Islamic Will

LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT

Islam has strongly emphasized that each individual make a Will in his/her lifetime and have witnesses to it.

“It is prescribed for you, when death approaches one of you, if he leaves behind wealth, that he bequeaths unto parents and near relatives in goodness; (that is) a duty on those who safeguard themselves with full awareness of divine laws.” [Surah Al-Baqara 2:180]

The Prophet (SAW) has also strongly urged Muslims to do so. It is so much important, that when going to bed to sleep, it is recommended that the Will be kept under the pillow.

Narrated ‘Abdullah bin ‘Umar (RA): Allah’s Messenger (PBUH) said, “It is not permissible for any Muslim who has something to will, to stay for two nights without having his last will and testament written and kept ready with him.”

In these times, the Will has become extremely important. It avoids costs and complications for the heirs. It provides for the proper distribution of assets, properties and possessions, instruction for payment of debts, selection of an executor and appointment of a guardian for minor. Without a will, the state would step-in, distributing the wealth according to the state laws and the court would select an administrator for the estate and a guardian for children.

Parents with children of minor age especially must have a well written will assigning a trustee for their estate and guardian for the children. If there is no will the court will assign guardian of its choice. Not writing The Last Will and Testament, then, amounts to giving up your rights regarding your inheritance.

There are many Islamic wills prepared by scholars and Will experts that are available on the internet e.g. ISNA has a good sample of Islamic will

To Will or Not To Will…
http://muslimmedianetwork.com/mmn/?tag=last-will-and-testament