What is the share of each heir from the inheritance if a man dies and leaves behind a wife and two sons?
The deceased's wife receives one-eighth (1/8) as a mandatory share due to the presence of lineal descendants, based on the Almighty's saying: "But if you have a child, then for them [the wives] is one eighth of what you leave, after any bequest you [may have] made or debt." The remainder goes to the two sons by way of 'asaba (agnatic inheritance) equally, based on the Prophet's (peace be upon him) saying: "Give the prescribed shares to those who are entitled to them, and whatever remains is for the closest male heir." Thus, the inheritance is divided into sixteen shares: two shares for the wife, and seven shares for each son. The matter of inheritances must be submitted to the Sharia courts for investigation and to ensure there are no other heirs, wills, debts, or rights that take precedence over the heirs' rights.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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