If you die without a will (intestate) in the UK, your assets will be distributed according to UK intestacy laws, not Islamic principles. This typically means:

• Your spouse will receive the first £270,000 plus half the remainder
• Your children will divide the other half equally, regardless of gender
• If you have no children, your spouse receives everything
• Your parents, siblings and other relatives may receive nothing

This distribution fundamentally contradicts Islamic inheritance laws, where spouses, children, parents, and other relatives each receive specific shares. By creating an Islamic will, you ensure your estate is distributed according to Allah's laws rather than UK default rules.

While Islamic law generally prohibits inheritance between Muslims and non-Muslims, you can include non-Muslim relatives or friends in your will using the discretionary one-third portion. According to Islamic principles:

• Non-Muslim relatives cannot receive from the fixed shares (the mandatory two-thirds)
• You can allocate up to one-third of your estate as gifts (wasiyyah) to any person or organization
• This discretionary third can be given to non-Muslim family members, friends, or charities

At GPOD Wealth, we can help you structure your will to make appropriate provisions for non-Muslim relatives while maintaining Shariah compliance for the distribution of the remaining estate.

Jointly owned property requires special consideration in Islamic wills, particularly for married couples. There are two main types of joint ownership in the UK:

1. Joint Tenancy: Each owner owns the entire property, and when one dies, ownership automatically passes to the surviving owner regardless of any will provisions. This can conflict with Islamic inheritance rules.
2. Tenants in Common: Each owner has a defined share (e.g., 50/50 or any other proportion). When one owner dies, their share passes according to their will, not automatically to the co-owner.

For Shariah compliance, we typically recommend:

• Converting joint tenancies to tenancies in common
• Clearly defining each spouse's share in the property
• Including provisions in the will for the surviving spouse to continue living in the property if necessary

Our experts can guide you through this process, ensuring your property arrangements are both practical for your family and compliant with Islamic principles.

Yes, appointing guardians for minor children is an important aspect of Islamic wills. In your will, you can:

• Name a primary guardian and alternate guardians in case your first choice is unable to serve
• Appoint different guardians for different children if appropriate
• Include specific instructions for the Islamic upbringing of your children
• Set up financial provisions to support the guardians in raising your children

From an Islamic perspective, guardians should be practicing Muslims of good character who will raise your children according to Islamic principles. While UK courts ultimately determine guardianship based on the child's best interests, they typically give strong weight to parents' wishes expressed in a will.

Our service includes detailed guidance on selecting appropriate guardians and documenting your wishes regarding your children's upbringing, education, and religious instruction.

Pensions and life insurance policies generally fall outside your will and have their own succession rules:

• Pensions: Most pension schemes allow you to nominate beneficiaries through an "Expression of Wish" form. While trustees aren't legally bound by this, they usually follow it.
• Life Insurance: These policies pay out to named beneficiaries or into your estate.

For Shariah compliance, we recommend:

1. For pensions: Complete a nomination form directing benefits to be paid to your estate (rather than specific individuals), so they can be distributed through your Islamic will
2. For life insurance: Either direct the policy to pay into your estate or set up an insurance trust with Islamic distribution instructions

Our comprehensive estate planning service addresses these non-will assets to ensure they're distributed Islamically while maintaining tax efficiency.

You should review and potentially update your Islamic will whenever there are significant changes in your life circumstances. Key triggers include:

• Family changes: Marriage, divorce, birth of children or grandchildren, death of a named executor or beneficiary
• Asset changes: Purchasing property, significant changes in wealth, acquisition of business interests, inheritance received
• Relocation: Moving to a different country or acquiring assets in other countries
• Legal changes: Changes to UK inheritance laws or tax regulations

Even without specific changes, we recommend reviewing your will every 3-5 years to ensure it still reflects your wishes and remains compliant with current laws.

GPOD Wealth offers a will review service with discounted updates for existing clients. We also provide a subscription service that includes annual reviews and unlimited updates for a fixed annual fee.

After death, your Islamic will goes through the following process:

1. Executor notification: Your named executors are informed of their appointment
2. Probate application: Executors apply for a Grant of Probate (legal authority to administer your estate)
3. Estate administration: Executors gather assets, pay debts and taxes, and prepare for distribution
4. Islamic distribution: Assets are distributed to heirs according to the Shariah shares specified in your will
5. Charitable bequests: Any specified donations are made to charities
6. Trust establishment: If applicable, trusts are set up for minor children or other purposes

At GPOD Wealth, we provide your executors with:

• A detailed executor's guide with step-by-step instructions
• Access to our probate support service if needed
• Referrals to specialists for complex estates
• Clarification of Islamic distribution requirements if questions arise

Our goal is to make the process as smooth as possible for your loved ones during an already difficult time.