Hadith Text

The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Our (Apostles') property should not be inherited, and whatever we leave, is to be spent in charity."

Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari 6727

Context and Meaning

This hadith establishes the unique legal status of Prophetic inheritance, clarifying that the possessions of prophets are not inherited by their heirs like ordinary wealth. Instead, such property becomes public charity (sadaqah) for the benefit of the Muslim community.

The term "Apostles" refers specifically to the prophets sent by Allah, with this ruling applying particularly to Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his belongings.

Legal Rulings (Ahkam)

This hadith forms the basis for the Islamic ruling that prophets do not leave inheritance for their family members. Their personal possessions become charitable endowments for public welfare.

Scholars explain that this special ruling applies only to prophets, not to ordinary Muslims. The general inheritance laws outlined in the Quran (Surah An-Nisa) remain binding upon all other believers.

This distinction preserves the sanctity of prophethood and ensures that no one can claim special privilege through familial connection to prophets.

Scholarly Commentary

Imam al-Qurtubi notes that this ruling prevents any potential disputes about prophetic inheritance and eliminates worldly attachments from the noble station of prophethood.

Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani explains in Fath al-Bari that this hadith specifically addresses the distribution of the Prophet's (ﷺ) estate after his passing, establishing it as a precedent for all prophets.

The wisdom behind this ruling includes: maintaining the purity of the prophetic mission, preventing materialism from influencing religious leadership, and dedicating prophetic resources to communal benefit.