Writing an Islamic will is one of the most important and neglected duties for Muslims living in the UK. It is not just about passing on your wealth — it is about fulfilling your responsibility to your family, your community, and your Lord.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
“It is not permissible for any Muslim who has something to will to stay for two nights without having his last will and testament written and kept ready with him.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari, 2738)
In the UK, if you die without a will, your estate will be distributed by British law — not by Islamic law. This means your wealth may go to people in ways that do not reflect your beliefs.
This guide will help you understand what makes a will Shariah-compliant and how to create one that is also valid under UK law.
Why You Need an Islamic Will in the UK
Without a valid will:
- The UK government decides who inherits your assets
- Islamic shares may not be honoured
- Your non-Muslim family members may inherit by default
- Your funeral wishes may not be respected
- Your minor children may be placed under care without Islamic oversight
A Shariah-compliant will solves all of this while remaining fully legal in the UK. It allows you to:
- Choose an executor who understands your values
- Allocate up to one third of your estate as a bequest
- Distribute the rest according to Qur’anic shares
- Appoint a guardian for your children
- Record your burial and funeral wishes
What Makes a Will Shariah-Compliant?
A valid Islamic will includes:
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Wasiyyah (Bequest) | Up to one third of your estate can be gifted to anyone not entitled to a fixed share (like charity, friends, or reverts) |
| Faraid (Fixed shares) | The remaining two thirds are distributed to family members according to Islamic law |
| Executor (Wasi) | A person you trust who will manage and carry out your will |
| Witnesses | At least two adult witnesses must sign the will for it to be valid |
| Guardianship | Naming who will look after your children if they are under 18 |
| Funeral Instructions | Your wishes for burial, janazah, ghusl, and related rites |
Step-by-Step: How to Create a Shariah-Compliant Will
Step 1
List all your assets. Include:
- Property
- Cash and savings
- Business shares
- Investments
- Jewellery
- Life insurance payouts
- Pensions
Step 2
List your debts and liabilities:
- Mortgages
- Credit cards
- Personal loans
- Unpaid zakat or missed fasts (fidya)
These must be paid first from your estate before anything is distributed.
Step 3
Choose your executor. This should be someone trustworthy, ideally a practising Muslim who understands your Islamic wishes.
Step 4
Decide if you want to make a bequest. You can allocate up to one third of your estate to:
- Charities
- A masjid
- A convert family member
- A friend in need
Fixed heirs (like your spouse, parents, and children) cannot receive from this one third.
Step 5
List your fixed heirs and calculate their Islamic shares using a simple Faraid tool. Some basic examples are given below.
Step 6
Add instructions for your funeral, burial, and janazah. Be specific if you have particular requests.
Step 7
Sign the will in front of two adult witnesses. They should not be beneficiaries.
Simple Example: Faraid Distribution
If a Muslim man dies leaving:
- A wife
- Two sons
- One daughter
- No surviving parents
The estate is divided as follows:
| Heir | Share | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Wife | One eighth | Fixed share for spouse |
| Sons and Daughter | Remainder | Sons receive twice the share of a daughter |
So the remaining estate is divided into five parts:
- Two parts for each son
- One part for the daughter
These shares are based on Islamic rules and must be applied after debts and the optional one-third bequest.
What About Non-Muslim Relatives?
According to the majority of scholars, non-Muslim relatives do not inherit under Shariah law. However, you can still gift them something using your one-third bequest.
This can be a useful way to maintain ties while staying within Islamic guidelines.
Can I Include Charities?
Yes. Your will is an ideal place to create a Sadaqah Jariyah legacy. You can give to:
- Islamic schools
- Qur’an printing projects
- Wells or orphan sponsorships
- Your local mosque
You can also set up a Waqf (endowment) in your name or in memory of loved ones.
Tools to Help You
Until the Halaal Will Builder is live, we recommend these trusted services:
👉 Islamic Finance Guru – Islamic Will Service
👉 National Wills Register – UK Will Writing Guidance
Note: Always review or customise their templates to ensure they reflect your exact Islamic preferences.
Final Checklist
- Listed all assets and debts
- Appointed an executor (wasi)
- Allocated optional one third for bequests
- Applied Islamic shares to remaining estate
- Appointed guardians for children
- Written funeral and burial instructions
- Signed in front of two witnesses
- Stored safely and shared with a trusted person
Islamic Quote to Reflect On
“A man may do good deeds for seventy years, but if he acts unjustly in his will, the evil of his deed will be sealed upon him and he will enter the Fire.”
(Sunan Ibn Majah, 2704)
Writing your Islamic will is not just a legal task. It is part of your legacy, your final act of faith, and your last duty to your loved ones.