The Book of Jihad and Expeditions - Sahih Muslim 1761

"We do not have any heirs; what we leave behind is a charitable endowment."

Commentary on the Prophetic Statement

This noble statement from the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) establishes the fundamental Islamic principle that prophets do not leave material inheritance for their descendants. Rather, whatever they leave behind becomes public property dedicated to the welfare of the Muslim community.

The scholars explain that this ruling applies specifically to prophets, distinguishing their inheritance from that of ordinary Muslims, who follow the detailed inheritance laws prescribed in the Quran. This distinction honors the prophetic mission by ensuring their legacy serves the entire community rather than personal lineage.

Imam al-Nawawi comments in his explanation of Sahih Muslim that this hadith demonstrates the prophets' complete dedication to their mission and their detachment from worldly possessions. Their inheritance is spiritual and guidance-oriented, not material.

Legal and Spiritual Implications

The declaration transforms the prophets' possessions into charitable endowments (sadaqah) that continue to benefit the Muslim community perpetually. This serves as a continuous charity (sadaqah jariyah) for the prophet.

This ruling also prevents any potential conflicts or claims to special status based on prophetic lineage, emphasizing that honor in Islam comes through piety and righteousness, not familial connections.

The scholars further note that this principle protects the purity of the prophetic message from being exploited for worldly gain, ensuring that Islam remains a religion of spiritual transformation rather than material inheritance.