Who inherits a woman who has neither a husband nor children and owns a house? Is it permissible for her to write a will concerning her wealth and dispose of it as she wishes, without her brothers and sisters inheriting from her? Does the husband inherit from her if he is present, and what is the extent of his inheritance? What is the ruling on inheritance if there is a daughter or a son?
It is permissible for a person to spend all of their wealth on good causes while healthy, if they can bear destitution and their family is not in need, as Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) did, and the Prophet (peace be upon him) approved of it.
However, a will bequeathing all wealth after death is not permissible and will not be executed except with the consent of the heirs. The prohibition is particularly emphasized if the goal is to deprive the heirs. This is supported by the Prophet's (peace be upon him) prohibition to Sa'd from bequeathing more than one-third, and the Almighty's saying: "after any legacy he may have bequeathed or debt, without causing harm."
Therefore, it is not permissible to bequeath all wealth. If the questioner makes such a will, it will not be executed except within the limit of one-third or with the consent of the heirs.
In the case of a husband, he inherits half if there is no child, and a quarter if there is a child. The only daughter inherits half, and the male child inherits what remains after the prescribed shares have been distributed.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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