After a death: what to do next

A short checklist for the practical steps. Take them in whatever order your situation needs. Details vary by country and family, so check local rules.

This is general guidance, not legal or religious advice. Steps marked with a scholar icon involve religious rulings; ask a qualified scholar.

The first days

Arrange the funeral and burial with the family and a local imam or community leader. ✦
Ask the doctor or authority for several copies of the death certificate.
Let close family know.

Find the documents

Look for a will or a written bequest (wasiyyah).
Gather deeds, vehicle titles, account statements, insurance policies, and pension or retirement papers.
Make a list of everything owed, including loans, bills, and any unpaid mahr to a wife.

Secure what's there

Keep the home, vehicles, and valuables safe and locked.
Don't sell, give away, or divide property before the debts are known and the shares are calculated.

Notify and claim

Tell banks, employers, pension providers, and insurers.
Check for life insurance, retirement accounts, and any account with a named beneficiary; these often pass to the person named on the form.
Apply for any government or employer benefits that may be owed.

Pay what's owed

Pay funeral and burial costs and debts from the estate first.
Follow any bequest within its one-third limit and only to non-heirs, unless every heir agrees. ✦
Ask a qualified scholar whether the deceased left any religious obligations, such as unpaid zakat, missed fasts, or an unperformed hajj, and how they are handled. ✦

The legal process

Find out whether a court or an appointed administrator must approve the estate in your country, and start that process.
Consult a local attorney or estate specialist before transferring any property, vehicle, or account.
Keep records of everything paid and received.

Divide the estate

Use Raashid to calculate each heir's share.
Divide actual items, and record any agreement every heir has made; if any heir is a minor, do not finalize without a scholar or attorney.
Transfer ownership through the legal process, then keep copies of the paperwork.

Calculate the shares

Choose a country in the calculator to see local notes.

Local rules change; confirm with a local professional.