According to the rules defined in the holy Quran, following is a quick and easy tool to calculate what would be the approximate share of each family member in the deceased’s inheritance.
Developer of this inheritance calculation tool does not claim either to be a Shaykh or a Mufti. He/she is a student of knowledge learning from different Shuyookh. He/she has learned the Fiqh of Inheritance directly from Shaykh Waleed & read the books recommended by the Shaykh.
The developer claims to have referred to the following two books in developing this calculator:
1) Inheritance – Regulations & Exhortations (Muhammad Al-Jibaly) (AlKitab & AsSunnah)
2) The Islamic Law of Succession (Dr. A. Hussain) (DarUsSalam)
This calculator should be used for reference only. It is best if you can verify your case with a qualified Mufti. The results by this calculator are not meant to be a fatwa.
Write a Will
To avoid confusion, complications, disputes and legal/governmental costs, it is always advisable to write a will when one is alive and is of sane mind. It is also a good practice to periodically review and update the will to ensure its accuracy.
Wills can be a very elaborate and complicated documents for very wealthy and big families and should be prepared in consultation with legal professionals. However, for majority of people it is a simple document and one can prepare the same him/herself. Technically a will does not require any notary public or any lawyer and/or even a legal paper. As long as the will has all mandatory contents and necessary information and is duly signed, be it on a simple sheet of paper, handwritten or printed, it is fully legal document acceptable to even a court of law.
Necessary contents of a will:
- Name and address of the owner of the will (information that helps in uniquely identifying the individual)
- His/her terminal wishes and/or preferences (if any)
- Instructions on distribution of his/her assets/estate
- Name and contact information of executioner(s) of the will
- Names and contact information of two witnesses with their signatures
- Signature of the owner of the will
Advice: Write you will TODAY no matter how simple and informal it is. Remember, if the time permits it can always be consulted with a legal professional and improved, but not having a will at all may have some serious consequences and may create deep long lasting family disputes.
To start with, the following generic template of the will can be used.