Muslim Inheritance Law in Bangladesh 2025
Property Distribution, Rights of Sons & Daughters
Introduction
Muslim inheritance in Bangladesh follows Islamic Shariah principles and is governed by the Muslim Personal Law (Shariat) Application Act, 1937 and the Muslim Family Laws Ordinance, 1961.
This law ensures a fair and equitable distribution of property among heirs after a person’s death, based on Quranic guidance.
How Muslim Inheritance Works in Bangladesh
Before property can be divided among heirs, the following steps must be completed:
- Payment of funeral and burial expenses
- Repayment of debts or dues
- Execution of a valid will (up to one-third of the estate)
- Distribution of the remaining property among legal heirs
Classification of Heirs
Islamic law divides heirs into three main categories:
| Category | Description | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Sharers (Zul-Faraiz) | Those who receive a fixed share | Wife, mother, daughter |
| Residuaries (Asabah) | Those who inherit the residue | Son, brother, uncle |
| Distant Kindred (Zul-Arham) | Inherit in absence of close heirs | Grandson, nephew, aunt |
Property Division Between Brothers and Sisters
According to the Qur’an (Surah An-Nisa, Ayah 11):
“For the male is the portion of two females.”
This means:
Each son receives twice the share of a daughter.
Example:
If a father dies leaving 1 son and 1 daughter, the estate is divided into 3 parts:
- Son → 2 parts
- Daughter → 1 part
Do Grandsons Have a Share in Grandfather’s Property?
Under Sunni Hanafi law (followed in Bangladesh):
- A grandson cannot inherit directly from his grandfather if his father (the son of the deceased) is still alive.
- However, if the father predeceases the grandfather, some interpretations allow the grandson to inherit in his father’s place.
Share of Women in Inheritance
Islam guarantees women a rightful share in property.
| Relation | Share |
|---|---|
| One daughter only | ½ of the estate |
| Two or more daughters (no son) | ⅔ of the estate |
| With sons | Each daughter receives half the share of a son |
Example:
If a father leaves 60 decimals of land and has 2 sons and 1 daughter:
Total = 5 shares
- Each son → 2 shares (24 decimals each)
- Daughter → 1 share (12 decimals)
Inheritance & Property Distribution in 2025
The legal framework remains the same, but digital land records, mutation, and online applications have made the process easier.
Heirs can now obtain succession certificates and apply for mutation through online portals.
Legal Steps for Property Division
- Collect all land documents (khatian, deeds)
- Obtain a succession certificate
- Measure and divide the land
- Apply for mutation (name change)
- Execute a written partition deed
Legal Remedy Against Illegal Occupation
If one heir occupies the entire property, others can:
- File a case in the Family or Assistant Judge Court, or
- Submit an objection to the AC Land Office for correction or partition.
Conclusion
The Muslim inheritance law in Bangladesh ensures justice and family balance.
To avoid disputes, every family should follow Shariah-based and legally valid procedures for distributing property.