Inheritance
How Much Does a Wife Inherit in Islam?
By the Editorial Team · reviewed against our sources · updated September 2026 · guidance, not a fatwa
A wife inherits 1/8 of her husband’s estate if there are children, or 1/4 if there are none. Where there is more than one wife, they share that portion equally.
The rest is distributed to the other heirs — children, parents and so on — by their fixed shares and the residue. Calculate the full split in the Faraid calculator.
General guidance, not a fatwa. Rulings vary by school of thought (madhhab) and circumstance — confirm with a qualified scholar.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a wife inherit in Islam?
A wife receives 1/8 if there are children and 1/4 if there are none; multiple wives share this equally.
Do multiple wives split the share?
Yes — co-wives divide the wife's portion (1/8 or 1/4) equally between them.