FOR MUSLIMS · AMLA
Your one-third, done right.
For Muslims domiciled in Singapore. Muslim estate distribution is governed by the Administration of Muslim Law Act (AMLA) and the principles of Faraid ¹ ². A valid Wasiat can allocate up to one-third of your estate to non-Faraid beneficiaries — the remaining two-thirds follows Faraid ³. Tell us your situation and we’ll arrange for a Muslim-law-qualified provider to reach out for a free consultation. Free for you, always.
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The framework, in plain English.
Muslim inheritance in Singapore sits inside a different legal framework than the Intestate Succession Act that applies to non-Muslims. The Wasiat — your Muslim will — works alongside Faraid, not around it.
The Administration of Muslim Law Act 1966 (AMLA) governs Muslim affairs in Singapore, including inheritance ¹. Section 111 of AMLA permits a Muslim to make a will (Wasiat) to dispose of assets upon death, subject to the conditions imposed by the school of Muslim law professed by the testator ².
Under Faraid — the Muslim law of inheritance — a Muslim domiciled in Singapore can generally only freely will away up to one-third of the net estate, and only to non-Faraid beneficiaries (people who are not already legal heirs under Faraid, such as adopted children, foster children, non-Muslim relatives, or charities) ³ ⁴. The remaining two-thirds is distributed strictly according to Faraid shares among the legal heirs identified by Islamic law.
If a Wasiat attempts to bequeath more than one-third, or attempts to give an additional share to someone who is already a Faraid heir, those instructions are generally invalid unless all Faraid heirs (who must be over 21) unanimously consent to follow the Wasiat after the testator’s death ⁴.
Some assets are excluded from Faraid distribution entirely. Property held in joint tenancy passes to the surviving co-owner by right of survivorship ². CPF savings with a valid CPF nomination pass to the nominees ⁷. Insurance policies with nominations pay out directly to nominees. These categories sit outside the estate and are not bound by Faraid.
When a Muslim passes away in Singapore, the executor or administrator must first obtain an Inheritance Certificate from the Syariah Court, which identifies the legal Faraid heirs and their respective shares ⁵. The Family Justice Courts then issue a Grant of Probate (if there is a Wasiat) or a Grant of Letters of Administration (if there is no Wasiat).
WHAT A WASIAT CAN DO
The one-third, in practice.
Provide for a non-Muslim spouse who would not inherit under Faraid ⁴
Provide for adopted children not within established Faraid categories ³
Bequeath to charity (Sadaqah Jariyah) for ongoing benefit
Appoint a Muslim executor to manage the estate
Express last wishes on funeral arrangements and guardianship of minor children
⚠️ Important — religious advisory
Muslim inheritance law in Singapore involves religious principles that may vary by school of faith (madhab). The Shafi’i madhab applies by default unless another is shown ⁶. This page provides general information only and is not a substitute for advice from a Muslim-law-qualified provider. Finspire holds no licence — we connect you to a qualified provider who does, and they handle the consultation directly.
Where Wasiats go wrong.
Wasiat mistakes in Singapore tend to fall into the same three buckets. Understanding these upfront helps you have the right conversation with a Muslim-law specialist.
01 / THE ONE-THIRD LIMIT
You cannot give more — without consent.
A Wasiat that allocates more than one-third of the net estate to non-Faraid beneficiaries is generally invalid unless all Faraid heirs unanimously consent after death ⁴. Don’t structure a Wasiat assuming heirs will consent — design within the one-third boundary, or get specialist advice on alternative tools (hibah, joint structures) made during your lifetime.
02 / FARAID HEIRS ARE LOCKED IN
A Wasiat cannot bypass Faraid heirs.
ou cannot use the one-third to give an additional share to someone who is already a Faraid heir (e.g. a particular son or daughter receiving more than their Faraid share) ⁴. If you want to favour a specific heir, the structuring is more complex — speak to a Muslim-law-qualified lawyer about lifetime gifts (hibah) or other instruments.
03 / CPF, JOINT PROPERTY, INSURANCE
Some things aren't in your estate.
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Beyond the Wasiat.
If you’re considering broader estate planning, these are the related areas worth understanding.
For Couples
Mirror & Mutual Wills.
Married couples and partners often write reciprocal wills — each leaving everything to the other, then to the same beneficiaries.
For Non-Muslims
Simple Will.
For non-Muslim individuals, governed by the Wills Act 1838 and the Intestate Succession Act, not by AMLA.
Plan Both
Will vs. LPA.
A will takes effect after death. An LPA takes effect if you lose mental capacity while alive. Most complete estate plans need both.
Wasiat done right. Specialist-led.
Muslim wills involve religious and civil law together. We work with Muslim-law-qualified providers in Singapore. Tell us your situation and we’ll arrange a free consultation with a qualified provider — they handle the legal work and the religious-law specifics, we just make the introduction. Free for you, always.
Sources & citations
Every numbered citation on this page links to a primary source. Click through to verify. Last reviewed: 16 May 2026.
1. Administration of Muslim Law Act 1966 (AMLA)
Singapore Statutes Online — Administration of Muslim Law Act 1966 (primary source)
2. AMLA s.111 / s.112 — Muslim wills, Faraid distribution, excluded assets
SingaporeLegalAdvice — Muslim Inheritance Law in Singapore
3. One-third bequeathable portion, non-Faraid beneficiaries
Hawksford — Singapore’s approach to Muslim succession
4. Wasiat structure, conditions on the 1/3, restrictions on Faraid heirs
PKWA Law — Faraid Muslim Inheritance Singapore
5. Syariah Court & Inheritance Certificate process
PKWA Law — Guide to Muslim Wills (Wasiat) & Faraid Law
6. Schools of Muslim law (madhab) — Shafi’i default in Singapore
IRB Law — Faraid Muslim Inheritance Law in Singapore
7. CPF nomination — not covered by will, separate from Faraid
CPF Board — Making a CPF Nomination (primary source)
This page is general information, not legal or religious advice. Muslim inheritance involves religious principles that vary by school of faith. For advice specific to your situation, consult a Muslim-law-qualified lawyer or MUIS-aligned advisor. Finspire does not provide legal or religious advice.