What is the ruling on the abrogation (naskh) of the initial verses concerning wills?

General Chapter

Al-Mughni

Book of Bequests

Book 31 · Issue 2 · Bab 1

Open in Qurani

Primary text

The ruling concerning wills for parents and inheriting relatives has been abrogated. Ibn 'Abbas stated that it was abrogated by the verse: 'For men is a share of what the parents and close relatives leave.' (Quran 4:7). Ibn 'Umar, 'Ikrimah, Mujahid, Malik, and Al-Shafi'i maintained that the inheritance verse abrogated the initial ruling on wills. A group that permits abrogation of the Quran by the Sunnah holds that the Prophet's saying, 'Indeed, Allah has given every rightful owner his right, so there is no will for an heir,' abrogated it.

Supporting text

The narration of Ibn 'Umar regarding the will not being obligatory is interpreted by some to apply specifically to the case where someone has an existing obligation or holds a trust.