Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "My heirs will not inherit a Dinar or a Dirham (i.e. money), for whatever I leave (excluding the adequate support of my wives and the wages of my employees) is given in charity."
Hadith Text and Context
"My heirs will not inherit a Dinar or a Dirham (i.e. money), for whatever I leave (excluding the adequate support of my wives and the wages of my employees) is given in charity." (Sahih al-Bukhari 2776)
This profound statement from the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) establishes a unique legal status for his estate, distinguishing it from ordinary inheritance laws that apply to the Muslim community.
Legal Status of Prophetic Inheritance
Scholars unanimously agree that prophets do not leave inheritance in the conventional sense. Their worldly possessions become public charity (sadaqah) after their passing, as established by this hadith from the Book of Wills and Testaments (Wasaayaa).
This ruling is specific to prophethood and does not abrogate the general Islamic inheritance laws revealed in Surah An-Nisa. The Prophet's statement clarifies that his status as Allah's messenger necessitates this exceptional treatment of his estate.
Exclusions and Provisions
The hadith explicitly mentions two exceptions: adequate support for his wives and wages for his employees. This demonstrates the Prophet's concern for fulfilling existing obligations and maintaining justice even after his death.
Classical commentators note that these provisions take precedence over the charitable distribution, ensuring that dependent family members and workers are not left destitute.
Scholarly Interpretation
Imam al-Qurtubi explains that this ruling prevents any worldly attachment to prophethood and emphasizes that the Prophet's legacy is purely spiritual and guidance-oriented.
Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani in Fath al-Bari clarifies that this hadith settled the confusion among some companions about whether prophets could be inherited from, establishing the principle that their material possessions serve the community after their death.
Practical Implications
This teaching illustrates the Prophet's complete detachment from worldly wealth and his commitment to serving the Muslim ummah until his last breath.
The ruling also serves as a reminder that the true inheritance of the Prophet is knowledge, guidance, and the Sunnah - treasures far more valuable than material wealth.