Islamic Inheritance (Faraid) for Widows
Quran 4:12 — "And for them [wives] is one fourth of what you leave if you have no children. But if you have children, then for them is an eighth of what you leave, after any bequest you [may have] made and debt."
- No children: You inherit 1/4 of your husband's estate
- With children: You inherit 1/8 of your husband's estate
- This is in addition to your mahr (dowry), which must be paid before any other distribution
- These are minimum rights — a husband may leave more to his wife via wasiyya (bequest) up to 1/3 of the estate
Pakistani Succession Law
For Muslim families, the Muslim Personal Law (Shariat) Application Act 1937 applies. This means Islamic inheritance rules are legally enforceable. If in-laws deny your share:
- Consult a family law advocate (lawyer)
- File a suit for declaration of inheritance in the civil court
- Contact Aurat Foundation or AGHS Legal Aid Cell for free or subsidised legal help
Government Benefits and Pensions
- Government employees: Widows typically receive 50% of the late employee's pension as a "family pension." Contact his department's HR/accounts.
- EOBI (Employees Old-Age Benefits Institution): If your husband was registered with EOBI, you may qualify for survivor's pension. Visit any EOBI office.
- Life insurance: If he had life insurance, you are typically the beneficiary. Contact the insurance company with the death certificate.
Property in His Name
If the marital home or other property was solely in your husband's name:
- It becomes part of the estate subject to faraid distribution
- You cannot be forced to leave immediately — courts recognise the widow's right to remain
- Transfer of property requires a legal process — do not sign any documents under pressure
- Get independent legal advice before signing anything related to property
NADRA and Documentation
- Obtain official death certificate from the Union Council (for deaths at home) or hospital
- Update your CNIC status at NADRA — you will need the death certificate
- Update bank accounts — bring death certificate and new CNIC to all banks
- Update utility connections if needed
Legal aid: Aurat Foundation — 051-2890505 | AGHS Legal Aid Cell Lahore — 042-35761999
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