A complete guide to the Islamic estate distribution system — obligations before distribution, types of heirs, calculation methods, and the role SmartFaraid plays in helping your family. Click any heading below to jump straight to the section you need.
Introduction
When a Muslim passes away, the estate they leave behind cannot simply be distributed according to personal wishes. Allah SWT has established a fair distribution system through the law of Faraid — each heir receives a share that has been set out in the Quran.
This system ensures no heir is disadvantaged, and the estate is distributed fairly based on responsibility and family ties between the deceased and their heirs.
This guide walks you through the entire process — from the mandatory steps before calculation, to the method of precisely determining each heir's share.
Tonton Video — Why Is Faraid Important?
Priority
The net estate eligible for Faraid is only calculated after all the following obligations are settled in order of priority. Heirs are only entitled to the balance after all these deductions are made.
Expenses for washing, shrouding and burying the deceased are taken first, at a reasonable amount — neither excessive nor too little.
All debts must be settled before distribution:
Property jointly acquired by husband and wife during the marriage. The living spouse's share is separated first — this is not part of the estate, but the spouse's own property.
The deceased may bequeath up to 1/3 of the net estate to a specific party — subject to the condition that a bequest cannot be made to a Faraid heir without the consent of all heirs.
Categories of Heirs
Heirs in Islam are divided into two main categories based on the type of right they receive.
Heirs who receive a fixed share as stated in the Quran. Their share does not change except in certain circumstances.
| Heir | Condition | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Suami | No children | 1/2 |
| Suami | Has children | 1/4 |
| Isteri | No children | 1/4 |
| Isteri | Has children | 1/8 |
| Ibu | Has children / 2+ siblings | 1/6 |
| Ibu | No children, <2 siblings | 1/3 |
| Bapa | Has sons | 1/6 |
| Daughter | One, no sons | 1/2 |
| Daughter | 2+, no sons | 2/3 |
Asabah heirs receive the remaining estate after fixed-share heirs have taken their portions. If there is no residue, they receive nothing.
| Heir | Note |
|---|---|
| Son | Asabah bi nafsihi. With daughters, ratio 2:1 |
| Bapa | Becomes Asabah if there are no sons |
| Grandfather | If there is no father |
| Full brother | If there are no children and no father |
| Baitulmal (State Treasury) | If there are no direct heirs |
Note: Sons and daughters together are counted as Asabah — a son's share is double a daughter's share (2:1 ratio).
Method
Below is the correct order for calculating Faraid — from determining the net estate to distribution among heirs.
Deduct funeral management costs, debts, jointly acquired property and bequests from the gross estate.
List all living heirs and confirm their relationship to the deceased.
Give Ashab al-Furud heirs their fixed shares according to the Faraid schedule.
If the total exceeds 1, reduce shares proportionally (Aul).
The residue after fixed shares is distributed to Asabah heirs.
If there are no direct heirs, the estate is handed over to the state Baitulmal.
Aul occurs when the total of all heirs' fixed shares exceeds the value of the available estate. For example, if the total shares amount to 13/12, each heir will receive their share based on a denominator of 13 instead of 12.
This way, every heir still receives their share — just at a proportionally smaller rate. The principle of Aul ensures fairness is maintained even when the estate is limited.
Our Service
SmartFaraid is a Faraid preparation and planning service that helps Muslim families identify eligible heirs and understand the estimated share of each heir based on Faraid principles.
This service covers gathering family information, organising assets and liabilities, identifying heirs, and preparing an early overview of the estate distribution.
SmartFaraid helps you understand:
Tonton Video — What Is SmartFaraid?
Benefits
Reduce confusion and simplify preparation for your family's peace of mind.
Helps families know who is eligible to receive the estate according to actual Faraid law.
Provides an early picture of each heir's estimated share according to Faraid principles.
Helps compile information on assets, financing, debts and liabilities in an organised and thorough manner.
Helps family members understand the estate's position and the next steps to take.
Risks
Families may be exposed to the following problems:
Clearer preparation helps estate matters begin more smoothly and reduces the burden borne by heirs.
How It Works
This process is carried out in 4 easy steps, from submitting information to receiving the complete summary.
Share your family, asset, debt and liability information.
Information will be reviewed to identify heirs and the estate's position.
An estimated Faraid distribution is prepared based on the information provided.
Receive a complete, organised summary of heirs, assets, liabilities and estate distribution.
Target Audience
Suitable for Muslim individuals and families who need clarity about their estate. Click each heading to learn more.
Preparation
Prepare the following documents before starting your SmartFaraid process.
MyKad of the estate owner or deceased, and the relevant heirs.
Marriage certificate, birth certificate and documents proving family relationships.
Information on property, bank accounts, investments, vehicles or businesses.
Information on financing, loans, debts and related liabilities.
A complete document checklist will be provided based on your family's circumstances and the type of assets you have.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to frequently asked questions.
Enter heir information and estate value — get an instant estimated distribution.
