In Islamic inheritance law (ʿilm al-farāʾiḍ), heirs are categorized based on their relationship to the deceased and their eligibility to receive a share of the estate. The Qur’an and classical jurisprudence outline a precise system of succession that ensures justice, balance, and the preservation of family ties. Below is a list of male and female heirs recognized under Islamic law, each with distinct rights depending on the presence of other heirs and the structure of the family.

A) Male Heirs

1. Son – Ibn (ابن)
2. Son’s son (Grandson through son) – Ibn al-Ibn (ابن الابن)
3. Father – Ab (أب)
4. Father’s father (Paternal Grandfather) – Jadd (جد)
5. Full brother (same father and mother) – Akhu Shaqīq (أخو شقيق)
6. Half-brother (same father only) – Akhu li-Ab (أخو لأب)
7. Half-brother (same mother only) – Akhu li-Umm (أخو لأم)
8. Full nephew (son of full brother) – Ibn al-Akhi al-Shaqīq (ابن الأخ الشقيق)
9. Nephew from paternal half-brother – Ibn al-Akhi li-Ab (ابن الأخ لأب)
10. Paternal uncle (father’s full brother) – ‘Am Shaqīq (عم شقيق)
11. Paternal uncle from father’s half-brother – ‘Am li-Ab (عم لأب)
12. Full cousin (son of father’s full brother) – Ibn al-‘Am Shaqīq (ابن العم الشقيق)
13. Cousin from paternal half-uncle – Ibn al-‘Am li-Ab (ابن العم لأب)
14. Husband – Zawj (زوج)

B) Female Heirs

1. Daughter – Bint (بنت)
2. Son’s daughter (Granddaughter through son) – Bint al-Ibn (بنت الابن)
3. Mother – Umm (أم)
4. Maternal grandmother (mother’s mother) – Jadda min jihat al-Umm (جدة من جهة الأم)
5. Paternal grandmother (father’s mother) – Jadda min jihat al-Ab (جدة من جهة الأب)
6. Full sister (same father and mother) – Ukht Shaqīqah (أخت شقيقة)
7. Half-sister (same father only) – Ukht li-Ab (أخت لأب)
8. Half-sister (same mother only) – Ukht li-Umm (أخت لأم)
9. Wife – Zawjah (زوجة)