Women and the Islamic Law of Intestate Succession

Abstract

Islamic law of succession consists of two parts mainly voluntary and compulsory. The voluntary part reers to the limited freedom of testation where a muslim can dispose of 1/3 of his or her assets via a will. Normally this 1/3 cannot be bequeathed to the compulsory (Quranic) heirs whose shares are fixed and determined by divine revelation. However, this general law is subject to exception in that it could take place if heirs consent thereto after the testator's death. It must be noted that there is no increase in testamentary freedom.