Do Muslims need a will in the UK?

Yes — without a valid will, UK intestacy laws determine how your estate is distributed, which does not follow Islamic inheritance (mirath) rules. An Islamic will ensures your assets are distributed according to Shariah principles.

What is an Islamic will?

An Islamic will (wasiyyah) is a legally valid UK will that also specifies your wishes according to Islamic inheritance law (mirath). It directs assets to the correct heirs in the correct proportions as specified in the Quran.

How much does Islamic will writing cost in the UK?

Islamic will writing services in the UK typically cost between £75 and £300 for a single will. Some services like the National Zakat Foundation offer subsidised or free will writing for eligible Muslims.

Islamic Will Writing UK — Full Guide 2026

⚡ Quick Answer

Every UK Muslim needs an Islamic will. Without one, UK intestacy law — not Islamic inheritance rules — decides who gets your estate. An Islamic will is a legally valid UK document that also directs your assets according to Shariah (mirath). Services cost £75–£300 and some are available free through Islamic charities.

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Without an Islamic Will, UK Law Overrides Your Faith

UK intestacy rules give your spouse everything — then children. Shariah distributes differently. Without a will, your estate may not reach the correct Islamic heirs in the correct proportions.

Why UK Intestacy Law Is Not Shariah-Compliant

If you die without a will in the UK, the Intestacy Rules determine who inherits. For a married Muslim with children, this typically means:

Your spouse receives the first £322,000 plus half the remainder
Your children split the other half equally regardless of gender

Under Islamic inheritance law (mirath), the distribution is very different — specific shares are prescribed in the Quran for each type of heir. The UK system ignores these entirely. You must write a will to ensure your wishes are followed.

What an Islamic Will Must Include

Legal validity — Must comply with the Wills Act 1837 (signed, dated, witnessed by two adults)
Wasiyyah (bequest) — You may gift up to 1/3 of your estate to non-heirs or charity
Mirath (inheritance) — The remaining 2/3 must follow Shariah inheritance shares
Islamic funeral wishes — Burial (not cremation), Ghusl, facing Qibla
Guardian appointment — For children under 18
Debt settlement — Debts must be cleared before distribution

Best Islamic Will Writing Services UK 2026

Service	Price	Shariah Supervised	Legally Valid	Best For
National Zakat Foundation	Free (eligible)	✓ Yes	✓ Yes	Budget-conscious Muslims
Amanah Wills	£149–£199	✓ Yes	✓ Yes	Comprehensive coverage
Islamic Finance Guru	£99–£149	✓ Yes	✓ Yes	Digital-first, easy process
Your Will Solicitor	£200–£400	⚠ Check solicitor	✓ Yes	Complex estates
Muslim Will	£75–£150	✓ Yes	✓ Yes	Simple, affordable

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The Mirath Shares — Simplified

Islamic inheritance law prescribes fixed shares (Quranic shares) for specific heirs:

Heir	Share (with spouse + children)
Wife	1/8 of estate
Husband	1/4 of estate
Sons	2x daughter's share from remainder
Daughters	1x son's share from remainder
Mother	1/6 if deceased has children
Father	1/6 if deceased has children

Note: Mirath is complex and varies by family composition. Always have your will reviewed by a qualified Islamic scholar or Islamic will specialist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Islamic scholars broadly agree that writing a will is obligatory (fard or wajib) for any Muslim who has assets. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: "It is the duty of a Muslim who has anything to bequest not to let two nights pass without writing a will about it." (Bukhari & Muslim)

Technically yes, but it's risky. A DIY will must comply with the Wills Act 1837 and correctly apply mirath shares — errors can invalidate the will or cause family disputes. Using a specialist Islamic will service for £75–£200 gives much greater certainty.

Yes — marriage automatically revokes a previous will in English law. You must write a new will after getting married. You should also update after having children, significant asset changes, or if a named executor or guardian dies.

Yes. Under Islamic law, you may gift up to 1/3 of your estate to non-heirs including mosques, Islamic charities, or non-Muslim family members. This is called the wasiyyah. The remaining 2/3 must follow the prescribed mirath shares.

Islamic Will Writing UK— Complete Guide 2026