Sick Person's Transactions

A person in good health may dispose of his wealth freely within Sharia limits. But if ill, the rulings differ based on the type of illness: **1. Non-Fatal Illness (غير مخوف):** Illness not expected to cause death - like toothache, headache, or minor body pains that can be cured. - **Ruling:** Such a person's transactions are **binding like a healthy person** - Gifts and donations from all his wealth are valid - Even if it develops into a fatal illness and he dies, what counts is his state when he made the gift **2. Fatal Illness (المرض المخوف):** Illness where death is expected - like cancer and terminal diseases. - **Ruling:** Donations are executed from **one-third** of the estate, not the principal - If within one-third or less, they are valid - If exceeding one-third, they are only valid with heirs' approval after death - **Evidence:** The Prophet ﷺ said: "Allah has given charity on your behalf at your death - one-third of your wealth as an increase in your deeds" [Ibn Majah, Daraqutni, Bayhaqi - hasan] - This is because donations from the principal harm the heirs, so it is limited to one-third like bequests **3. Chronic Non-Fatal Illness (المرض المزمن غير المخوف):** Chronic but not immediately life-threatening, and not bedridden - like diabetes. - **Ruling:** Donations are valid from **all** his wealth like a healthy person - Because sudden death is not feared, like an elderly person **4. Bedridden Illness:** If the chronic illness confines him to bed. - **Ruling:** Donations and bequests are only valid within **one-third** for non-heirs - Because a bedridden person is feared to die, so he is treated like one in terminal illness