The Book of Endowments - Sunan an-Nasa'i 3594

"The Messenger of Allah did not leave behind a Dinar nor a Dirham, or any slave, male or female; except his white mule which he used to ride, his weapon and some land which he left to be used for the cause of Allah." (One of the narrators) Qutaibah said on one occasion: "In charity."

Commentary on the Prophet's Inheritance

This noble hadith demonstrates the sublime character and complete detachment from worldly possessions exhibited by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). He departed from this world leaving no material wealth of significant value, embodying the Quranic description of the worldly life as "but amusement and play" (6:32).

The exclusion of dinars and dirhams indicates he left no cash currency, while the mention of no male or female slaves shows his freedom from possessing human beings as property. His only possessions were utilitarian items: a mule for transportation, weapons for defense, and land dedicated to charitable purposes.

Scholarly Interpretation of the Remaining Items

The white mule (Al-Duldul) was not kept for luxury but as a necessary means of transportation for his duties. His weapons were essential for the protection of the Muslim community. Most significantly, the land mentioned was not personal property but an endowment (waqf) designated for charitable causes, as clarified by narrator Qutaibah's alternative wording "in charity."

This endowment established the precedent for Islamic charitable trusts, where property is dedicated permanently for religious or charitable purposes, ensuring continuous reward for the donor. The Prophet's example teaches that wealth should serve higher purposes rather than personal accumulation.

Legal and Spiritual Implications

Scholars derive from this hadith that prophets do not leave inheritance in the conventional sense, as confirmed by the Prophet's statement: "We prophets do not leave inheritance; whatever we leave is charity." This establishes the principle that whatever remains after a prophet's passing becomes public property for the benefit of the Muslim community.

This narration also serves as a profound lesson in zuhd (asceticism), teaching Muslims to maintain a balanced relationship with worldly possessions, using them as means to fulfill responsibilities rather than as ends in themselves. The Prophet's estate reflects perfect trust in divine provision and complete dedication to serving Allah's cause.