30/1. Chapter:
Sunan an-Nasai 3615 — Keep Your Islamic Will Written
It Is Disliked To Delay Making A Will
Written Will in Islam: Do Not Leave It Unprepared
Sunan an-Nasai : 3615
Sunan an-NasaiHadith Number 3615
أَخْبَرَنَا قُتَيْبَةُ بْنُ سَعِيدٍ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا الْفُضَيْلُ، عَنْ عُبَيْدِ اللَّهِ، عَنْ نَافِعٍ، عَنِ ابْنِ عُمَرَ، قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم " مَا حَقُّ امْرِئٍ مُسْلِمٍ لَهُ شَىْءٌ يُوصَى فِيهِ أَنْ يَبِيتَ لَيْلَتَيْنِ إِلاَّ وَوَصِيَّتُهُ مَكْتُوبَةٌ عِنْدَهُ ".
Ibn 'Umar Narrated from:
The Messenger of Allah said: 'It is not befitting for a Muslim who has anything concerning which a will should be made, to abide for two nights without having a written will with him.'
Reference : Sunan an-Nasa'i 3615In-book reference : Book 30, Hadith 5English translation : Vol. 4, Book 30, Hadith 3645
Summary of Sunan an-Nasai Hadith 3615
This hadith teaches Muslims to keep a written will when they possess something about which a will should be made. The Prophet said that such a person should not pass two nights without having the will written and kept nearby. The message is about being prepared rather than assuming there will always be more time. A written will records a person's directions instead of leaving them only in memory or speech. The hadith itself does not list what must be included or explain detailed inheritance rules, so those matters should not be added to its wording. Its direct teaching is that a Muslim who has relevant matters to settle should avoid leaving the will unwritten for an extended period.
What we learn from this hadith
- A Muslim with matters requiring a will should keep it in writing.
- Preparing a will should not be delayed without reason.
- Written directions are clearer than relying only on memory or spoken words.
- The hadith encourages readiness for matters that may need to be settled.
