A partner who is not legally married, whose inheritance rights vary sharply by province.
In Islamic law
Islamic law recognises inheritance between spouses in a valid marriage. A religious marriage not registered civilly can leave a widow with no provincial entitlement at all — a serious and common gap.
In Canadian law
Several provinces treat a qualifying common-law partner as a spouse on intestacy; Ontario does not, so an unmarried partner inherits nothing without a will. They may still bring a dependant support claim.
No significant difference between the four Sunni schools is recorded on this point in the sources reviewed. Where a specific case turns on it, ask a qualified scholar rather than relying on a general summary.
Canadian legal detail
Treadstone Law, an Ontario firm with a wills and estates practice, covers the Canadian side of this in more depth:
- Co ownership death no will ontario
- Separated spouse intestacy rights ontario
- How long does estate administration take no will ontario
This entry is general information, not legal or religious advice. Inheritance turns on the exact family circumstances. Confirm Canadian law with a lawyer in your province, and any religious ruling with a qualified scholar.