Islamic Wills
What is an Islamic Will?
An Islamic will is a legally binding document that stipulates to whom a person will be leaving their assets to after death. Drafting an Islamic Will is one of the most significant duties in the life of a Muslim person, regardless of where they live. An Islamic Will requires careful drafting so that is compliant with the law of England and Wales as well as in accordance with Shariah.
Is Islamic Nikah (marriage) taking place in the UK legally binding under current UK law?
In the UK, an Islamic Nikah (marriage) has specific implications for inheritance under UK law:
- Recognition of Nikah: For a Nikah to be legally recognised as a marriage in the UK, it must comply with the legal requirements of a civil marriage. This typically involves having a civil ceremony in addition to the religious ceremony. Without this, the marriage may not be recognised under UK law, affecting inheritance rights.
- Inheritance Rights: If the Nikah is not legally recognised, the surviving spouse may not have automatic inheritance rights under the intestacy rules, which apply when someone dies without a valid will. This could mean that the spouse might not inherit anything unless specified in a will. -Making a Will: To ensure that inheritance wishes are respected, it is advisable for individuals in an Islamic marriage to make a legally valid will. This can specify how the estate should be distributed, including any adherence to Islamic inheritance principles.
- Intestacy Rules: If there is no will and the marriage is not legally recognised, the estate will be distributed according to the intestacy rules, which may not align with Islamic inheritance principles. To ensure that both the marriage and inheritance wishes are legally recognised, it is advisable to either have a civil marriage and a will that reflects the desired distribution of the estate.
Islamic Inheritence Calculator
The calculator should be used for reference only. This calculation is based on the user’s input and solely for the information of users as a general guideline and are not meant to be a fatwa. It is advisable to verify your case with a qualified scholar.
Warning: This is a simplified calculation following Islamic inheritance rules. For legally binding Islamic will documentation, please consult with our experts.
Summary
Enter the details of surviving relatives and click "Calculate Inheritance" to see results
Frequently Asked Questions
