Inheritance
Inheritance: Wife, Son, Daughter and Parents
By the Editorial Team · reviewed against our sources · updated September 2026 · guidance, not a fatwa
Quick answer: When a Muslim leaves a wife, one son, one daughter and both parents, the estate is divided as: Wife 1/8, Mother 1/6, Father 1/6, Son 13/36, Daughter 13/72.
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 |
| Mother | 1/6 | 16.7% | $16,700 |
| Father | 1/6 | 16.7% | $16,700 |
| Son | 13/36 | 36.1% | $36,100 |
| Daughter | 13/72 | 18.1% | $18,100 |
Children take the residue: a son receives twice a daughter’s share.
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, one son, one daughter and both parents?
Wife 1/8, Mother 1/6, Father 1/6, Son 13/36, Daughter 13/72 — 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.