Can a Muslim make a will for all their property?

What the Law Says

Singapore law restricts how much of their estate a Muslim can dispose of by will, to ensure compliance with Islamic inheritance principles.

Under Singapore law, a Muslim’s estate is governed primarily by the Administration of Muslim Law Act (AMLA), not the general Wills Act. This means that even if a Muslim makes a will, it only applies to a limited portion of their assets.

The AMLA requires that two-thirds of a deceased Muslim’s estate must be distributed according to Syariah inheritance rules — known as faraid — which specify fixed shares for spouses, children, parents, and other relatives. Only one-third may be freely disposed of by will, and even that portion must not violate Syariah principles (e.g., cannot benefit non-Muslim heirs unless permitted under fatwa).

The Syariah Court has exclusive jurisdiction over the administration of Muslim estates, including granting letters of administration or probate. The Public Trustee’s Office (Amanah Raya) also plays a role in administering Muslim estates when appointed.

Statutory Text

A Muslim shall not have power to dispose of by will more than one-third of his net estate, after payment of funeral expenses and debts.

— Administration of Muslim Law Act, s. 111 — Disposition of estate by will

Statutory Text

The Syariah Court shall have jurisdiction to hear and determine any question relating to the administration of the estate of a deceased Muslim.

— Administration of Muslim Law Act, s. 50(1) — Jurisdiction of Syariah Court

What to Do

Sources