Inheritance Rules
Written in plain language for general understanding. This is educational content, not legal advice. Based on Bahraini national legislation, decree-laws, and ministerial orders.
Bahraini National Law
What is this right?
Inheritance in Bahrain is governed primarily by Islamic Sharia rules, with differences between Sunni and Shia jurisprudence:
- Fixed shares (fara'id): Certain heirs — including the spouse, parents, sons, and daughters — receive prescribed fractions of the estate as defined by Sharia. Sons typically receive double the share of daughters.
- Sunni rules: Follow the Hanafi and Maliki schools. The estate is distributed among fixed-share heirs first, then residuary heirs.
- Shia rules: Follow Ja'fari jurisprudence, which has different rules for distant relatives and may give greater shares to certain heirs.
- Will (wasiyya): A person may bequeath up to one-third of their estate to non-heirs by will. Bequests to existing heirs require the consent of other heirs.
- Non-Muslims: Non-Muslim residents may have their inheritance governed by their national law or the law they choose, subject to Bahrain court recognition.
When does it apply?
- A family member has passed away and you need to understand your share of the estate.
- You want to write a will and need to know the one-third limit on bequests.
- You are a non-Muslim resident and want to ensure your estate is distributed according to your wishes.
What should you do?
- Obtain a death certificate and apply to the Sharia court for an inheritance distribution order.
- Prepare a list of all legal heirs with supporting documents (family book, birth certificates, marriage certificates).
- If you want to leave a bequest, write a will covering no more than one-third of your estate and have it witnessed.
- Non-Muslims should consult a lawyer to ensure their national law applies or to register a will in Bahrain.
What should you NOT do?
- Do not assume equal shares — Islamic inheritance rules prescribe specific fractions that differ by gender and relationship.
- Do not transfer assets before death to avoid inheritance rules — such transfers can be challenged in court.
- Do not delay the inheritance process — disputes become harder to resolve as time passes and assets may deteriorate.
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