Calculation guide
From net estate to each share
A sound calculation starts with verified facts. These examples are hypothetical and name every assumed heir.
Content reviewed: 27 October 20261. Establish the net estate
Identify verified assets and rights. Deduct necessary funeral expenses and debts, and apply valid bequests within their limits before distributing the remainder.
2. Identify heirs at death
List the spouse, children, parents and relevant relatives. Confirm who was alive at the time; not every relative necessarily inherits.
3. Assign prescribed shares
Apply each fixed share under its conditions, then consider any remainder and eligible residuary heirs. The hadith of Ibn Abbas gives this sequence.
4. Check the fractions
Use a common denominator and verify the total. If shares exceed the estate or a balance remains, further rules such as awl or return may apply.
Two simplified examples
Example 1: wife, son and daughter
A man dies leaving a net estate of 120,000 units. His only heirs in this example are one wife, one son and one daughter; neither parent nor anyone else survives.
| Wife | One eighth because there are children | 15,000 |
|---|---|---|
| Balance for children | 120,000 − 15,000 | 105,000 |
| Son | Two of three units of the balance | 70,000 |
| Daughter | One of three units of the balance | 35,000 |
Check: 15,000 + 70,000 + 35,000 = 120,000.
Example 2: husband, son and daughter
A woman dies leaving a net estate of 120,000 units. Her only heirs in this example are her husband, one son and one daughter; neither parent nor anyone else survives.
| Husband | One quarter because there are children | 30,000 |
|---|---|---|
| Balance for children | 120,000 − 30,000 | 90,000 |
| Son | Two of three units of the balance | 60,000 |
| Daughter | One of three units of the balance | 30,000 |
Check: 30,000 + 60,000 + 30,000 = 120,000.