Many Muslims in the UK have two systems to consider when writing their will:

 

1. UK civil law (which governs probate and estate distribution).
2. Sharia inheritance rules (faraid), which are a religious obligation.

 

So what happens if the two clash?

 

How UK Civil Law Works

 

In the UK, your civil will is legally binding if it meets all formal requirements:

 

• Written and signed by you.
• Witnessed by two people.
• Clearly stating your wishes.

 

UK law respects freedom of testamentary disposition — meaning you can leave your estate to whomever you choose, regardless of religious rules.

 

How Sharia Inheritance Rules Work

 

In Islam, inheritance is not left to personal choice.

The Qur’an and Hadith lay out fixed shares (faraid) for certain relatives:

 

• Spouse
• Parents
• Children
• Siblings (in some cases)

 

Only up to one-third of your estate can be freely gifted to non-heirs or charity — the rest must be distributed according to these fixed shares.

 

When There’s a Conflict

 

If your civil will does not follow Sharia rules, here’s what can happen:

 

• Legally (UK courts): Your will is executed exactly as written, unless challenged.
• Islamically: Your estate may not be distributed correctly, meaning you haven’t fulfilled your religious obligation.

 

This means even if your will is valid in law, it could be invalid in terms of Sharia compliance.

 

Example

 

Ahmed writes a civil will leaving his entire estate to his wife.

 

• Under UK law: This is perfectly legal.
• Under Sharia: This is not valid — his wife is entitled to a fixed share, and other relatives (such as children or parents) also have rights.

 

Why It Matters

 

From an Islamic perspective, distribution of your estate is a command from Allah, not a personal choice.
If your civil will conflicts with Sharia, your family may face:

 

• Religious consequences (inheritance not distributed as commanded).
• Family disputes (especially between those following civil law vs Islamic principles).

 

How to Avoid the Conflict

 

Write an Islamic Will that:

 

1. Meets UK legal requirements.
   Incorporates Sharia faraid rules for Muslim beneficiaries.
2. Appoint executors who understand both legal and Islamic obligations.
3. Seek specialist drafting — ordinary will templates won’t automatically align with Islamic inheritance.

 

Final Thoughts

 

A UK will is your legal safeguard. A Sharia-compliant will is your religious safeguard. The smart choice is to have one document that satisfies both.

 

That way, your wishes are honoured in the eyes of the law — and in the sight of Allah.

 

We specialise in drafting wills that meet UK legal standards and comply with Sharia inheritance rules.
Protect your legacy in both worlds — start your Islamic will today.