Inheritance Rights (Sharia-based Succession) in Saudi Arabia
Reviewed by the Commoner Law Editorial Team. Sourced from Saudi royal decrees, regulations, and ministerial decisions. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
Inheritance in Saudi Arabia follows Sharia-based rules now codified in the Personal Status Law — meaning the shares are fixed by religious law and cannot be overridden by a will:
- Fixed shares (fard): The Quran specifies exact fractions — a wife receives 1/8 if there are children (1/4 if none); a daughter receives 1/2 if sole child (2/3 if multiple daughters); a mother receives 1/6 if there are children (1/3 if none).
- Residuary heirs (asaba): After fixed shares, the remainder goes to male agnate relatives — sons, then brothers, then paternal uncles.
- Debts first: The deceased's debts, funeral expenses, and any outstanding Zakat are paid before any inheritance is distributed.
- Wasiyya (will): A person may bequeath up to 1/3 of the estate to non-heirs. Bequests to existing heirs require the other heirs' unanimous consent.
- Certificate of inheritance (hujjat hashr wirth): Heirs must obtain this document from the court through Najiz — it lists all legal heirs and their shares. Banks and land registries require it before releasing assets.
- Non-Muslim estates: Non-Muslim residents' estates in Saudi Arabia may follow their home country's inheritance laws by mutual agreement of the heirs, but disputes are resolved by Saudi courts applying Sharia.
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 to non-heirs.
What to Do If Family Members Are Disputing an Inheritance or Hiding Estate Assets in Saudi Arabia
- Apply for a certificate of inheritance through the Family Court via Najiz (najiz.sa) — this document lists all legal heirs and is required by banks and land registries.
- Settle all debts of the deceased before distributing the estate.
- Use the Ministry of Justice estate division calculator (available on Najiz) to understand each heir's share.
- If you want to write a will, consult a Saudi lawyer — only up to 1/3 of the estate can be willed to non-heirs, and bequests to existing heirs require other heirs' consent.
What should you NOT do?
- Do not distribute assets without a court certificate — informal divisions can be challenged later, and banks will not release funds without the official document.
- Do not try to disinherit a legal heir — Sharia shares are mandatory and cannot be overridden by a will or family agreement.
- Do not hide assets from the estate — all heirs have a legal right to their share, and concealment is a serious offence.
Common Questions
When does it apply — inheritance rights (sharia-based succession)?
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 to non-heirs.
What should I do if I believe I am being denied my rightful share of an inheritance in Saudi Arabia?
Apply for a certificate of inheritance through the Family Court via Najiz (najiz.sa) — this document lists all legal heirs and is required by banks and land registries.Settle all debts of the deceased before distributing the estate.Use the Ministry of Justice estate division calculator (available on Najiz) to understand each heir's share.If you want to write a will, consult a Saudi lawyer — only up to 1/3 of the estate can be willed to non-heirs, and bequests to existing heirs require other heirs' consent.
What should you NOT do — inheritance rights (sharia-based succession)?
Do not distribute assets without a court certificate — informal divisions can be challenged later, and banks will not release funds without the official document.Do not try to disinherit a legal heir — Sharia shares are mandatory and cannot be overridden by a will or family agreement.Do not hide assets from the estate — all heirs have a legal right to their share, and concealment is a serious offence.