What constitutes revocation of a bequest (wasiyya)?

General Chapter

Al-Mughni

Book of Bequests

Book 31 · Issue 1 · Bab 1

Open in Qurani

Primary text

Revocation is achieved by explicit statements such as saying, "I have revoked my bequest," or "I have nullified it," or "I have changed it." It is also revoked implicitly by stating, "What I bequeathed to so-and-so is for so-and-so," or "is for my heirs," or "is in my inheritance." Actions constituting revocation include consuming the bequeathed item, feeding it to others, destroying it, gifting it away, giving it as charity, selling it, tailoring an unstitched garment and wearing it, impregnating or causing a female slave to give birth, or similar acts. Ibn al-Mundhir stated that there is consensus among the scholars known to him that consuming the bequeathed food, destroying the item, gifting it, or the female slave giving birth are all acts of revocation.