"Whoever leaves wealth then it is for his heirs, and whoever leaves poor dependents then it (the responsibility) is for me."
Hadith Commentary: Chapters On Inheritance
This profound narration from Jami' at-Tirmidhi (Hadith 2090) establishes fundamental principles regarding inheritance and social responsibility in Islamic law.
Primary Meaning
The first portion clarifies that wealth left by a deceased Muslim rightfully belongs to their legal heirs according to the detailed shares prescribed in the Quran. This establishes the divine system of inheritance (al-mirath) as inviolable.
The second portion demonstrates the Prophet's role as guardian of the community, assuming responsibility for those without providers - a duty that later transfers to the Islamic state.
Legal Implications
Scholars interpret this as prohibiting any alteration of fixed inheritance shares through bequests (wasiyyah) to legal heirs, though voluntary gifts before death are permissible.
The state's obligation toward orphans and indigent persons derives from this hadith, making their care a communal responsibility through bayt al-mal (public treasury).
Scholarly Observations
Imam al-Tirmidhi classified this hadith as hasan sahih (good and authentic), indicating its reliable chain of transmission.
Classical commentators note this hadith complements Quranic inheritance verses while establishing the ruler's duty toward vulnerable community members.