In Islamic law, the way a person’s estate is divided after their death is not left to chance. Instead, it follows a structured and divine system called Faraid, which forms the backbone of Islamic inheritance law. Faraid outlines exactly how a Muslim’s wealth and assets are to be distributed among their heirs, ensuring fairness and adhering to the will of Allah as outlined in the Quran.
What is Faraid?
Faraid is the Islamic system of inheritance, which governs how assets are divided after a Muslim’s death. It ensures that close family members such as children, spouses, parents, and siblings receive their rightful share. This distribution is not random but follows specific portions that have been prescribed by the Quran. The word “Faraid” itself means “fixed portions,” reflecting the fact that each heir’s share is set and cannot be altered without their consent.
The key idea behind Faraid is fairness and the protection of family ties. By setting clear rules, it prevents disputes and ensures that each family member receives what they are due, based on their relationship to the deceased.
The Quran’s Role in Faraid
The guidelines for Faraid are detailed in several verses of the Quran, particularly in Surah An-Nisaa (4:11), where Allah instructs on how to distribute wealth after death. Sons, for example, receive a share that is twice the size of what daughters receive, based on their roles and responsibilities in traditional Islamic family structures. Parents, spouses, and siblings are also included, with specific portions outlined for each.
Faraid is more than just a legal system—it’s a divine obligation that must be followed. By adhering to these rules, Muslims ensure that their wealth is distributed in a way that honors both their loved ones and the teachings of Islam.
Faraid and Modern Estate Planning
While Faraid plays a central role in dividing assets, there are other tools within Islamic law that allow Muslims to plan their estates in ways that complement Faraid. For instance, a Wasiat (Islamic will) can be used to allocate up to one-third of a person’s estate to non-Faraid beneficiaries, such as adopted children or non-Muslim relatives. This gives Muslims some flexibility in how their wealth is distributed while still respecting the core principles of Faraid.
Another tool, Hibah, allows Muslims to give gifts during their lifetime. These gifts can be made to anyone and are not bound by the rules of Faraid, providing another option for estate planning.
Why Faraid Matters
Understanding Faraid is crucial for any Muslim who wants to ensure their estate is handled in accordance with Islamic law. Not only does Faraid provide a clear and fair way to distribute wealth, but it also helps maintain harmony among surviving family members by removing ambiguity around inheritance.
For Muslims in Singapore, it’s important to know that Faraid is applied through the Syariah Court, which oversees the division of assets according to Islamic law. This ensures that the process is fair, transparent, and fully compliant with both Islamic and local legal frameworks.If you’re interested in learning more about how Faraid applies to your estate or need help planning your assets, consulting with a professional like Mohammed Shakirin at ADEL LAW LLC can provide the guidance you need.
