Why is an Islamic Will important?
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 fulfiled 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 Australia, however, the Islamic Laws of Inheritance are not recognised by Australian Laws and thus making it obligatory (wajib) for a Australian Muslim 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 recognise the Islamic Laws of Inheritance. It is therefore a religious and moral duty upon every Australian 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 is 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).