Faraid when there is more than one wife
This is the part least thought about before polygyny and most often disputed afterwards. The verse is clear; the misunderstanding is common.
The wives' share is shared, not multiplied
The Qur'an sets one share for the wife: 1/8 if the deceased has children, 1/4 if not. When there is more than one wife, that same share is divided equally — it does not increase.
Each wife: 1/8 of the estate.
Each wife: 1/16 of the estate.
Each wife: 1/32 of the estate.
Each wife: 1/8 of the estate.
وَلَهُنَّ ٱلرُّبُعُ مِمَّا تَرَكْتُمْ إِن لَّمْ يَكُن لَّكُمْ وَلَدٌۭ ۚ فَإِن كَانَ لَكُمْ وَلَدٌۭ فَلَهُنَّ ٱلثُّمُنُ
The wife's share: one quarter, or one eighth
The wife receives 1/4 of the estate if the husband leaves no children, and 1/8 if there are children — after debts and bequests have been settled.
Surah an-Nisa' 4:12The share is SHARED, not multiplied
Two wives do not receive 1/8 twice. They share one 1/8 (or 1/4) equally between them. Four wives share that same portion among the four. The number of wives does not increase the wives' share.
Ijma' (consensus) — the wives' (zawjat) share is sharedAt a glance
What can be planned now
Example
| Situation | Share of all wives | Each wife |
|---|---|---|
| One wife, with children | 1/8 | 1/8 |
| Two wives, with children | 1/8 | 1/16 each |
| Three wives, with children | 1/8 | 1/24 each |
| Two wives, no children | 1/4 | 1/8 each |
What can be planned
Hibah (gift) during lifetime
Gifts made during one's lifetime are not subject to faraid. It is a lawful way to ensure that a household does not lose its home.
Wasiat (bequest) — up to 1/3
To non-heirs only, and not exceeding one third. The wife is an heir, so a bequest to her requires the consent of the other heirs.
Takaful
Takaful payouts follow the nominee and the certificate terms; some are treated as part of the estate. Check with the operator.
Matrimonial property (harta sepencarian)
Claimed before faraid. A wife who contributed is entitled to claim her share first.
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