Inheritance Rules in Oman (2026 Legal Guide) — Rules & Requirements
About this article
Sourced from Omani royal decrees, ministerial decisions, and the Basic Statute of the State. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
Inheritance in Oman follows Ibadi Islamic (Sharia) rules as codified in the Personal Status Law — these differ from Sunni and Shia calculations in certain family configurations:
- Fixed shares: The Quran specifies fixed shares (fara'id) for certain heirs — spouses, parents, daughters, and siblings each have defined portions. Ibadi jurisprudence applies its own specific calculations that may differ from other schools.
- Male-female ratio: In most cases, a male heir receives twice the share of a female heir in the same category (e.g., son vs. daughter).
- Debts first: Before distribution, all debts, funeral expenses, and bequests (up to one-third of the estate) are paid.
- Bequest limit: A person may leave a wasiyyah (will) for up to one-third of the estate to non-heirs. Bequests to legal heirs require consent of other heirs.
- Non-Muslims: Inheritance between Muslims and non-Muslims is generally not permitted under Ibadi Sharia rules. Non-Muslim expatriates may apply their home country's laws through the civil court.
When does it apply?
- A family member has passed away in Oman and left property or assets.
- You are a legal heir under Ibadi Sharia law and want to claim your share.
- You are a non-Muslim expatriate — you may be able to apply your home country's inheritance law.
What to Do If Other Heirs in Oman Are Denying You Your Inheritance Share
- Obtain a death certificate and apply to the Sharia court for an inheritance certificate listing all legal heirs.
- File a case at the Sharia court for division of the estate if heirs cannot agree.
- If you are a non-Muslim expatriate, consult a lawyer about applying your home country's law to your estate.
- Consider making a wasiyyah (will) to ensure your wishes are followed within the one-third limit.
What should you NOT do?
- Do not distribute the estate informally — without Sharia court involvement, disputes can arise and transfers may not be legally valid.
- Do not assume Sunni or Shia calculations apply — Oman follows Ibadi jurisprudence, which has its own rules for inheritance shares.
- Do not leave a bequest exceeding one-third of the estate to a non-heir — it will be reduced by the court.
About Family Law in Oman
Oman family law sits under the Personal Status Law (Royal Decree 32/1997), applied through Sharia courts using Ibadi Islamic jurisprudence — distinct from Sunni and Shia rules on divorce, inheritance, and shares. Marriage needs mutual consent, mahr, the bride's wali, mandatory premarital medical screening, and court registration; minimum age is 18. Divorce comes through talaq, khul', or judicial dissolution. Custody follows the best interests of the child — mothers usually keep boys until 7 and girls until 9. Domestic violence is criminalised by the Anti-Domestic Violence Law (Royal Decree 8/2021).
Common Questions
What is the inheritance rules right in Oman?
Inheritance in Oman follows Ibadi Islamic (Sharia) rules as codified in the Personal Status Law — these differ from Sunni and Shia calculations in certain family configurations:Fixed shares: The Quran specifies fixed shares (fara'id) for certain heirs — spouses, parents, daughters, and siblings each have defined portions. Ibadi jurisprudence applies its own specific calculations that may differ from other schools.Male-female ratio: In most cases, a male heir receives twice the share of a female heir in the same category (e.g., son vs. daughter).Debts first: Before distribution, all debts,...
When does it apply — inheritance rules?
A family member has passed away in Oman and left property or assets.You are a legal heir under Ibadi Sharia law and want to claim your share.You are a non-Muslim expatriate — you may be able to apply your home country's inheritance law.
What should I do if relatives in Oman are refusing to give me my rightful share of the inheritance?
Obtain a death certificate and apply to the Sharia court for an inheritance certificate listing all legal heirs.File a case at the Sharia court for division of the estate if heirs cannot agree.If you are a non-Muslim expatriate, consult a lawyer about applying your home country's law to your estate.Consider making a wasiyyah (will) to ensure your wishes are followed within the one-third limit.
What should you NOT do — inheritance rules?
Do not distribute the estate informally — without Sharia court involvement, disputes can arise and transfers may not be legally valid.Do not assume Sunni or Shia calculations apply — Oman follows Ibadi jurisprudence, which has its own rules for inheritance shares.Do not leave a bequest exceeding one-third of the estate to a non-heir — it will be reduced by the court.