Most-asked question
Can a Muslim inherit from a non-Muslim relative?
15 fatawa in the archive answer questions on this, from 5 South African Darul Iftas (Mufti Online, AskImam, Jamiat KZN, Ibn Masood, Camperdown). Below, each Darul Ifta’s answer is quoted word for word from the opening of one of its fatawa.
Based on the fatawa linked below. Please read the sources and double-check with a Darul Ifta for your situation.
Consult a mufti for your situation. Fatawa SA is a read-only archive and issues no rulings of its own.
What the Darul Iftas say
“A Muslim cannot inherit from a kaafir. However your mother can make a bequest for you. It is impermissible for a woman to travel for 78km or more without a mahram.”
“A Muslim does not inherit from a non-Muslim, nor does a non-Muslim inherit from a Muslim. However, if a non-Muslim (living in a non-Muslim country) bequeaths his wealth (partly or wholly) to a Muslim, then the Muslim qualifies to receive the bequeathed wealth.”
“Your conclusion is correct. In principle, Muslims do not inherit from non-Muslims nor do non-Muslims inherit from Muslims. Therefore, in the event of you passing away your husband will inherit all your belongings as long as you have no other Muslim heirs.”
“In principle, if a non-Muslim passes away and is survived by Muslims heirs, it will not be permissible for the deceased’s Muslim heirs to inherit from his/her estate. This ruling applies to an Islamic State.”
Quotes are the opening words of each answer as published; the full answer, its conditions and references are on the fatwa page. Answers depend on the exact details of each question.
Read the fatawa
- Can a Muslim inherit or accept a bequest from a non-Muslim? Jamiat KZN · 29 Sep 2026
- Do Non-Muslim Relatives Inherit from a Revert? Camperdown · 27 Mar 2026
- Inheriting from a non-Muslim Ibn Masood · 10 Feb 2024
- Can a Muslim Inherit from his Non-Muslim Relative in a Non-Muslim Country? Mufti Online · 6 Mar 2019
- Can a son inherit from a non-Muslim father? AskImam · 4 Sep 2018
- Muslim woman inheriting a house from her non-Muslim mother Mufti Online · 25 Dec 2018
- Would my Non Muslim family inherit from my belongings? AskImam · 2 Jun 2014
- Will a muslim inherit from his non-muslim relative in a non-muslim country? Mufti Online · 20 Dec 2018
- Kindly explain the Shar'ee position of the bequest made by non-Muslimparents in favour of their Muslim child in their Will. Will it be Meeraath(inheritance) or Wasiyyat (bequest)? AskImam · 27 Aug 2000
- Inheriting from one's non-Muslim father before embracing Islam Mufti Online · 18 Oct 2018
- Inheriting from a kaafir Mufti Online · 5 Dec 2013
- Non-Muslim brother inheriting from parents Mufti Online · 11 Feb 2019
- Inheriting from a non-Muslim Mufti Online · 26 Jul 2016
- Can a Muslim inherit from a Kaafir and attend the funeral procession? Mufti Online · 18 Mar 2014
- Can a person who supported his child in marrying a Christian inherit? Mufti Online · 9 Feb 2013
Search more fatawa on this Inheritance & Wills topic Compare Darul Iftas