For a Will to be Sharia compliant:

• The Al-Wasi must be a Muslim
• The exact distribution of an estate can only be determined after the maker of the Will dies.
• Any assets left must be specific such as a certain property, certain furniture, or a particular piece of jewellery.
• At least two-thirds of the estate must be distributed among living family members.
• One-third can be left to anyone who is not entitled to a fixed share, for example, a charitable organisation or close friend.

An Islamic Will will be binding under the law of England and Wales, providing:

• It was created by someone aged 18 years old or over, who
• had the mental capacity to make a Will, and
• put the Will in writing and declared they wrote it, and
• declared that any other Wills by them are invalid, and
• signed the Will in the presence of two witnesses (not a spouse or beneficiary).

If a person feels they have not been adequately provided for or disinherited, they can challenge your wishes. This can cause tremendous anxiety and stress for your loved ones, so if you suspect someone may contest your Will, we can help you draft a Letter of Wishes for your Executor. This will provide guidance on how you want your Estate to be dealt with and your thinking when drafting your Will.

Of course. There are also situations where your Islamic Will will automatically be revoked, such as upon marriage. If you get divorced, your Will remains binding but any gifts to your former spouse will be invalid.

It is important to review your Islamic Will every five years or so. If you do amend the document, it is best to destroy any other versions to avoid confusion or possible disputes.

Let us advise and represent you on your Will or Lasting Power of Attorney. You can trust that we will always be on your side, protecting your best interests.

Contact us on 0333 123 1331 or fill in our contact form and we will get back to you as quickly as possible.