When my grandfather passed away in the UAE, our family faced one of the most emotional and complicated legal processes we’d ever experienced—inheritance under Sharia law. I had heard bits and pieces about it, but it wasn't until I saw it unfold in real life that I truly understood how structured—and sometimes surprising—Sharia law inheritance rules can be.

If you’re living in the UAE or have assets here, knowing how inheritance under Sharia law works is not just important—it’s essential. Here's what I learned from personal experience.

Understanding the Basics of Sharia Law Inheritance

The UAE follows Islamic law (Sharia) when it comes to distributing the estate of a deceased Muslim. That means the process doesn’t always follow the Western idea of “equal shares” or the “will overrides everything” concept.

Instead, Sharia law inheritance clearly defines who gets what:

Sons receive twice the share of daughters

Spouses, parents, and children are prioritized

Extended family (like uncles, aunts, cousins) may also have rights depending on who survives

This is based on verses from the Qur’an and centuries of Islamic jurisprudence. For Muslims, the distribution is not negotiable—it’s a religious obligation.

My Family’s Real Experience

When my grandfather passed away:

He had 3 sons, 2 daughters, a wife, and his mother still alive.

He owned property in Sharjah, had bank accounts, and some personal valuables.

We thought it would be simple: sell everything and split it equally.

But nope.

We were told to go to the Sharia Court, and that’s where things got real. The court reviewed his heirs and applied inheritance under Sharia law. Here's how it unfolded:

His wife received 1/8th of the estate.

His mother received 1/6th.

The remaining assets were divided among his children, with each son receiving twice what each daughter got.

At first, this created tension—especially among the daughters, who felt it was unfair. But after understanding the reasoning and religious background behind it, we came to accept it.

What You Should Know Before It Happens to You

Here are some key points to keep in mind:

Sharia applies automatically for Muslim residents of the UAE, regardless of nationality.

Non-Muslims can choose to opt out by registering a will with the DIFC Wills Centre or Abu Dhabi Judicial Department.

Without a registered will, the estate is divided based on Sharia law inheritance.

The court will require:

A death certificate

A legal heirs certificate

Property documents

Bank records

Joint bank accounts and shared property titles are often frozen until distribution is settled

What If There’s a Will?

This was one of our biggest questions.

In Sharia law, a Muslim can only bequeath up to 1/3 of their estate through a will to non-heirs (e.g., a charity, a friend). The rest must follow the Islamic inheritance pattern.

For non-Muslims, a registered will can override Sharia—but only if it’s done properly and with the courts.

So, if you're a non-Muslim expat, and you want your assets to go to your spouse or children differently, you must register a will. Otherwise, Sharia law inheritance rules might still apply.

Mistakes to Avoid (Based on Our Experience)

Here are a few things we learned the hard way:

Don’t assume “equal share” is standard. It’s not under Sharia.

Don’t delay paperwork—it can take months to sort out.

Don’t skip legal help. Having a lawyer saved us time and arguments.

Don’t leave your estate plan vague. Clear planning helps avoid disputes later.

Role of Legis Vista And UAE

At Legis Vista And UAE, we help simplify legal processes—especially sensitive ones like inheritance under Sharia law. We guide families through the UAE’s legal system, helping them understand their rights, obligations, and options.

We’ve seen families torn apart by inheritance disputes—because of misunderstanding or lack of planning. Our goal is to prevent that by giving you the knowledge and tools you need.

Final Thoughts

Dealing with death is hard enough. But when you add legal complications and family expectations, it can become overwhelming.

Knowing how Sharia law inheritance works in the UAE helped my family get through a difficult time with less confusion. It may not always feel “fair” by modern standards, but it follows a system that’s been practiced for over 1,400 years.

Whether you're Muslim or non-Muslim, a resident or citizen, planning ahead can save your family from stress, delays, and even disputes.

FAQs

Q: Who decides how inheritance is distributed in the UAE?
A: The Sharia Court handles Muslim inheritance based on Sharia law inheritance rules. For non-Muslims with a registered will, civil law may apply.

Q: Can daughters contest their share?
A: Under inheritance under Sharia law, daughters receive a fixed portion. It cannot be contested unless there's fraud or missing heirs.

Q: Can a will override Sharia law?
A: For Muslims, only up to 1/3 of the estate can be distributed outside of Sharia rules. For non-Muslims, a registered will can override Sharia law entirely.