Is the institution of the *Safi* provision established after the demise of the Prophet (peace be upon him)?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Deposits
Primary text
The institution of the *Safi* was specific to the Prophet (peace be upon him) alone and did not remain after his death. This is the established opinion of the majority of scholars, including Ahmad ibn Hanbal. The cessation of the *Safi* after the Prophet is confirmed by the consensus (*Ijma'*) of the Ummah before and after Abu Thawr. Evidence for its cessation includes the fact that Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman, and those who succeeded them did not take the *Safi*, nor did they mention it, and they would not agree upon abandoning a Sunnah of the Prophet.
Supporting text
Abu Thawr dissented, stating that if the *Safi* was established for the Prophet, then the Imam (ruler) has the right to take it in the manner the Prophet took it, assigning it to the portion designated for the Prophet's share from the one-fifth (*khums*). Ibn al-Mundhir noted that he does not know of anyone preceding Abu Thawr in this opinion.