed among surviving relatives. You can bequeath one-third to anyone not entitled to a fixed share, such as a charity. In addition, some inheritance rules according to Sharia law are predetermined, such as how much a husband, wife, daughter, son, father, and mother should inherit.

British Muslims must create a will that explicitly sets out what they want to happen in great detail. Otherwise, domestic laws will not follow Islamic legislation without a will. An Islamic will distribute assets in fixed shares, not allowing a Muslim to benefit from inheritance tax advantages fully. However, an Islamic will with a life interest may provide more tax benefits.

Our Islamic wills and probate solicitors provide professional advice on tax liability, trust planning, and utilising available reliefs. With our support, you can be confident that your will is Sharia-compliant and legally binding, ensuring that your wishes are carried out according to Islamic principles and UK law. In Islamic Wills and Probate, we deal with: