A simple guide to setting up your Islamic will

Writing an Islamic will is not just a legal responsibility. It is a religious duty and an act of amanah, a trust towards your family. Without one, your wealth may not be distributed according to Shariah, which can lead to disputes or unintended inheritance.

This guide walks you through the steps, so you can protect your family’s future the right way.

Step 1: Understand Islamic inheritance (Faraid)

Before writing your will, learn the basics of Faraid:

• Fixed shares for spouses, children and parents.
• Up to 1/3 can be given freely, to charity or to non-heirs.
• Sons usually inherit double the share of daughters.

Mistake to avoid: assuming UK law will follow Islamic rules. It will not, unless you set it out in a will.

Step 2: List your assets

Include everything you own:

• Property.
• Savings and investments.
• Business shares.
• Personal belongings.

Mistake to avoid: forgetting digital assets, such as online accounts and crypto.

Step 3: Choose your executors

Pick someone trustworthy to carry out your wishes, usually a family member or a solicitor who understands Islamic wills.

Mistake to avoid: appointing someone unfamiliar with Shariah, which can lead to errors.

Step 4: Write your will, Shariah-compliant and legally valid

Your will must:

• Follow Faraid for the mandatory heirs.
• Distribute the remaining 1/3 as you wish, to charity or gifts.
• Be witnessed and signed correctly, as UK law requires.

Mistake to avoid: using a generic template that does not comply with Islamic or UK law.

Step 5: Store it safely and update it when needed

Keep your will somewhere secure and update it after major life changes, such as marriage, a new child or buying property.

Mistake to avoid: writing a will once and forgetting about it.

Do not leave it to chance

The Prophet ﷺ said: “It is not permissible for any Muslim who has something to will to stay for two nights without having his will written down with him.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, 2738.)

Setting up an Islamic will is easier than you think, but getting it wrong can have serious consequences. Take the time to get it right, for your family and for your faith.