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Understanding Faraid: How Inheritance Is Distributed Under Muslim Law in Singapore
- August 7, 2026
Faraid is the Islamic law of inheritance that sets out how a Muslim’s estate is distributed among eligible beneficiaries after death. In Singapore, faraid applies to the estates of Muslims and is administered within the framework of the Administration of Muslim Law Act (AMLA). Rather than leaving distribution entirely to personal choice, faraid prescribes fixed shares for certain family members.
The essentials to understand:
- Faraid determines who inherits and in what proportion when a Muslim passes away.
- Beneficiaries can include the spouse, children, parents, and, in some situations, other relatives.
- In Singapore, the Syariah Court can issue an inheritance certificate setting out the beneficiaries and their respective shares.
- Faraid works alongside other tools, such as a wasiat (Muslim will) and nomination, within limits allowed under Muslim law.
What faraid covers
Faraid is concerned with the distribution of a deceased Muslim’s estate broadly, the assets that remain after debts, funeral expenses, and any valid bequests are dealt with. It sits within the broader area of Muslim estate planning that our team handles. The system assigns fixed proportions to specified heirs. The exact shares depend on which relatives survive the deceased, because the presence of some beneficiaries affects the shares of others.
Because these rules are detailed, families should obtain an inheritance certificate to confirm the beneficiaries and shares before assets are distributed.
The role of the Syariah Court and the inheritance certificate
In Singapore, an inheritance certificate can be applied in the Syariah Court. This document identifies the lawful beneficiaries under faraid and the fraction of the estate each is entitled to. It is commonly required when administering the estate for example, when dealing with the deceased’s property or accounts.
It is worth noting that an inheritance certificate states the shares; while the actual administration and transfer of assets is via the application for the Grant of Letters of Administration or Grant of Probate made at the Family Justice Courts.Â
How faraid interacts with wills and nominations
A common misunderstanding is that faraid removes all choice. In practice, Muslim law allows some planning tools to operate alongside faraid:
- Wasiat (Muslim will): Under Muslim law, a Muslim may generally bequeath up to one-third of the estate to persons who are non-beneficiaries.Â
- Nomination and joint assets: Certain assets may pass in specific ways depending on how they are held or nominated.
- Hibah ruqbah (gift) during one’s lifetime: Gifts made and completed during a person’s lifetime are treated differently from the estate distributed on death.
- Deed of Family Arrangement: If all beneficiaries agree to a different distribution other than faraid, the agreement can be effected.Â
These tools have their own rules and limits, and how they apply can depend on individual circumstances.
Why families seek guidance
Estates vary widely some involve property, business interests, CPF considerations, or family members living overseas. Where a marriage has also ended, questions about what each spouse keeps after divorce can intersect with estate matters. Determining shares correctly, obtaining the inheritance certificate, and administering the estate in the right order can be involved. Families often seek advice to make sure the distribution is carried out accurately and in accordance with Muslim law and Singapore’s legal requirements.
Key takeaways
Faraid is the fixed-share system that governs how a Muslim’s estate is distributed in Singapore, administered within the AMLA framework and supported by the Syariah Court’s inheritance certificate. It works together with tools such as a wasiat, within the limits Muslim law allows. Understanding how faraid operates helps families approach estate matters with greater clarity.
This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. The application of faraid depends on individual circumstances. For advice on a specific estate, please consult a qualified lawyer familiar with Muslim law in Singapore.
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