Why Is It Important To Make an Islamic Bequest and Will in the UK

Why an Islamic Will matters

Making a Will is both a spiritual responsibility and a practical necessity. The Qur'an provides explicit guidance about inheritance and bequests; believers are encouraged to plan their affairs so that after debts and funeral expenses are paid, assets are distributed fairly and in accordance with Divine guidance.

Key guidance referenced:
  • Surah An‑Nisa (4:11–14) — prescribes fixed shares for heirs (parents, spouse, children, siblings).
  • Surah Al‑Baqarah (2:180) — commands the believer to make a bequest for near relatives in fairness.
  • Surah An‑Nisa (4:176) — further guidance on inheritance where fixed shares apply.

An Islamic (Sharia‑compliant) Will helps you:

  • Ensure the estate is distributed according to Islamic principles (fixed shares for heirs where applicable).
  • Use part of your estate for discretionary bequests (for example relatives who do not receive a fixed share)  where desired.
  • Name guardians for minor children and give clear funeral wishes to avoid family disputes.

What happens in the UK if you die without an Islamic Will?

If you die without a valid Will (this is called intestacy), your estate will be distributed under UK intestacy rules — not Islamic law. Those rules set a statutory order of who inherits and the shares they receive.  Sura Nisa verses 13 and 14  gives specific guidance from Allah (swt) regarding the limits of inheritance and distribution and that failure to comply results in a humiliating punishment and hell fire. 

Practical consequences if you die  in the UK without an Islamic Will

  • Your property and money may be divided in ways that conflict with Islamic inheritance rules.
  • Spouses, children, parents and other relatives receive shares set by statute — non‑heirs you wished to benefit (including unmarried partners under English Law) may receive nothing.
  • Unmarried partners or religiously‑recognised but not legally registered spouses may be excluded entirely.
  • In the absence of qualifying relatives the estate can pass to the Crown (bona vacantia).
Important: UK intestacy law is a secular legal framework. If following Islamic inheritance is important to you, a valid, properly witnessed Will is the way to ensure your wishes are respected.

Disclaimer

This page provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice. For binding legal advice about Wills, probate and estate planning in the UK, consult a solicitor or qualified legal adviser.