"Allah’s Messenger said (Allah bless him and give him peace): 'We are not inherited from. Whatever we leave behind is a charitable donation.’”
The Prohibition of Inheritance from Prophets
This noble hadith from Ash-Shama'il Al-Muhammadiyah 403 establishes the fundamental principle that prophets do not leave inheritance for their heirs in the manner of ordinary people. The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) explicitly states: "We are not inherited from," meaning the material wealth left by prophets is not subject to the ordinary laws of inheritance.
The Status of Prophetic Possessions
The declaration "Whatever we leave behind is a charitable donation" clarifies that all possessions of the Prophet (ﷺ) become public endowment (sadaqah) for the benefit of the Muslim community. This ruling applies specifically to the prophets of Allah and distinguishes their legacy from that of ordinary believers.
Scholars explain that this special ruling honors the prophetic station and prevents any worldly attachment to their possessions. It ensures that the material legacy of prophets serves continuous charity and public benefit rather than becoming a source of dispute or worldly ambition among heirs.
Legal and Spiritual Implications
This ruling from The Legacy Of Sayyidina Rasoolullah demonstrates the complete detachment of prophets from worldly possessions. Their focus remains entirely on their divine mission and the hereafter.
The wisdom behind this ruling includes: preventing any claim of special privilege through lineage, emphasizing that prophethood is not a hereditary kingdom, and ensuring that the Prophet's legacy serves the entire Ummah rather than specific individuals.
Distinction from General Inheritance Laws
It is crucial to understand that this special ruling applies only to prophets. For other Muslims, the detailed inheritance laws in the Quran remain obligatory. This exception highlights the unique status of prophets in Islamic law.
The companions understood and implemented this ruling immediately after the Prophet's passing, when Sayyidina Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) refused to grant Fatimah (may Allah be pleased with her) any inheritance from her father, citing this very hadith.