Yes. The requirements for a wasi are trustworthiness and sound judgement, and the classical texts do not confine the role to men.
The Canadian position
Canadian law places no restriction whatever on who may act as estate trustee, beyond capacity and, in some cases, a bond where the trustee lives outside the province.
The Islamic position
Scholars discuss the qualities a wasi should have — integrity, competence, ability to discharge the task — rather than imposing a bar by sex.
All four schools want the same qualities in a wasi — adulthood and legal capacity, Islam, integrity and the ability to do the job. They differ on what failing one of them does. Three schools treat them as conditions of validity, so an appointment that fails one is void. The Hanafi school treats the appointment as valid and puts the remedy in the judge’s hands.
All four Sunni schools researched and sourced. Reviewed 2026-08-19. Full positions, evidence and sources — Who may be appointed wasi (executor and guardian).
Making an Islamic will in Canada — province by province, and what makes one valid where you live →
This is legal information only. For advice on your own circumstances, speak to a lawyer.
Citations & sources
Every factual claim on this page traces to a source below. Details change — check the original source before relying on any figure, fee or legal position. Anything under “further reading” is related material, not a source for what is stated here.
- Sahih al-Bukhari, Book 55: Wills and Testaments (Wasaya) — Sunnah.com
- Sahih Muslim, Book of Wills — Sunnah.com
- Egyptian Dar al-Ifta — Dar al-Ifta al-Missriyyah
- Research Papers — Cambridge Muslim College
- Bank requirements beyond probate certificate ontario — Treadstone Law
- When does estate trustee need a bond ontario — Treadstone Law
- Executor refusing role ontario — Treadstone Law
- Executor renounce role ontario — Treadstone Law
- Wills & estates practice — Treadstone Law