While Muslims who die in Muslim majority countries may have
their assets distributed according to Islamic law by default , a Muslim in the USA may not
be so fortunate. Dying without a will in the USA (called intestate) may trigger existing
state laws that determine the actual division of assets.
Such a division may differ considerably from a Islamic Law division. Therefore, if someone
lives in a country like the US, he/she should make a special effort to ensure that his/her
assets are properly distributed upon death.
You can contact Islamic Society of Greater Houston (ISGH). or Islamic Society of North America (ISNA)
to get details and format of Islamic Will. Please consult an attorney for a final form that
conforms with your state laws. (For example in certain US states your wife may need to
sign a special form, etc.) Please note that in the USA a will may not control the
disposition of all of your assets in certain situations. Check with an estate professional
on the value of other instruments in addition to your will. There may be considerable
tax effects for different decisions.
