Answered by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah
Question:
I built a house for my step dad when he was alive. He is now deceased and my step siblings are claiming the property. Can I reclaim it, what is the ruling according to Sharia? If my step dad’s properties are being distributed can I inherit anything from him?
Answer:
When you built the house for your stepfather and you gave it to him, he i.e. your stepfather has become the rightful owner of it.
A stepson does not inherit from his stepfather as there is no cause for inheritance between the stepson and the stepmother. The causes of inheritance are lineage, slave-to-master and marriage.
Therefore, unfortunately you do not have a right in the house you built for your stepfather. However, you should not feel upset or let down as you have done a good deed which you will be repaid for in the Hereafter.
Only Allah Knows Best
Mohammed Tosir Miah
Darul Ifta Birmingham.