Wife's Share in Islamic Inheritance
The Quran specifies two possible shares for the wife based on whether the husband has children:
1/4
25% — when husband has no children
Quran 4:12
1/8
12.5% — when husband has children
Quran 4:12
Step 1 — Estate Details
Step 2 — Surviving Family Members
Only include those who are alive
Spouse
Parents
Children
Sons
2
Daughters
0
Siblings
Full Brothers
0
Full Sisters
0
Paternal Half Brothers
0
Paternal Half Sisters
0
Maternal Half Brothers
0
Maternal Half Sisters
0
Grandparents
Quick Examples
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the wife's share when there are no children?
The wife receives 1/4 (25%) of the estate when the deceased husband has no children, as stated in Quran 4:12.
What is the wife's share when there are children?
The wife receives 1/8 (12.5%) of the estate when the deceased husband has children (sons or daughters), as stated in Quran 4:12.
Does the wife's share change based on how many children there are?
No, the wife's share is fixed at 1/8 regardless of the number of children. Whether there is one child or ten, her share remains the same.
Can a wife inherit more than her fixed share?
The wife's share is fixed by the Quran and cannot be increased through inheritance. However, the deceased can bequeath up to 1/3 of the estate to non-heirs through a will (Wasiyyah).