Inheritance & wills in Saudi Arabia

Sharia courts (Mahakim) apply classical Sunni faraid directly; the General Court issues the inheritance deed (Sak Hasr al-Irth). No separate civil inheritance code applies to Muslim citizens.

A written wasiyyah is permitted up to one-third of the net estate. It must be signed by the testator and witnessed by two adult Muslim males of trustworthy character (or one male + two female witnesses). Notarisation at the Adl (notary public) office is strongly recommended.

Lodge the will with the Notary Public (Kātib al-‘Adl) under the Ministry of Justice. A copy can also be deposited with the testator’s preferred wasi (executor). Inheritance deeds are issued by the General Court after death.

Two adult Muslim male witnesses are standard. Witnesses must be sane, free, and of established righteousness (‘adala).

Collecting authority

ZATCA (Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority)

Tax relief

Zakat is mandatory and collected by ZATCA from businesses

Maximum relief

Full deduction from taxable base

Notes

Businesses must file annual Zakat returns

None — classical Sunni Hanbali faraid is applied as-is by the General Court under the Sharia Judicial System. The Ministry of Justice affirms the Basic Law of Governance Art. 48 (courts apply Sharia).

The heirs petition the General Court for an inheritance deed. The court verifies the heirs and madhhab application (typically Hanbali), then issues a final deed listing every heir and share.

The Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta (Dār al-Iftāʾ) issues formal rulings on disputed inheritance questions.

• Bequests to a Quranic heir require unanimous consent from the other heirs.
• Joint property held with non-Muslims must be addressed separately under civil contract.

• Ministry of Justice — Adl notary
• Saudi General Court

• Is Islamic inheritance (faraid) legally recognised in Saudi Arabia?

  Sharia courts (Mahakim) apply classical Sunni faraid directly; the General Court issues the inheritance deed (Sak Hasr al-Irth). No separate civil inheritance code applies to Muslim citizens.

• What makes an Islamic will (Wasiyyah) legally valid in Saudi Arabia?

  A written wasiyyah is permitted up to one-third of the net estate. It must be signed by the testator and witnessed by two adult Muslim males of trustworthy character (or one male + two female witnesses). Notarisation at the Adl (notary public) office is strongly recommended.

• Where do I register my will in Saudi Arabia?

  Lodge the will with the Notary Public (Kātib al-‘Adl) under the Ministry of Justice. A copy can also be deposited with the testator’s preferred wasi (executor). Inheritance deeds are issued by the General Court after death.

• Does Saudi Arabia have forced-heirship rules that override an Islamic will?

  None — classical Sunni Hanbali faraid is applied as-is by the General Court under the Sharia Judicial System. The Ministry of Justice affirms the Basic Law of Governance Art. 48 (courts apply Sharia).

• How does probate work in Saudi Arabia?

  The heirs petition the General Court for an inheritance deed. The court verifies the heirs and madhhab application (typically Hanbali), then issues a final deed listing every heir and share.

• How many witnesses do I need for a will in Saudi Arabia?

  Two adult Muslim male witnesses are standard. Witnesses must be sane, free, and of established righteousness (‘adala).

• What are the most common Islamic-will pitfalls in Saudi Arabia?

  Bequests to a Quranic heir require unanimous consent from the other heirs. Joint property held with non-Muslims must be addressed separately under civil contract.