The Book of Wills - Sunan an-Nasa'i 3622

"The Messenger of Allah did not leave behind a Dirham or a Dinar, or a sheep or a camel, and he did not leave any will."

Commentary on the Hadith

This noble hadith from Sunan an-Nasa'i demonstrates the Prophet's complete detachment from worldly possessions and his perfect trust in Allah's provision. The absence of material inheritance underscores that his true legacy is the Quran and Sunnah.

Scholars explain that the Prophet's lack of a will indicates his estate was governed by divine inheritance laws revealed in the Quran. His poverty was a choice reflecting his status as Allah's messenger, not a worldly king.

This teaching emphasizes that the greatest inheritance we can leave is righteous knowledge and good deeds, not material wealth. The Prophet's example teaches contentment and prioritization of spiritual over temporal matters.

Legal Implications

Islamic jurists derive from this that wills are recommended but not obligatory for Muslims. The Prophet's case was unique as his possessions were trust properties for the Muslim community.

This hadith does not negate the general permissibility of wills for ordinary Muslims, but rather highlights the special status of prophethood and the completeness of Islamic inheritance laws.