Islamic Law of Inheritance (Mirath)

The legal process of administering and distributing the assets of a deceased Muslim according to Islamic law.

A system where only the eldest son inherits the entire or majority of the father's property.

Rules that guide how property is inherited and distributed.

A fixed share designated for each legal heir in Islamic inheritance law.

A broader term encompassing the principles of inheritance in Islam, including the science of Al-Faraidh.

In pre-Islamic Arabian society, inheritance was determined by blood relationships, with emphasis on military strength and contributions to the clan. Only those who could fight and defend were deemed eligible to inherit, excluding women, children, and the physically weak.

The practice of adoption (Tabanni) in pre-Islamic Arabia established an inheritance right between the adopter and the adopted, regardless of blood ties. It was viewed as a way to create a familial bond and inheritance rights.

The system of inheritance in pre-Islamic Arabia was often based on contracts or agreements between individuals, allowing strangers to inherit property if mutually agreed upon. It was a system outside the traditional bloodline-based inheritance.

Pre-Islamic Arabian inheritance laws frequently disadvantaged women, denying them any share in inheritance. They were often viewed as part of the deceased's property, reinforcing patriarchal societal norms.

In pre-Islamic Arabia, the prevailing inheritance principle was based on physical strength and martial ability, excluding individuals deemed weak or incapable of contributing to the clan's defense, including women, children, and the infirm.

Islamic inheritance law ensures that a deceased person's property is distributed justly among their rightful heirs. This includes relatives, spouses, and other qualified claimants.

The Islamic legal system emphasizes equality and fairness in inheritance. Each heir receives a specific proportion of the estate based on their relationship to the deceased.

In Islamic inheritance law, the estate is divided amongst four main beneficiaries: funeral expenses, debts, bequests, and the heirs.

These expenses cover the cost of preparing the deceased for burial, including washing, shrouding, transportation, and burial.

In Islamic inheritance law, debts incurred by the deceased are considered a priority and are settled before distributing the remaining estate to the heirs.

A will in Islamic inheritance law allows the deceased to designate specific portions of their estate for certain beneficiaries.

In Islamic inheritance law, heirs are categorized into three groups: 'Ashab al-furud' (relatives with fixed shares), 'Asabat' (male relatives), and 'Dhawu al-Arham' (distant kin).

Islamic inheritance law considers relationships based on blood, marriage, and clientage (Wala) when determining the distribution of an estate. This system prioritizes family ties and fairness.

To inherit, the heir must be alive at the time of the deceased's death. Even if the heir passes away before receiving their share, the inheritance still belongs to them.

The heir must be a legitimate relative of the deceased, meaning they have a legally recognized relationship.

The assets being inherited must belong legally to the deceased. This is often proven through documentation like a will or property deeds.

A person who inherits all or part of a deceased person's property.

The share of the inheritance an heir receives depends on their relationship to the deceased and the presence of other heirs.

There are 25 total heirs, 15 male and 10 female, with specific categories for each.

A male heir who is related to the deceased through the father's side of the family.