Will a stepson inherit from his stepfather?

· 12 Jumada II 1438 AH1 min readEnglish
Inheritanceinheritancestep-son

Question

If a couple marries and the wife has a son that is 3 years old from her first marriage. The child has no contact with the bilogoical father and was brought up by the husband as his own child. The couple then have 2 children, a boy and girl, so 3 children in total. How would one distribute the wealth of the husband once he passes away.

Answer

The wife's child is not an heir of his stepfather and thus will not inherit from him. However, if the stepfather wishes, he may make a bequest for him from one third of his estate.

And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best.

Answered by
Mufti Zakaria Makada
Checked & approved by
Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)
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