If a child becomes atheist or non-Muslim (leaves Islam), can they rightfully inherit their parents’ property? Would parents be sinful for denying them inheritance?
In Islam, inheritance is a system that does not depend on personal emotions or family decisions. It is a law set by Allah. No one has the authority to increase or reduce inheritance shares according to their own wishes. This leads to an important question: if a child becomes an atheist or leaves Islam for another religion, will that child still have the right to inherit their parents’ property?
Answer: No, a non-religious or atheist child will not inherit property.
The matter is clearly explained here.
There is no inheritance between Muslims and non-Muslims in Islam.
Usama b. Zaid reported Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) as saying:
A Muslim is not entitled to inherit from a non-Muslim, and a non-Muslim is not entitled to inherit from a Muslim. ( Sahih Muslim 1614) .
What does it mean to be an atheist or a heretic?
1. Atheist
Anyone who denies Allah , the Quran, the Day of Judgment , or the prophethood of the Prophet is not a Muslim.
2. Infidel (non-Muslim)
Anyone who leaves Islam and converts to another religion is also not a Muslim.
In both cases, the inheritance is canceled.
Will the parents be sinners?
No, the parents will not be sinners at all.
Reason:
- The deprivation is not their personal decision;
- Rather, it is a Sharia law determined by Allah.
If they distribute the inheritance according to the conditions, it is part of fulfilling the command of Allah.
What if the child is only nominally Muslim?
It is often seen—
- I don’t pray.
- Weak in Islamic work
- Not interested in religion
No one becomes a disbeliever because of these things.
If the child has faith in the basic creed , then he is not an atheist and he will naturally inherit.
Can parents deprive someone while they are alive?
Property can be gifted during life, provided that:
- All children should be given fairly.
- It is wrong to intentionally deprive someone.
But the distribution of property after death must be in accordance with Sharia law.
Check out the answers to some more questions about the inheritance of a non-religious or atheist child.
Will an atheist child inherit his parents’ property?
No. An atheist child denies the basic tenets of Islam and says he is not a Muslim. Therefore, he will not inherit according to Islamic law.
Is it a sin if parents deprive their atheist children of property?
No. Because excluding the child from inheritance is not their personal decision; it is in accordance with the Shariah determined by Allah. Therefore, the parents will not be sinners.
Can a non-Muslim child inherit property?
No. Inheritance between Muslims and non-Muslims is not valid. There is a unanimous decision of the hadith and scholars on this matter.
Which child will be called an atheist or a heretic?
A person who denies Allah, the Quran, the Day of Judgment, the Prophet’s (peace be upon him) message, or abandons Islam and adopts another religion is an atheist or a heretic. His inheritance is void.
Does a child become an atheist if he doesn’t pray?
No. Not praying is a major sin, but that does not make him an atheist as long as he does not deny Allah or religion. Therefore, he will inherit.
Can parents give some property to an atheist child while they are alive?
Property can be given as a gift while alive, but the rules of inheritance cannot be changed after death.
Does inheritance return if you change Islam and repent again?
Yes. If the child repents and becomes a Muslim before his death, his inheritance becomes valid again.
Can parents leave property to an atheist child in a will?
No. Because it is not permissible for a Muslim to make a will in the name of a non-Muslim.
