Free Islamic Inheritance Calculator: Calculate Shares According to the Qur’an & Sunnah

When a soul returns to its Creator, those left behind are entrusted with a final and profound duty: the just distribution of the deceased’s estate. This is not a matter of human preference or cultural tradition; it is a sacred trust (amanah) and a direct command from Allah (SWT). Indeed, Allah reminds us:

"Indeed, Allah commands you to render trusts to whom they are due..." (Qur'an 4:58).

The branch of Islamic jurisprudence that governs this duty is known as ‘Ilm al-Fara’id (The Knowledge of the Fixed Shares), a science the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) called “half of knowledge.” This Islamic Inheritance Calculator has been developed as a guide to help you navigate this sacred responsibility with precision, clarity, and unwavering adherence to the divine law.

The Unalterable Command of Allah

Unlike many other matters, Allah (SWT) detailed the division of wealth with meticulous precision Himself, primarily in Surah An-Nisa, verses 11, 12, and 176. These are not mere guidelines; they are Hudud Allah—the sacred limits set by Allah. To neglect or alter them is a grave matter, warned against in the strongest terms. To uphold them is a path to eternal reward.

“These are the limits [set by] Allah, and whoever obeys Allah and His Messenger will be admitted by Him to gardens [in Paradise] under which rivers flow… And whoever disobeys Allah and His Messenger and transgresses His limits – He will put him into the Fire to abide eternally therein, and he will have a humiliating punishment.” (Qur’an 4:13-14)

The immense importance of this knowledge was constantly emphasized by the Prophet (ﷺ), who urged the believers to master it:

“Learn the Fara’id and teach it, for I am a man who will be taken away, and knowledge will be taken away, and tribulations will appear until two people will disagree concerning an inheritance matter and will not find anyone to judge between them.” (Narrated by Al-Hakim, authenticated by Al-Albani)

Before Calculation: The Three Preliminaries

Before a single dollar from the estate can be distributed to the heirs, three obligations must be met in the following order. The Qur’an consistently qualifies the distribution of shares with the phrase: “…after any bequest which was made or debt.” (Qur’an 4:11).

1. Funeral Expenses: The costs for a modest, Islamically-compliant funeral and burial are the first charge against the estate.
2. Debts: All outstanding debts of the deceased must be settled. This includes debts to people as well as debts to Allah (e.g., unpaid Zakat or unfulfilled kaffarah).
3. Bequest (Wasiyyah): The deceased may have left a bequest to a non-heir (e.g., a friend, a charity, or a distant relative). This is valid only under two conditions established by the Sunnah:
   • It cannot exceed one-third (1/3) of the remaining estate. (Hadith of Sa’d ibn Abi Waqqas, Sahih al-Bukhari).
   • It cannot be given to anyone who is already a designated heir in the Qur’an. The Prophet (ﷺ) said: “Allah has given every rightful heir their right, so there is no bequest for an heir.” (Narrated by At-Tirmidhi).

The final net estate value, after these three steps, is the amount you will use in the calculator.

How to Use the Calculator: A Step-by-Step Guide

This calculator simplifies the complex rules into a clear process. For the most accurate results, follow these steps.

Before You Begin, Gather This Information:

• The Net Estate Value: This is the final amount after paying all the deceased’s debts, funeral costs, and any valid bequests (Wasiyyah) to non-heirs.
• A Definitive List of Living Heirs: You must have a complete list of all relatives who were alive at the moment the person passed away.

Step 1: Enter Estate and Deceased Details

In the first section, input the final, net value of the estate. Then, select the gender of the deceased, which is essential for determining the correct spousal heirs.

Step 2: Carefully Identify All Surviving Heirs

Go through each category in the form and enter the correct number of living relatives. Be precise. A single heir’s presence can change the entire distribution.

• Spouse(s) & Direct Ascendants: Is the husband alive? How many wives? Are the father and mother alive?
• Grandparents: Note any living grandparents. Remember, they are often blocked by closer relatives.
• Descendants: Enter the number of sons and daughters. This is the most common and impactful group of heirs. Also include any children of a predeceased son (grandsons and granddaughters).
• Siblings & Collaterals: Account for all types of siblings (full, paternal, uterine), as well as nephews and paternal uncles.

Step 3: Calculate and Analyze the Results

Click the “Calculate Distribution” button. The results table provides a complete breakdown:

• Heir: The relative and the number present.
• Status & Share: Shows their role—whether they receive a fixed share (like 1/8), the remainder as a residuary (‘Asabah), or if they are blocked (Hajb).
• Dalīl (Evidence): Your source of confidence. Click here to read the specific Qur’anic verse or Hadith that governs that share.
• Amount: The final sum each heir is entitled to receive.

Example Calculation: A Deeper Look

Let’s explore a scenario that highlights the important Islamic inheritance principle of ‘Awl (Reduction).

Scenario: A woman passes away, leaving a net estate of $480,000. Her surviving heirs are:

• Her husband
• Her father
• Her mother
• One daughter

Using the Calculator:

You would enter $480,000 as the estate value, select “Female” for the deceased’s gender, and input yes for the husband, father, mother, and 1 for daughter, leaving all other fields at zero.

The Correct Results:

Calculation Breakdown:

This case beautifully illustrates how the system handles a situation where the fixed shares exceed the total estate.

1. Assign Fixed Shares (Ashab al-Furud):
   • Husband: Normally receives 1/2, but because the deceased has a descendant (the daughter), his share is reduced to 1/4. (Qur’an 4:12)
   • Daughter: As there is only one daughter and no sons, she receives her fixed share of 1/2. (Qur’an 4:11)
   • Mother: Normally would receive 1/3, but because the deceased has a descendant, her share is reduced to 1/6. (Qur’an 4:11)
   • Father: Because the deceased has a descendant, the father is assigned his fixed share of 1/6. (Qur’an 4:11)
2. Check the Total Shares:
   • Let’s sum the shares using a common denominator of 12: 1/4+1/2+1/6+1/6
   • This is equal to: 3/12+6/12+2/12+2/12=13/12
3. Apply the Principle of ‘Awl (Reduction):
   • The total shares (13/12) are greater than the estate (12/12). This is a case of ‘Awl.
   • The calculator automatically adjusts the base of the division from 12 to 13. The estate is now divided into 13 parts, and each heir receives their original portion of this new total.
   • Husband’s Adjusted Share: 3/13 of the estate = $110,769.23
   • Daughter’s Adjusted Share: 6/13 of the estate = $221,538.46
   • Mother’s Adjusted Share: 2/13 of the estate = $73,846.15
   • Father’s Adjusted Share: 2/13 of the estate = $73,846.15

The calculator performs this adjustment seamlessly, ensuring the entire estate is distributed proportionally and justly according to this established principle.

The Primary Heirs & Their Divinely Ordained Shares

This reference guide summarizes the shares of the core heirs (Ashab al-Furud) as detailed in the Qur’an and Sunnah.

Shares of the Husband & Wife

Shares of the Father & Mother

Shares of Descendants (Children & Grandchildren)

Understanding Key Inheritance Terms

• Al-Fara’id (The Fixed Shares): The six specific shares (1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 2/3, 1/3, 1/6) explicitly ordained by Allah.
• ‘Asabah (Residuaries): Heirs, primarily male, who inherit the remainder after Fara’id heirs receive their shares.
• Hajb (Blocking/Exclusion): The principle where a closer heir blocks a more distant heir (e.g., a son blocks a brother).
• Kalalah: A person who dies leaving no descendants and no ascendants (parents).
• ‘Awl (Reduction): When fixed shares add up to more than the total estate, all shares are proportionally reduced.
• Radd (Return): If fixed shares are distributed and there is a remainder but no ‘Asabah, the surplus is returned proportionally to the Fara’id heirs (excluding the spouse).

A Final Word of Counsel

This calculator is a robust educational tool designed to bring clarity to the commands of Allah. However, it is not a substitute for a formal legal ruling (fatwā). Real-world inheritance cases can have unique complexities that require the careful review of a qualified person of knowledge.

We encourage you to use this tool as a foundation and to seek final confirmation from a trustworthy local scholar. By doing so, you ensure that this great trust is fulfilled with the utmost justice and precision.

May Allah (SWT) grant us the wisdom to honor His limits and the integrity to fulfill our sacred duties.