Related Rulings

**Fourteen Rulings:** **1. Obligation to Document:** A Muslim must document his rights and obligations in a will. - **Evidence:** Hadith of Ibn Umar above. **2. Recommended for Charity:** It is recommended to bequeath something for good causes to earn reward 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 good deeds." **3. Maximum One-Third:** It is permissible to bequeath up to one-third, and less is better. - **Evidence:** Sa'd ibn Abi Waqqas asked the Prophet ﷺ during his terminal illness: "Shall I give two-thirds in charity?" He said: "No." "Half?" He said: "No." "One-third?" He said: "One-third, and one-third is much." Ibn Abbas said: "I wish people would reduce from one-third to one-fourth, for the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: 'One-third, and one-third is much.'" **4. Not More Than One-Third:** A bequest of more than one-third is invalid for one with heirs, unless the heirs approve. If no heirs, the entire estate may be bequeathed. **5. No Bequest to Heirs:** A bequest to any heir is invalid. - **Evidence:** The Prophet ﷺ said: "Allah has given every heir their right, so there is no bequest for an heir." **6. No Sinful Bequests:** Bequests for sinful purposes are prohibited, as bequests are meant to increase good deeds. **7. Debts First:** Debts and obligatory duties (zakat, hajj, expiations) take precedence over bequests. - **Evidence:** Allah says: "After any bequest made or debt" [An-Nisa: 11]. Ali رضي الله عنه said: "The Prophet ﷺ judged debts before bequests." **8. Executor Qualifications:** The executor must be legally capable - sane, adult, free, and willing. **9. Prohibited Bequests:** It is prohibited to bequeath for sinful causes - like temples of disbelief or purchasing forbidden items. Such bequests are void. **10. Recommended When Wealthy:** Bequests are recommended for those with abundant wealth and heirs who are not in need. - **Evidence:** Allah says: "if he leaves good (wealth)" [Al-Baqarah: 180] - Disliked for those with little wealth and needy heirs. - **Evidence:** The Prophet ﷺ said: "That you leave your heirs wealthy is better than leaving them poor, begging from people." - Many Companions died without making bequests. **11. Prohibited If Harmful:** A bequest is prohibited if the testator intends to harm the heirs. - **Evidence:** Allah says: "without causing harm" [An-Nisa: 12] **12. Acceptance Required:** A bequest to a specific person requires acceptance after the testator's death. But bequests to unspecified recipients (the poor, students of knowledge, mosques, orphanages) are binding immediately upon death without acceptance. **13. Revocable:** The testator may revoke all or part of his bequest. Umar رضي الله عنه said: "A man may change whatever he wishes in his will." **14. Valid for Non-Muslims:** A bequest is valid to anyone capable of ownership, Muslim or non-Muslim. - **Evidence:** Allah says: "except that you do good to your allies" [Al-Ahzab: 6]