How should the estate of a person who has no heirs be distributed?

Answer

In the total absence of heirs, all his/her assets will be distributed to the Fuqara (poor Muslims). If the mayyit (deceased) has such relatives who are not heirs, they have a prior right. The distribution will not be according to the law of Inheritance.

Among the non-inheriting relatives are step-mothers, ridhaaee (milk) brothers and sisters, step-children, adopted children and the wife's relatives.