The Final Revelation: Surah At-Tawbah

The Book of the Rules of Inheritance, as documented in Sahih Muslim 1618 c, affirms that the final complete surah revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was Surah At-Tawbah (also known as al-Bara'ah). This surah holds distinctive significance as it is the only chapter in the Qur'an that does not begin with the Basmalah (In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful). Its content primarily addresses the termination of treaties with polytheists, the call to jihad, and the exposure of hypocrisy.

The Verse of Kalālah

The final verse revealed in the entire Qur'an pertains to the rules of inheritance for a "Kalālah"—a person who dies leaving neither descendants (children) nor ascendants (parents) as direct heirs. This ruling, found in Surah An-Nisa' (4:176), provides divine clarification on the distribution of the estate in such specific circumstances.

Classical scholars, such as Imam Ibn Kathir, explain that this verse was the culmination of the revelation, providing a complete and just system of inheritance law. Its placement as the final revelation underscores the paramount importance Islam places on establishing justice in financial matters, even at the conclusion of the prophetic mission.

Scholarly Significance

This narration highlights a fundamental principle in Islamic jurisprudence: the abrogation (naskh) and specification of earlier rulings by later revelations. The laws of inheritance were progressively revealed, with the verse of Kalālah providing the final, definitive ruling on a complex issue.

Author: Sahih Muslim. The precision in documenting the chronology of revelation, as seen in this hadith, is crucial for understanding the development of Islamic law and ensures that the most recent divine command on any matter takes precedence, thereby preserving the integrity and finality of the Islamic legal code.