Final Rites [11292012] - AlHuda Sisters

Al Wasiyyah(The Islamic Will)Definition The Arabic word for "will" is "wasiyyah." It means a definite command or obligation. With regard to the will, the "wasiyyah" is a set of instructions to be executed after one dies. It consists of Islamic advises, instructions, and admonishments, and the distribution of one's wealth, property, and assignments of rights. And Abraham instructed his sons [to do the same] and [so did] Jacob, [saying], "O my sons, indeed Allah has chosen for you this religion, so do not die except while you are Muslims." (Surah Al-­‐Baqarah, 2:132) The Wasiyyah is not the same as the Islamic heirship: The Islamic heirship, on the other hand, refers to the rightful shares of wealth that Allah has appointed to the heirs. These are the heirs’ rights, and it must be distributed as legislated (i.e. there is no choice in this regard). The inheritance is distributed to the heirs after the distribution of the debts and the wasiyyah of the deceased. The Ahkam (Ruling) of Writing theWasiyyah (Will)1. It is a Sunnah Mu'akkadah -­‐ highly preferred Sunnah to write one's wasiyyah. Since we do not know when death will approach us, we must hasten to write the will. Prescribed for you when death approaches [any] one of you if he leaves wealth [is that he should make] a bequest for the parents and near relatives according to what is acceptable -­‐ a duty upon the righteous. (Surah Al-­‐Baqarah, 2:180) -­‐ 18 -­‐