Frequently Asked Questions

Islamic estate planning is the process of structuring your estate to comply with Islamic inheritance principles while remaining legally valid under state law.

At the core of Islamic inheritance is faraid — the system of prescribed shares that determines how an estate is distributed among heirs. These shares vary based on your family structure and are detailed in the Quran. For example, spouses, children, and parents each have specific, defined portions.

In addition to faraid, Islamic guidance allows for a wasiyyah (bequest) of up to one-third of the estate. This portion can be directed toward charitable causes, non-heir beneficiaries, or other purposes — as long as it does not exceed the one-third limit.

Why it matters: Without a properly structured estate plan, California’s intestacy laws will govern how your estate is distributed. These laws are based on legal relationships and do not account for Islamic inheritance principles. This means your assets may be divided in ways that conflict with your faith. A faith-aligned trust ensures your wishes are honored — both religiously and legally.