Abu Huraira reported the Prophet as saying, “I am nearer to the believers than themselves, so if anyone dies leaving a debt without leaving enough to pay it I shall be responsible for paying it, and if anyone leaves property it goes to his heirs.” A version has, “If anyone leaves a debt or children without maintenance let the matter come to me, for I am his guardian.” Another version has, “If anyone leaves property it goes to his heirs and if anyone leaves dependents without resources they come to us.”(Bukhari and Muslim.)
Inheritance and Wills - Mishkat al-Masabih 3041
This noble hadith from Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim, transmitted by the esteemed companion Abu Huraira, establishes profound principles regarding inheritance, debts, and the Prophet's guardianship over the Muslim ummah. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) declares his spiritual proximity to believers, stating "I am nearer to the believers than themselves," indicating his role as their ultimate protector and intercessor.
The primary ruling establishes that debts must be settled from the deceased's estate before any inheritance distribution. If the estate is insufficient, the Prophet assumes responsibility, demonstrating the collective responsibility of the Muslim community. This principle is foundational in Islamic inheritance law (ilm al-faraid).
The variant narrations emphasize the comprehensive nature of this guardianship. When the deceased leaves dependents without provision or children without maintenance, they become the responsibility of the Islamic treasury (bayt al-mal) and the Muslim community, continuing the Prophet's protective role.
Scholars interpret this hadith as establishing three key legal principles: 1) Priority of debt settlement over inheritance distribution 2) Collective responsibility for orphans and dependents 3) The Islamic state's role as guardian for those without providers. These rulings ensure social justice and protect vulnerable members of society.