
Inheritance Distribution For UAE Nationals and Muslim Residents
Islamic law explains in detail the inheritance law. The UAE sharia law ensures the balance, fairness, and clarity while distributing the estate of a deceased individual. Nevertheless, the UAE adhered to Sharia law in the inheritance of UAE nationals and Muslim residents.
Families, property owners, and business partners must understand the inheritance distribution under Sharia law. This helps in preventing disputes, protecting rights, and ensuring compliance. Seeking the services of a family lawyer in Dubai is instrumental. Inheritance distribution under Sharia is a crucial aspect of the UAE legal system. The clear and structured laws offer protection for all family members.
It also gives protection to the family members. Besides, it gives the legal and emotional complexity of inheritance matters. The early planning and proper legal support are much needed. Engaging a well-versed lawyer in Dubai ensures the familial inheritance matters are handled swiftly, concerning Islamic laws.
The Comprehensive Legal Framework for Inheritance in UAE
The UAE family laws are mainly derived from Islamic law and civil laws. However, the inheritance distribution in the UAE for Muslims is primarily governed by the following federal decree laws and local regulations.
- Federal Law No. 28 of 2005 on UAE Personal Status Law
- Federal Law No. 5 of 1985 about the UAE Civil Transactions Law
Moreover, the principles are directly derived from Sharia law. It is applied to all the Muslim residents irrespective of their nationality, background, or gender. However, for non-Muslims, there are different options available. It involves the choice of applying the law of their home country. The UAE courts strictly apply the laws and regulations while tackling inheritance cases. It involves the Muslims who ensure the distribution of assets. It follows the religious and legal guidance.
How Inheritance is distributed as per Sharia Principles
According to it, there are fixed shares for the heirs. The Sharia explicitly prescribes certain shares of inheritance for heirs, including spouse, children, parents, siblings, and grandparents. In case a man passed away, leaving behind children, wife, and parents, then each will receive the predetermined share of the estate as described by the Sharia Law.
Secondly, the male and female heirs are treated differently under the law. The male heir received twice the share of a female heir. This law reflects the broader range of financial responsibilities laid upon men as per the Islamic law.
Thirdly, after the fixed shares are distributed among heirs, the remaining part of the estate is divided among the eligible heirs. It is mainly based on certain laws that ensure no part of the estate is left unclaimed.
Eligible heirs by Islamic Law
The eligible heirs under the Sharia law are the following:
- Deceased’s spouse
- Children
- Parents
- Grandchildren
- Siblings
- Grandparents
However, the extended family members, like uncles and cousins, can only inherit in the absence of the closer relatives and kin. In Islam, there is no legal right of an adopted child. Therefore, they do not automatically inherit under the Sharia law. It can be separately mentioned in a legal and valid will.
An overview of Wills in Sharia Inheritance
Muslims can distribute one-third of their estate through a will, as per Sharia law. You can still double check with Emirati lawyers and legal consultants. Will is normally for individuals who are not automatically the legal heirs to the inheritance. Therefore, the remaining two-thirds should be distributed as per the Sharia law. Consult the family attorneys in Dubai who can help in legally drafting the will.
They will account for the legal aspects. They will prepare the will as per the religious obligation and personal preferences at the same time. It prevents confusion and also protects the rights of the close family members after death. For more practical info and legal guidance, its suggested to consult Ask The Law legal professionals. Our team is trusted and admired all over the UAE, for quick and result driven legal services.
Court Proceedings for Inheritance Distribution
Whenever a Muslim passes away in the UAE, the legal process for inheritance will begin immediately. It will require certain documents, including the death certification and other relevant papers. Apply for the legal heir certificates through the UAE courts.
They will prepare the inventory of the deceased’s assets. Moving forward, the distribution of the estate under the court’s supervision is done according to the Sharia laws. The UAE courts make sure that every heir receives the rightful share.
They provide the legal protection for the stakeholders involved in the process. For instance, if a Muslim resident of the UAE owns assets outside the UAE, the inheritance of those assets will depend on the regulations of that country.
Inside the UAE, the distribution will be done according to the Sharia principles. In such complex cases, families often rely on law firms in Dubai. They will manage the legal process with the aid of a well-qualified family lawyer in Dubai. He understands the legal procedures inside and outside the UAE and will account for the various jurisdictions.
Challenges in Inheritance Distribution in UAE
The Islamic law is very clear with its laws and regulations. Still, the inheritance matters have challenges to address. It involves disputes among the heirs that take place over the division of assets.
There are difficulties valuing the international assets when the property is present outside the UAE. When there are ambiguous ownership documents, this will create a lot of problems.
Under these scenarios, it is advisable to involve Dubai law firms. They can assist with the legal familial problems and also simplify the procedure for the grieving families.
Legal Assistance
Inheritance is a legal and emotional matter. They ensure the distribution of assets is transparent, fair, and clear. Distribution of inheritance is a complicated matter that requires due diligence and attention. It is essential to align the personal wishes with the Islamic laws. It is always beneficial to involve a family lawyer in Dubai. He can assist with the application procedure. Besides, he works on preparing valid and legitimate wills that are in the interest of the legal heirs.
A renowned Law firm in Dubai provides legal advice on Sharia inheritance laws, along with resolving inheritance disputes that may arise among family members. Additionally, the family attorneys in Dubai manage the transfer of property with great precision. Proper legal guidance is provided to the grieving families, and also safeguards the rights of all heirs.

