Inheritance Rights (Sharia-based Succession)
Written in plain language for general understanding. This is educational content, not legal advice. Based on Saudi royal decrees, regulations, and ministerial decisions.
Saudi National Law
What is this right?
Inheritance in Saudi Arabia follows Sharia-based rules codified in the Personal Status Law:
- Fixed shares: The Quran specifies exact fractions for certain heirs — for example, a wife receives 1/8 if there are children (1/4 if none), and a daughter receives 1/2 if she is the only child (2/3 if multiple daughters).
- Residuary heirs: After fixed shares are distributed, the remainder goes to male agnate relatives (such as sons, then brothers, then paternal uncles).
- Debts first: The deceased's debts and funeral expenses are paid before any inheritance is distributed.
- Wasiyya (will): A person may bequeath up to 1/3 of the estate to non-heirs through a will. Bequests to existing heirs require the other heirs' consent.
- Court process: Heirs must obtain a certificate of inheritance (hujjat hashr wirth) from the court listing all legal heirs and their shares.
When does it apply?
- A family member has passed away and left assets in Saudi Arabia.
- You need to divide an estate among heirs.
- You want to write a will (wasiyya) to allocate up to 1/3 of your estate.
What should you do?
- Apply for a certificate of inheritance through the Family Court (Najiz portal) — this document lists all legal heirs.
- Settle all debts of the deceased before distributing the estate.
- Use the Ministry of Justice estate division calculator to understand each heir's share.
- If you want to write a will, consult a lawyer — only up to 1/3 of the estate can be willed to non-heirs.
What should you NOT do?
- Do not distribute assets without a court certificate — informal divisions can be challenged later.
- Do not try to disinherit a legal heir — Sharia shares are mandatory and cannot be overridden by a will.
- Do not hide assets from the estate — all heirs have a legal right to their share, and concealment is a serious offence.
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