Who Inherits a Deceased Man’s Estate With Sons and a Wife?

Answered by Shaykh Muhammad Carr

Question

How should a deceased man’s estate be distributed among his wife, two sons, mother, elder brother, and two married elder sisters?

Answer

In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate.

Thank you for reaching out and seeking clarification on this important matter. May Allah grant the deceased a high place in the Gardens of Bliss.

Allah (Most High) says,

“Allah solemnly enjoins you regarding your offspring.” [Quran 4:11]

The mother receives one-sixth (1/6) of the estate. The wife receives one-eighth (1/8). The two sons, as universal heirs, receive the remainder of the estate. The brothers and sisters do not qualify for inheritance in this case.

Distribution Certificate

You should obtain an official distribution certificate from your local Islamic judicial authority or scholar.

I pray this is of benefit and that Allah guides us all.
[Shaykh] Muhammad Carr
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Shaykh Muhammad Carr has dedicated his life to studying and transmitting our beautiful deen. His studies have taken him around the globe, where he has benefitted from many luminaries. Under the guidance of his teachers – Shaykh Taha Karan, Shaykh Yaseen Abbas, Shaykh Muadh Ali, and many others – Shaykh Muhammad has grown to appreciate the beauty and benefits of diverse scholarship. He completed his memorization of the Qur’an at Dar al-Ulum Zakariyyah in September 1997 and received an Alimiyya Degree in 2006 from DUAI (Darul Ulum al-Arabiyyah al-Islamiyyah). He is also affiliated with Masjid Auwal in Bo Kaap, Cape Town (the oldest mosque in South Africa), where he serves as a co-imam, and Dar Al-Safa, where he has taught since 2018. As a teacher, he imparts the wisdom of our heritage and tradition by opening the door to students. As an imam, he has the unique opportunity to serve his community in daily life.

In addition to his roles as a teacher and imam, Shaykh Muhammad Carr has contributed significantly to the administrative and advisory aspects of Islamic institutions. Since 2023, he has served as the Administrative Director at The Imam Kurani Institute, contributing to the institution’s growth and development. He continues to pursue traditional Islamic Sciences, possessing a keen interest in Islamic Contract Law and Finance. Shaykh Muhammad has been a Shari‘a Board Member for Islamic Asset Management & Insurance Companies since 2001, aligning financial practices with Islamic principles.