Analyses of Islamic society are often based on the assumption that inheritance practices follow Islamic law. Examination of these two Persian wills of Sardar As’ad, one of the leading Bakhtiyari khans, reveals deviation from what might be regarded as an Islamic norm -in which sons share equally in father’s estate. These two wills bestow the major portion of the estate on a favorite son which enables him to continue as a powerful leader both within the Bakhtiyari and in Iran itself. In addition to the bases of wealth, revealed by these wills, is land, urban real property, and incomes from bridge tolls, and oil company shares. These wills help to explain the persistence of wealth and power within certain families over several generations and in addition they help to point up again the adaptability of Islam and its institutions.
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