Islamic inheritance: Myth versus fact

Myth:  I live in America where there are no Islamic courts.  Islamic inheritance is too complicated to be enforced in the United States. Since I have to live by the law of the land, I can’t plan for an Islamic inheritance. Fact: In the United States, you can plan your inheritance through a last will and testament or a trust to make sure your Islamic heirs inherit from you. While Islamic inheritance is complex, you can take advantage of publicly available software, charts, and guidelines to help you determine the share of inheritance that should go to your surviving heirs. However, stay away from do-it-yourself options, and be sure to use an attorney to make sure your documents are legally enforceable. Myth:  Islamic Inheritance is too rigid. I have no flexibility in leaving money for those I feel need more help. Fact: It’s true that Islamic inheritance defines shares for certain family members. However, it also allows for up to one third of one’s estate to be given to others, including non-heir family members, friends, and charitable organizations. Other types of planning, such as a family endowment, can allow one to set aside resources to continue care for certain beneficiaries even after