Wasaya

Wasaya (singular: wasiyyah) refers to the Islamic law of bequests and wills, governing how a Muslim may distribute additional wealth beyond the fixed shares of inheritance (fara'id). Islamic inheritance law establishes specific portions for designated heirs (Quran 4:11-12), and the wasiyyah allows a person to bequeath up to one-third of their estate to individuals or causes not covered by these fixed shares. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) declared: "Allah has given each rightful claimant his right, so there should be no bequest to an heir" (Abu Dawud, Tirmidhi),meaning one cannot make a will favoring someone already receiving a fixed share, as this would disrupt the divinely ordained distribution. The one-third limit ensures that mandatory heirs are not deprived of their rightful portions. The wasiyyah may benefit non-heir relatives, friends, charitable causes, mosques, schools, or other philanthropic purposes. It should be written clearly, witnessed properly, and preferably executed early. The Quran instructs: "Prescribed for you when death approaches any of you, if he leaves wealth, is a bequest for parents and near relatives according to what is acceptable,a duty upon the righteous" (2:180), though this verse was later specified by the inheritance verses. The wasiyyah represents an opportunity for continued charity (sadaqah jariyah) after death, potentially earning ongoing rewards while fulfilling additional obligations and desires for wealth distribution. For believers, wasiyyah is an opportunity to do good after death. They bequeath up to one-third of their wealth to charitable causes or relatives who do not inherit. They write a clear will, ensuring their wishes are known. They trust that Allah's distribution is just and that their charity will continue to benefit them after death.