Is making a bequest (wasiyyah) recommended for someone leaving significant wealth?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Bequests
Primary text
Making a bequest of a portion of one's wealth is recommended for the one who leaves considerable assets ('khayran'). This is supported by the verse in the Quran (البقرة: 180). The obligatory nature of this command was subsequently abrogated, leaving behind the recommendation for those who have heirs who do not inherit under fixed shares. Evidence for this recommendation includes the statement of the Prophet, peace be upon him, to Ibn 'Umar: "O son of Adam, I have designated a portion of your wealth for you when you breathed your last, to purify you and make you grow." Furthermore, there is narration from Abu Hurayrah that Allah granted a bequest of one-third of one's wealth upon their death as charity. Al-Sha'bi stated that one who makes a just and balanced bequest receives a reward equivalent to giving that wealth while healthy.