Hadith Text & Reference

"I heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) say: Allah has appointed for everyone who has a right what is due to him, and no bequest must be made to an heir."

Reference: Sunan Abi Dawud 2870, Book: Wills (Kitab Al-Wasaya)

Meaning & Context

This profound hadith establishes two fundamental principles of Islamic inheritance law. First, it affirms that Allah Himself has predetermined the shares of inheritance for rightful heirs in the Quran, making these divine allocations perfect and comprehensive.

Second, it prohibits making bequests to those who are already designated as legal heirs through the fixed shares (fara'id). This prevents disruption of the divinely ordained distribution system and ensures justice among inheritors.

Scholarly Commentary

The prohibition of bequests to heirs applies when the bequest would give them more than their prescribed share. Scholars note this restriction preserves family harmony and prevents favoritism that could create discord among relatives.

However, classical scholars like Imam Abu Hanifah and Imam Shafi'i permitted bequests to heirs if other heirs consent after the testator's death, recognizing this as a voluntary redistribution rather than an imposed alteration of divine shares.

The wisdom behind this ruling ensures that wealth distribution remains according to Allah's perfect knowledge of human needs and relationships, rather than subjective human preferences that may be influenced by temporary emotions or circumstances.

Practical Application

Muslims may make bequests up to one-third of their estate to non-heirs or charitable causes, provided this doesn't harm the rights of legal heirs. The remaining two-thirds must be distributed according to Islamic inheritance laws.

This teaching emphasizes that property ultimately belongs to Allah, and we are merely trustees. Our distribution of wealth, even after death, should align with divine guidance rather than personal whims.