What is Faraid (فرائض)?▼
Faraid is the Islamic system of inheritance distribution prescribed in the Quran (Surah An-Nisa 4:11-12, 4:176). It specifies exact fractional shares for each heir — spouse, children, parents, siblings — ensuring a just and predetermined distribution of wealth. In Pakistan, it is legally enforceable under the Muslim Personal Law (Shariat) Application Act, 1962. The Prophet (ﷺ) said: "Learn the Faraid and teach them, for they are half of knowledge." (Ibn Majah 2736)
What is the wife's share in Islamic inheritance?▼
If the deceased husband has children (from any wife), the wife receives 1/8 (12.5%). If no children, she receives 1/4 (25%)
How are sons and daughters shares divided?▼
A son receives twice the share of a daughter (2:1 ratio). If only one daughter (no son) → she gets 1/2. If two or more daughters (no son) → they share 2/3 equally. Sons are residuary heirs (Asaba) — they get whatever remains after fixed shares. Reference: Quran Surah An-Nisa 4:11.
What share do parents get?▼
If the deceased has children: each parent gets 1/6. If no children: mother gets 1/3 (but 1/6 if deceased has 2+ siblings), and father gets the remainder. Reference: Quran Surah An-Nisa 4:11. Note: Father may also be a residuary heir (Asaba) if he inherits alongside children.
What is Aul (عول) and Radd (رد)?▼
Aul (عول): When fixed shares exceed the estate (sum > 1), all shares are reduced proportionally. Example: Wife (1/8) + 3 daughters (2/3) + parents (1/6 each) = 27/24 = 1.125 → each share is multiplied by 24/27. Radd (رد): When there's a surplus after fixed shares and no residuary heir exists, the surplus returns to the proportionate shares of the fixed-share heirs (except the surviving spouse). Reference: Sunan Abu Dawud 2892, consensus of jurists.
Does a will (Wasiyyah) override Quranic shares?▼
No. Under Islamic law and Pakistan's Shariat Act 1962, a will cannot override the fixed Quranic shares of legal heirs. A will (Wasiyyah) can only dispose of up to 1/3 of the estate to non-heirs. Bequests to legal heirs require consent of ALL other heirs. Reference: Quran 2:180-182, Sahih al-Bukhari 2712.
What is Kalalah (کلالہ)?▼
Kalalah refers to a person who dies without leaving a direct child (son or daughter) or a father. In this case, the inheritance rules differ — brothers and sisters may inherit. Reference: Quran Surah An-Nisa 4:176. This is one of the most complex areas of Islamic inheritance law.
Can daughters be excluded from inheritance in Pakistan?▼
No. Daughters have a clear Quranic right to inherit. Excluding daughters is legally invalid and can be challenged in court. Under the Muslim Family Laws Ordinance 1961 (Section 4), even orphaned grandchildren (whose parent died before the grandparent) have protected inheritance rights. Reference: Quran Surah An-Nisa 4:11.
