Inheritance
Inheritance: Wife and One Daughter
By the Editorial Team · reviewed against our sources · updated September 2026 · guidance, not a fatwa
Quick answer: When a Muslim leaves a wife and one daughter (no sons), the estate is divided as: Wife 1/8, Daughter 7/8.
Below is the exact distribution under the majority Sunni method, shown for a $100,000 estate (after debts, funeral costs and any valid bequest). Use the calculator to enter your own estate value.
| Heir | Share | % | of $100,000 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wife | 1/8 | 12.5% | $12,500 |
| Daughter | 7/8 | 87.5% | $87,500 |
Radd: surplus returns to the fixed-share heirs (except the spouse).
Calculate your own estate
Enter the exact family and estate value in the interactive calculator:
| Heir | Share | Amount |
|---|
This covers the common heirs (spouse, sons, daughters, father, mother) under the majority Sunni method, including the ʿawl, radd and the parents-with-spouse (ʿUmariyyatān) adjustments. Estates involving grandparents, grandchildren, siblings as sole heirs, or no direct heirs get complex (ḥajb/blocking) — consult a qualified scholar or a Sharia court. Guidance only, not a fatwa or legal ruling.
How these shares are worked out
Fixed Qur’anic shares (fard) are assigned first, then any remainder goes to the residuary heirs (ʿasaba), with a son receiving twice a daughter’s portion. See the full inheritance guide and how we handle the calculations. Complex estates (grandparents, siblings, no direct heirs) need a qualified scholar.
Guidance only, not a fatwa. Rulings vary by madhhab; confirm with a qualified scholar.
Frequently asked questions
How is the estate divided with a wife and one daughter (no sons)?
Wife 1/8, Daughter 7/8 — assigned by the fixed Qur'anic shares and the residue rule (a son takes twice a daughter's share).
Is this a fatwa?
No — it is guidance using the majority Sunni method for the common heirs. For complex estates or a binding ruling, consult a qualified scholar.