23/4. Chapter:
Sahih Muslim 1619e — Property for Heirs, Care for Dependents
Whoever Leaves Behind Wealth, It Is For His Heirs
Hadith About Property for Heirs and Care for Dependents
Sahih Muslim : 1619e
Sahih MuslimHadith Number 1619e
حَدَّثَنَا عُبَيْدُ اللَّهِ بْنُ مُعَاذٍ الْعَنْبَرِيُّ، حَدَّثَنَا أَبِي، حَدَّثَنَا شُعْبَةُ، عَنْ عَدِيٍّ، أَنَّهُ سَمِعَ أَبَا حَازِمٍ، عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم أَنَّهُ قَالَ " مَنْ تَرَكَ مَالاً فَلِلْوَرَثَةِ وَمَنْ تَرَكَ كَلاًّ فَإِلَيْنَا " .
Abu Hurairah Narrated from:
Abu Huraira (Allah be pleased with him) reported Allah's Apostle (ﷺ) as saying: He who leaves property, that is for the inheritors; and he who leaves behind destitute children, then it is my responsibility (to look after them).
Reference : Sahih Muslim 1619eIn-book reference : Book 23, Hadith 22USC-MSA web (English) reference : Book 11, Hadith 3948
Summary of Sahih Muslim Hadith 1619e
This hadith about heirs and dependents gives a short and direct statement from the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم. He says that whoever leaves property, it is for the inheritors. Whoever leaves behind a burden, meaning helpless dependents in the translation, then the responsibility is upon the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم and the Muslim leadership addressed in the wording. The main idea is simple: wealth should not be taken away from rightful heirs, and those left without support should not be forgotten. The hadith is often searched as property belongs to heirs hadith because that phrase captures one side of the meaning. The other side is care for those who are left in need.
What we learn from this hadith
- Property left by a deceased person belongs to the heirs.
- Helpless dependents are mentioned as a responsibility to be cared for.
- The narration does not confuse inheritance rights with support for the needy.
- Both wealth and family responsibility are treated seriously.
