warith

Warith is an Arabic term meaning “heir” or “inheritor,” derived from the triliteral root W-R-TH (to inherit). The word can denote a person who inherits from a deceased relative or, more generally, a successor or legacy. In Islamic linguistic and legal usage, warith is connected to the system of inheritance and to the concept of inheritance as a social and legal institution.

In Islamic jurisprudence, warith refers to the heirs who receive a share of a deceased person’s estate. The distribution is governed by the laws of fara’id, which prescribe fixed shares for specific categories of heirs such as spouses, parents, children, and certain relatives. The process also considers debts, bequests, and the overall estate, and aims to ensure orderly and fair allocation among eligible heirs.

In theology, al-Warith (often rendered “The Heir” or “The Inheritor”) is one of the 99 Names of Allah in Islamic tradition. This name emphasizes that God is the ultimate possessor of all things and endures beyond creation, remaining after all else has passed away.

Warith is also used as a given name in the Muslim world, with various transliterations such as Warith, Warrith, Waris, and related forms. It appears across Arabic-speaking regions and in communities influenced by Arabic and Islamic culture, including parts of Africa and South Asia. As a cultural and linguistic term, warith thus encompasses both a practical legal concept and a broader spiritual and nominative usage.