Ramadan 1445 AH – Day 30: Wasiyyah — Your Last Testament
I didn’t allow a night to pass before I’d written my will. — Ibn Umar
The concept of death often feels distant to many, yet this perspective may contribute to numerous sins. Writing a final testament keeps you in check about death and extends beyond merely reviving a Sunnah. It safeguards your rights, upholds your dignity posthumously, and ensures your intentions are honored after your demise.
The wasiyyah — will or your last testament, holds significant importance in Islam, both from a religious and practical standpoint. It serves as a means for Muslims to fulfill their obligations towards their families, loved ones, and the wider community, even beyond their lifetime. It stands as a directive bequest, distinct from the Fara’id, or Islamic Inheritance.
In Islamic Inheritance, one isn’t authorized to determine the distribution or proportions of estates. Conversely, with the wasiyyah, individuals have the prerogative to allocate assets as desired, albeit with certain significant considerations.
Allah’s Apostle ﷺ underscores the obligation of every Muslim to ensure that their affairs are organized and their wishes are clearly outlined in a will before they pass on. This was as reported by Abdullah ibn Umar:
“It is not permissible for any Muslim who has something to will to stay for two nights without having his last will written and kept ready with him.” — Sahih al-Bukhari and Muslim
All acts of worship in Islam are based upon a legal framework. The wasiyyah isn’t left out on this. The Islamic legal framework provides guidelines for making a will, including the distribution of assets, settling debts, and appointing guardians for minor children. In addition, it also entails details of who washes, shrouds, and buries you. By adhering to these guidelines, Muslims ensure that their wealth is distributed per Islamic principles and that their family members are provided for in the event of their death.
Through the wasiyyah, Muslims can continue to earn rewards via Sadaqa Jariyah even after their death. By leaving behind charitable bequests, endowments, or projects that benefit the community, individuals can perpetuate acts of worship and contribute to the betterment of society long after they are gone.
Uthman ibn Affan, the third rightly guided caliph to succeed the Prophet ﷺ, also emphasized the significance of the wasiyyah. Before his assassination, Uthman made a will specifying the distribution of his wealth among his family and various charitable causes. His will reflected his commitment to social justice and compassion for the less fortunate.
The story of Sa’ad ibn Abi Waqqas also illustrates the importance of wasiyyah and how Allah’s Apostle ﷺ approved of it. He mentioned that he was stricken by an ailment that led him to the verge of death. The Prophet ﷺ came to visit him. Then he said, ‘O Allah’s Apostle! ﷺ I have much property and no heir except my single daughter. Shall I give two-thirds of my property in charity?’ He said, ‘No.’ I said, ‘Half of it?’ He said, ‘No.’ I said, ‘One-third of it?’ He said, ‘You may do so, though one-third is still too much. For you should leave your offspring wealthy is better than to leave them poor, asking others for help …’
In summary, the wasiyyah holds immense significance in Islam, serving as a means for Muslims to fulfill their religious obligations, maintain family ties, and leave behind a positive legacy. By following this guidance of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and emulating the examples of his companions, Muslims can ensure that their affairs are organized and their wishes are fulfilled following Islamic principles.
If you need a sample wasiyyah to guide your draft, check here.
Action Points
- Learn more about the importance and significance of the wasiyyah in Islam, seek Allah’s guidance, and then you can make informed decisions in preparing yours.
- Determine the individuals or entities you wish to include as beneficiaries in your will. Consider family members, friends, charitable organizations, and other causes you deem deserving of support.
- Lastly, designate trustworthy individuals as executors of your will, who will ensure its proper execution according to the Islamic framework and your wishes. Make sure there’s a record of your wasiyyah in writing, preferably with the assistance of a legal professional, to ensure its validity and enforceability
That’s it for today, take action on this Daily Revival and if you missed yesterday’s episode, you can find it here. I ask Allah to make it easy for you and me. Amin!
Yaumul Thalatha 30th Ramadan 1445 AH // Tuesday 9th April 2024.
- If you’d like to support a charitable cause this Ramadan, donate to Rafeeqee Foundation
- You may join my WhatsApp Broadcast channel called “Islamic Reminders” where you can find some more beneficial stuff.
- Finally, I made a practical video on how to crush your Ramadan goals using two non-conventional methodologies. You’ll find it on Pure Masculinity Podcast, don’t forget to subscribe.
