Estate with No Muslim Heirs
Ustadh Farid Dingle advises on how to apportion one’s estate and designate one’s heirs when one is the only Muslim in the family.
Question:
Assalam alaykum wa rahmat Allah wa barakatuh.
I am the only Muslim in my family, as I am a convert. My immediate family have passed away including my brother. My brother had a daughter, but she said that she does not believe in God. I have learnt that it is important to leave a will and was wondering who I can leave my estate to if I die?
Many thanks.
Answer:
Wa alaykum assalam wa rahmat Allah wa barakatuh.
You should just leave your estate to a good and reliable Muslim charity that benefits Muslims. That is what is supposed to happen in Muslim countries: when someone dies without any heirs, the money goes to the Muslim common fund for the general benefit of society. If that doesn’t exist, as is the case in question, then as long as it goes to the benefit of some Muslims somewhere then it is acceptable.
You may also put in your will that it goes to any friend or family member, even if they are not Muslim, such as your niece. However it can only one third of your total heritage. If you have this recorded legally, you should make sure it says that.
I pray Allah grant all of your family and friends faith in Him and His Messenger. Amin.
Farid
Checked and approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani.
