Islamic Will (Wasiyyat): Faraid, Pakistani Law & How to Create One
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In Pakistan, faraid inheritance shares apply to every Muslim's estate by default under Muslim Personal Law. A wasiyyat does not change those shares; it handles what faraid leaves open: the one-third you may direct to charity or non-heirs, guardianship wishes for minor children, and the documentation that prevents family disputes. This guide covers the Quranic shares, what a valid will requires in Pakistan, and how succession works in practice.
Quick Answer
In Pakistan, faraid (Quranic inheritance shares) applies to a Muslim's estate automatically under Muslim Personal Law. A wasiyyat (Islamic will) can direct up to one-third of the net estate to charity or non-heirs, record guardianship wishes, and document assets, but it cannot change heirs' fixed shares. A valid will needs the testator's signature and two adult witnesses; registration is optional but strengthens it.
Key Takeaways
- Faraid applies by default in Pakistan; heirs' fixed shares are enforced by law
- The wasiyyat covers at most one-third of the net estate, for charity or non-heirs only
- Bequests to existing heirs or beyond one-third need the other heirs' consent after death
- A written will signed before two adult witnesses is valid; registration is optional
- Heirs collect assets via succession certificates (NADRA or court) and letters of administration
- Use a succession lawyer for property disputes, agricultural land, business shares, or heirs abroad
Faraid Inheritance Shares
These are the primary Quranic shares (from Surah An-Nisa 4:11-12). Actual distribution depends on which heirs survive the deceased. When multiple categories are present, the calculation becomes complex, and Pakistani courts and lawyers work from the full faraid rules rather than summaries.
| Heir | Condition | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Husband | Wife has no children | 1/2 |
| Husband | Wife has children | 1/4 |
| Wife | Husband has no children | 1/4 |
| Wife | Husband has children | 1/8 |
| Son | With other heirs | Residuary (asaba) |
| Daughter | No son, one daughter | 1/2 |
| Daughter | No son, two+ daughters | 2/3 (shared) |
| Father | Deceased has children | 1/6 |
| Mother | Deceased has children | 1/6 |
| Mother | No children, no 2+ siblings | 1/3 |
How to Create an Islamic Will
Inventory your assets
List property (with mutation status), bank accounts, shares and funds, business interests, vehicles, gold, and debts owed to and by you. Most inheritance disputes in Pakistan are disputes about what existed.
Identify your legal heirs
Faraid-eligible heirs are your spouse, children, parents, and in some cases siblings. Their fixed shares apply by default under Muslim Personal Law; your will does not change them.
Decide your one-third wasiyyat
You may direct up to one-third of your net estate to charity or to people who are not already heirs. Bequests beyond one-third, or to existing heirs, need the other heirs' consent after death.
Record guardianship and administration wishes
State who should care for minor children and who should administer your affairs. The guardian court decides finally, but written wishes carry weight.
Execute the will properly
Sign the document in the presence of two adult witnesses who also sign. Registration with the sub-registrar is optional but strengthens the document against challenges.
Review with a lawyer and keep it findable
Have a succession lawyer confirm the one-third limit and witnessing are correctly handled, then tell your family where the will and asset documents are kept. Review after marriages, births, deaths, and major purchases.
Learn More About Inheritance in Pakistan
Our estate planning hub covers faraid in depth, succession certificates, hiba (lifetime gifts), and when to engage a lawyer.
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Reviewed by: HalalWallet Editorial Team
Last reviewed: 2026-08-03
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