Islam has strongly emphasized that each individual make a Will in his 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." 2:180 The Holy Quran.
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.
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.
Not writing The Last Will and Testament, then, amounts to giving up your rights regarding your inheritance.
Muslim Congress is making a template of Islamic Will available for the benefit of believers. Private consultation by experts will also be made available to help momineen complete their "Will" according to their own situation.
The importance of the Islamic Will is clear from the following two hadith:
“It is the duty of a Muslim who has anything to bequest not to let two nights pass
without writing a WILL about it.” (Sahih al-Bukhari)
“A man may do good deeds for seventy years but if he acts unjustly when he
leaves his last testament, the wickedness of his deed will be sealed upon him,
and he will enter the Fire. If, (on the other hand), a man acts wickedly for seventy
years but is just in his last will and testament, the goodness of his deed will be
sealed upon him, and he will enter the Garden.” (Ahmad and Ibn Majah)
The Islamic Jurists also have a maxim or principle stating:
“If the obligatory (waajib) deed that can only be fulfilled by a non obligatory deed
that makes the non-obligatory deed obligatory (waajib).”
This means that it is not generally obligatory for a Muslim to make a Will. In non-
islamic countries, the Islamic Laws of Inheritance are not recognized and thus
making it obligatory (wajib) for a every Muslim residing in non-islamic country to
have an Islamic Will. Imagine facing Allah having enjoyed all the luxuries this life
has to offer but never having taken consideration for one’s own transition into the
next life.
This is a grievous situation for a Muslim because one would have lived one’s life
praying, fasting, giving charity and performing other righteous deeds only to undo
such good works at death. This is especially important because the
accomplishment of deeds is determined by their conclusions.
We have chosen to live in a country that does not recognize the Islamic Laws ofInheritance. It is therefore a religious and moral duty upon every Muslim to make sure they prepare an ISLAMIC WILL and take steps to complete their life in a way pleasing to Allah.
In Surah al-Nisa’ after mentioning the rules of inheritance Allah says, “… an
obligation (faridah) from Allah and Allah knows every thing and is most Wise.
These are the limits of Allah and he who obeys Allah and His Messenger, He will
enter him in heavens beneath which rivers flow, abiding there forever and that
are a great success. But he who disobeys Allah and His Messenger and
transgresses His limits, He will enter him in hell to live there for ever and for him
is a humiliating punishment. “(4:11-14).
Click Here to Download Islamic Will Template