Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) visited me in my illness which brought me near death in the year of Hajjat-ul-Wada' (Farewell Pilgrimage). I said: Allah's Messenger, you can well see the pain with which I am afflicted and I am a man possessing wealth, and there is none to inherit me except only one daughter. Should I give two-thirds of my property as Sadaqa? He said: No. I said: Should I give half (of my property) as Sadaqa? He said: No. He (further) said: Give one-third (in charity) and that is quite enough. To leave your heirs rich is better than to leave them poor, begging from people; that you would never incur an expense seeking therewith the pleasure of Allah, but you would be rewarded therefor, even for a morsel of food that you put in the mouth of your wife. I said: Allah's Messenger. would I survive my companions? He (the Holy Prophet) said: If you survive them, then do such a deed by means of which you seek the pleasure of Allah, but you would increase in your status (in religion) and prestige; you may survive so that people would benefit from you, and others would be harmed by you. (The Holy Prophet) further said: Allah, complete for my Companions their migration, and not cause them to turn back upon their heels. Sa'd b. Khaula is, however, unfortunate. Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) felt grief for him as he had died in Mecca.
The Book of Wills - Sahih Muslim 1628a
Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) visited me in my illness which brought me near death in the year of Hajjat-ul-Wada' (Farewell Pilgrimage). I said: Allah's Messenger, you can well see the pain with which I am afflicted and I am a man possessing wealth, and there is none to inherit me except only one daughter. Should I give two-thirds of my property as Sadaqa? He said: No. I said: Should I give half (of my property) as Sadaqa? He said: No. He (further) said: Give one-third (in charity) and that is quite enough. To leave your heirs rich is better than to leave them poor, begging from people; that you would never incur an expense seeking therewith the pleasure of Allah, but you would be rewarded therefor, even for a morsel of food that you put in the mouth of your wife. I said: Allah's Messenger. would I survive my companions? He (the Holy Prophet) said: If you survive them, then do such a deed by means of which you seek the pleasure of Allah, but you would increase in your status (in religion) and prestige; you may survive so that people would benefit from you, and others would be harmed by you. (The Holy Prophet) further said: Allah, complete for my Companions their migration, and not cause them to turn back upon their heels. Sa'd b. Khaula is, however, unfortunate. Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) felt grief for him as he had died in Mecca.
Commentary on the Limits of Bequests
The Prophet's restriction of charitable bequests to one-third establishes a fundamental principle in Islamic inheritance law. This limitation balances the rights of heirs with the desire for posthumous charity, ensuring heirs are not impoverished while allowing for voluntary giving.
Wisdom Behind the One-Third Limit
"To leave your heirs rich is better than to leave them poor" demonstrates the Islamic emphasis on maintaining family welfare. The Prophet recognized that excessive charity could harm dependents, contradicting the spirit of Islamic benevolence which should benefit rather than harm.
Comprehensive Reward for Righteous Spending
The Prophet's statement that even feeding one's wife brings divine reward expands the concept of charity beyond formal donations. This teaches that all good deeds done with pure intention, including fulfilling family obligations, are forms of worship.
Divine Wisdom in Lifespan
The Prophet's response about potential survival illustrates that extended life provides opportunities for increased good deeds and spiritual elevation. A believer's continued existence can benefit others through knowledge, guidance, and good example.
Historical Context and Compassion
The mention of Sa'd bin Khaula's unfortunate death in Mecca reveals the Prophet's deep concern for his companions' spiritual states. This shows the importance of dying in a state of obedience and the Prophet's paternal care for his community.