Impact of Conversion to Islam on Inheritance Issues

Abstract

Islam is considered a “radical” transformation in a person’s life in terms of belief, worship, and dealings. Among the important aspects affected by this change are inheritance issues. When an individual or a family embraces Islam, direct Sharia changes occur to the rules of inheritance that governed them prior to Islam. These include the termination of inheritance between a Muslim and a non-Muslim, the invalidation of the system of adoption and its implications for inheritance, and the establishment of rights according to Islamic law.Islam emphasizes the importance of documenting rights and proving lineage and inheritance in accordance with Sharia. It also encourages writing wills and not leaving such matters to customary practices or prior traditions. Furthermore, Islam influences inheritance in ways that promote justice and equality. Islamic inheritance rulings take into account justice and social interest, ensuring the distribution of the estate among rightful heirs according to specific shares, thereby achieving balance within the family and society.