Yes, and it is extremely common — a spouse or adult child usually serves. What they must not do is witness the will.
The Canadian position
A beneficiary or their spouse witnessing the will can void the gift to that person, even though the will itself remains valid.
An executor who is also a beneficiary faces potential conflict-of-interest allegations, which careful accounting and transparency largely defuse.
The Islamic position
A wasi may be an heir. The requirement is trustworthiness and capability, not disinterest.
The four Sunni schools are not recorded as differing materially on this point in the sources reviewed. Where your own case turns on it, put it to a scholar of your school.
General information, not legal or religious advice. Inheritance depends entirely on the exact family circumstances. Confirm the Canadian position with a lawyer in your province and any religious ruling with a qualified scholar.
Citations & sources
Every factual claim on this page traces to one of the references below. Legislation and dollar thresholds change — verify against the primary source before relying on any figure.
- Research Papers — Cambridge Muslim College
- Research — Cambridge Muslim College
- Academics — Islamic law and theology curriculum — Zaytuna College
- Encyclopaedia of Islam — Brill
- Succession Law Reform Act, RSO 1990, c S.26 — Government of Ontario
- Administering estates — Government of Ontario
- Locating wills and documents — Law Society of Ontario
- How many executors should you name ontario will — Treadstone Law
- Executor compensation ontario — Treadstone Law
- Out of province executor practical challenges ontario — Treadstone Law
- Executor entitled receive gift and fees ontario — Treadstone Law
- Common tax mistakes executors make ontario — Treadstone Law
- Non resident executor estate tax residency ontario — Treadstone Law
- Wills & estates practice — Treadstone Law