The Amount of the Will and its Timing
Question :
When is it prescribed to write a will? And has the Islamic Law defined the amount of money for that?
Answer:
A will is prescribed at all times if the person has anything to leave, and he must do it quickly, because it has been confirmed from the Prophet that he said:
"It is not right for a Muslim man who has anything he wants to bequeath to stay anywhere for two nights unless he has a will with him."
This proves that it is prescribed to hurry to make one's will if one has anything he would like to leave. The maximum which it is permissible to bequeath is a third, according to the words of the Prophet, in the Hadith of Sa'd, may Allah be pleased with him:
"One third and a third is a lot. "
Ibn 'Abbas, may Allah be pleased with him, said: "If the people would but reduce (their bequests) from a third to a quarter, because the. Messenger said:
"One third and a third is a lot."
And (Abu Bakr) As-Siddiq, may Allah be pleased with him, bequeathed a fifth. So if a person bequeathed a quarter or a fifth, it is better than a third, especially if the wealth is substantial. If he bequeathed a third, there is no sin.
Source:
Ibn Baz
Fatawa Islamiyah, Vol. 5 Pages 57-58
Share on WhatsApp