Ensure your wealth is distributed according to Shariah law while fulfilling your religious obligations. Our comprehensive will writing and legacy planning services provide peace of mind for you and your loved ones.
In Islam, having a will (wasiyyah) is not merely recommended but considered a religious obligation. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized this importance:
"It is the duty of a Muslim who has anything to bequeath not to let two nights pass without writing a will about it."
โ Sahih al-Bukhari
Without a valid Islamic will, your estate may be distributed according to UK intestacy laws, which do not align with Shariah principles. This means your wealth could be allocated in ways that contradict Islamic inheritance rules, potentially leading to:
By creating an Islamic will, you fulfill your religious obligation while ensuring your wealth is distributed according to Allah's commands, protecting both your spiritual interests and those of your heirs.
For an Islamic will to be valid, it must satisfy both UK legal requirements and Shariah principles:
Dying without a valid will in the UK means your estate will be distributed according to the intestacy rules, regardless of your religious beliefs. For Muslims, this can lead to serious conflicts with Shariah inheritance principles.
Issue | UK Intestacy Rules | Islamic Inheritance Law | Potential Consequences |
---|---|---|---|
Spouse's Share | Can inherit entire estate | Limited to 1/4 (husband) or 1/8 (wife) with children | Spouse receives significantly more than Islamic law permits |
Gender Distinction | Sons and daughters inherit equally | Sons inherit twice the share of daughters | Violation of Islamic inheritance principles |
Parents' Rights | Parents may receive nothing if spouse exists | Parents typically entitled to 1/6 each | Parents deprived of their Islamic right |
Extended Family | Limited recognition of extended family | Detailed rules for various relatives | Many eligible Islamic heirs receive nothing |
Charitable Bequests | No provision for charity | Up to 1/3 can be given to charity | Loss of opportunity for ongoing charity (Sadaqah Jariyah) |
Non-Muslim Heirs | No religious restrictions | Non-Muslims generally cannot inherit | Estate may go to non-Muslims against Islamic principles |
"By creating an Islamic will, you not only protect your assets but also safeguard your religious obligations and provide clarity for your loved ones during a difficult time. It is one of the most important acts of foresight a Muslim can undertake."
Islamic inheritance law (Faraid) provides detailed, fixed shares for legal heirs as ordained in the Quran and Sunnah. These divine regulations ensure fair and just distribution of wealth while considering the financial responsibilities assigned to different family members in Islam.
Heir | Share with Children | Share without Children | Conditions |
---|---|---|---|
Husband | 1/4 (25%) | 1/2 (50%) | Fixed share |
Wife | 1/8 (12.5%) | 1/4 (25%) | Share divided if multiple wives |
Father | 1/6 (16.67%) + residuary | 1/6 (16.67%) + residuary | If sons exist, receives fixed 1/6 |
Mother | 1/6 (16.67%) | 1/3 (33.33%) | 1/6 if siblings exist |
Son | Residuary (remaining estate) | Twice the share of daughter | |
Daughter | Residuary (remaining estate) | Half the share of son |
These heirs inherit when certain primary heirs are not present:
Family: Wife, 2 sons, 1 daughter, both parents
Estate Value: ยฃ300,000
Distribution:
Family: Husband, 1 son, 2 daughters, mother (father deceased)
Estate Value: ยฃ200,000
Distribution:
Important Note: These calculations are simplified examples. Actual inheritance distributions can be more complex, especially with other relatives or special circumstances.
Our Islamic will service includes a full consultation with experts in both Islamic inheritance law and UK legal requirements to ensure your will is valid and correctly implements Shariah principles.
Creating an Islamic will doesn't have to be complicated. At GPOD Wealth, we've streamlined the process to make it straightforward while ensuring full compliance with both UK law and Shariah principles.
Schedule a free initial consultation with our Islamic wills expert. We'll discuss your family situation, assets, and specific requirements to understand your needs.
Complete our comprehensive questionnaire providing details about your assets, family members, and specific wishes. This forms the foundation of your Islamic will.
Our Islamic scholars and legal experts work together to calculate the correct distribution of your estate according to Shariah law, considering your specific family situation.
Based on the information provided and the inheritance calculations, we draft a comprehensive Islamic will that is legally valid in the UK and compliant with Shariah law.
We schedule a meeting to review your draft will, explaining each section and addressing any questions. You can request revisions until you're completely satisfied.
Once you approve the final draft, we arrange for the will to be properly signed and witnessed according to UK legal requirements to make it legally binding.
We offer secure storage solutions for your will, ensuring it's protected yet accessible when needed. We can also provide certified copies for your records.
We recommend reviewing your will every 3-5 years or after major life events like marriage, children, or significant asset changes.
We can help you discuss your will with family members, explaining Islamic inheritance principles to prevent misunderstandings.
Tip: Inform your executor and family members about the location of your will and any other important documents. This will make the process easier for them during a difficult time.
Beyond a basic Islamic will, comprehensive legacy planning can help you maximize the impact of your wealth, minimize tax liabilities, and create ongoing charitable benefits (Sadaqah Jariyah).
Islamic trusts (Waqf) provide a Shariah-compliant way to manage and protect assets for future generations while potentially reducing inheritance tax liability. They can be particularly useful for:
Family Protection Trusts
Protect assets for your spouse and children while maintaining Shariah compliance.
Disabled Beneficiary Trusts
Provide ongoing support for family members with disabilities without affecting their benefits.
Business Succession Trusts
Ensure smooth transition of business ownership while adhering to Islamic principles.
Charitable (Waqf) Trusts
Create a perpetual charitable endowment for ongoing rewards in the hereafter.
"The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: 'When a person dies, his deeds come to an end except for three: Sadaqah Jariyah (ongoing charity), beneficial knowledge, or a righteous child who prays for him.'"
โ Sahih Muslim
Incorporating charitable giving into your will creates an ongoing source of rewards even after death. Up to one-third of your estate can be given as charitable bequests, and we can help you structure these effectively.
Mosque Construction or Maintenance
Support the building or upkeep of places of worship.
Islamic Education
Fund scholarships, schools, or educational resources.
Water Projects
Fund wells, water pumps, or sanitation facilities.
Orphan Sponsorship
Provide ongoing support for orphans.
Feeding Programs
Support food banks or meal programs for the needy.
Charitable bequests in your will are exempt from inheritance tax. We can advise on the most efficient way to structure your charitable giving to maximize both the benefit to the causes you care about and the tax advantages for your estate.
Did you know? If you leave 10% or more of your net estate to charity, the inheritance tax rate on the remainder of your estate is reduced from 40% to 36%, potentially saving thousands of pounds for your heirs.
Giving assets during your lifetime can reduce inheritance tax while allowing you to see the benefits of your generosity.
Shariah-compliant life insurance policies written in trust can provide immediate funds outside your estate.
Ensure your business continues according to your wishes while providing for your heirs.
Our Approach to Legacy Planning: At GPOD Wealth, we work closely with both legal experts and qualified Islamic scholars to ensure your legacy planning is both tax-efficient and fully Shariah-compliant. We take the time to understand your family situation, financial goals, and religious values to create a personalized legacy plan that reflects your wishes.
GPOD Wealth offers comprehensive Shariah-compliant will writing and legacy planning services for Muslims in the UK. Choose the service that best meets your needs.
One-time payment
One-time payment
One-time payment
ยฃ75
For changes to existing GPOD Wealth wills
ยฃ249
Shariah-compliant LPA preparation
ยฃ499
Setting up Islamic trusts (Waqf)
From ยฃ799
Assistance with estate administration
Not sure which service is right for you? Book a free consultation with our experts.
Book Free ConsultationThese case studies illustrate how we've helped real clients with different family situations create Shariah-compliant wills that meet their specific needs.
"We had been putting off making our wills because we thought it would be complicated and expensive. GPOD Wealth made the process straightforward and affordable. We now have peace of mind knowing our children will be cared for according to our wishes and our assets will be distributed islamically."
โ Ahmed & Fatima
"The team at GPOD Wealth provided exceptional guidance on both Islamic inheritance principles and UK tax law. Their comprehensive approach helped me create a plan that protects my business legacy, treats my family fairly according to Shariah, and significantly reduces the inheritance tax burden. I particularly appreciate how they structured my charitable giving for maximum impact."
โ Yusuf
"Our family situation was complicated, and we were struggling to understand how to create fair wills while following Islamic principles. GPOD Wealth helped us navigate these complexities with sensitivity and expertise. They created a solution that honors our religious obligations while ensuring all our children are provided for. The peace of mind this has given us is invaluable."
โ Kareem & Aisha
"GPOD Wealth helped me fulfill my wishes of creating a meaningful charitable legacy while honoring my Islamic obligations to my siblings. Their knowledge of both Shariah inheritance law and UK charity regulations was impressive. I'm particularly pleased with the scholarship program they designed, which will benefit deserving students for generations to come while serving as ongoing Sadaqah Jariyah for me after I'm gone."
โ Mariam
Hear from our clients who have benefited from our Islamic will and legacy planning services.
"The thought of creating a will was overwhelming, especially considering the Islamic requirements. GPOD Wealth made the process clear and straightforward. Their experts guided me through each step, explaining both the religious and legal aspects. I now have peace of mind knowing my affairs are in order according to both UK law and Shariah principles."
Imran Ali
Birmingham
"As a business owner with complex assets, I needed specialized advice. GPOD Wealth's team demonstrated exceptional knowledge in both Islamic inheritance principles and UK tax law. They created a comprehensive plan that protects my business, provides for my family according to Shariah, and minimizes inheritance tax. Highly recommended!"
Saima Khan
Manchester
"GPOD Wealth helped us navigate the complexities of creating an Islamic will for our blended family. They took the time to understand our unique situation and provided thoughtful solutions that respected our religious obligations while ensuring all our children were fairly provided for. Their ongoing support has been invaluable."
Ahmed Hassan
London
Find answers to common questions about Islamic wills and legacy planning.
A Shariah-compliant will follows Islamic inheritance principles (Faraid) as outlined in the Quran and Sunnah. This includes:
An Islamic will must also meet all UK legal requirements to be valid and enforceable.
Yes, every Muslim should have an Islamic will regardless of their wealth. Even with modest assets, an Islamic will ensures:
Without a will, the UK intestacy rules will determine who inherits your assets, potentially contradicting Islamic principles.
Islamic inheritance shares for legal heirs are fixed and cannot be altered in your will. As the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "Indeed Allah has given everyone with a right his right. So there is no bequest for a legal heir."
However, you do have flexibility in these areas:
Our experts can advise on how to achieve your goals while maintaining Shariah compliance.
Yes, an Islamic will is legally binding in the UK provided it meets all the legal requirements for a valid will:
Our service ensures your Islamic will meets all UK legal requirements while following Shariah principles.
How jointly owned property is treated depends on how it's held:
For Islamic compliance, jointly owned property should ideally be held as "tenants in common" with specified shares. We can advise on changing from joint tenants to tenants in common if needed.
You should review and potentially update your Islamic will after any significant life event, including:
Even without major changes, we recommend reviewing your will every 3-5 years to ensure it still reflects your wishes and current circumstances. Our premium plans include free updates for a specified period.
Our process is designed to be thorough yet straightforward:
Most clients complete the process within 2-3 weeks, though complex cases may take longer. We offer both in-person and remote services for your convenience.
According to most Islamic scholars, non-Muslims cannot be legal heirs and receive fixed shares of inheritance. However, they can receive bequests of up to one-third of the estate.
For example, if you have a non-Muslim spouse, they would not receive the standard spouse's share, but you could leave them up to one-third of your estate as a bequest.
This is an area where different schools of thought have varying interpretations. Our experts can discuss your specific situation and provide guidance based on your circumstances and the scholarly opinions you follow.
Take the first step toward fulfilling your Islamic obligation and protecting your loved ones. Schedule a free consultation or contact us with any questions.
Call Us
0800 123 4567 (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm)
wills@gpodwealth.com
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At GPOD Wealth, we combine deep knowledge of Islamic inheritance principles with UK legal expertise to provide wills and legacy planning solutions that are:
"Making an Islamic will is not just about fulfilling a religious obligationโit's about ensuring peace of mind for you and your loved ones."
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