Answered by Ustadha Zaynab Ansari, SunniPath Academy Teacher
I am a Muslim convert from the US. No one from my family besides me is Muslim. I am married to a Muslim woman. We have no children. Therefore, is my wife entitled to all of my inheritance (irth), excluding the 1/3 I can make for bequest (wasiyya)?
In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful.
Praise be to Allah.
May the peace and blessings of Allah shower upon our beloved Messenger.
Dear Brother,
I pray this message finds you and your family well.
Yes, you may bequeath up to 1/3 of your wealth to whomever you wish, Muslim or non-Muslim. However, your wife, as your sole Muslim family member, is the only person who is entitled to a legal share of inheritance (irth). She would indeed retain the remaining 2/3 of your estate.
Please refer to “Bequeath: Are gifts to non-Muslim family members or a Muslim friend permissible?” at http://qa.sunnipath.com/issue_view.asp?HD=1&ID=3296&CATE=201.
And Allah knows best.