30/3. Chapter:
Sunan an-Nasai 3633 — Leave Heirs Secure, Not Poor
Bequeathing One-Third
Leave Your Heirs Financially Secure
Sunan an-Nasai : 3633
Sunan an-NasaiHadith Number 3633
أَخْبَرَنَا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ الْوَلِيدِ الْفَحَّامُ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ رَبِيعَةَ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا هِشَامُ بْنُ عُرْوَةَ، عَنْ أَبِيهِ، عَنْ عَائِشَةَ، أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم أَتَى سَعْدًا يَعُودُهُ فَقَالَ لَهُ سَعْدٌ يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ أُوصِي بِثُلُثَىْ مَالِي قَالَ " لاَ ". قَالَ فَأُوصِي بِالنِّصْفِ قَالَ " لاَ ". قَالَ فَأُوصِي بِالثُّلُثِ قَالَ " نَعَمِ الثُّلُثَ وَالثُّلُثُ كَثِيرٌ أَوْ كَبِيرٌ إِنَّكَ أَنْ تَدَعَ وَرَثَتَكَ أَغْنِيَاءَ خَيْرٌ مِنْ أَنْ تَدَعَهُمْ فُقَرَاءَ يَتَكَفَّفُونَ ".
A'isha Narrated from:
The Messenger of Allah came to visit Sa'd (when he was sick). Sa'd said to him: "O Messenger of Allah, shall I bequeath two-thirds of my wealth?" He said: "No." He said: "Shall I bequeath half?" He said: "No." He said: "Shall I bequeath one-third?" He said: "Yes, one-third, and one-third is much or large. If you leave your heirs independent of means that is better than if you leave them poor, holding out their hands."
Reference : Sunan an-Nasa'i 3633In-book reference : Book 30, Hadith 23English translation : Vol. 4, Book 30, Hadith 3663
Summary of Sunan an-Nasai Hadith 3633
This hadith explains the Islamic will limit through a visit to Sa'd during his illness. Sa'd asked whether he could bequeath two-thirds of his wealth. The Prophet said no. He then asked about half, and the answer was again no. When he asked about one-third, the Prophet said yes, while adding that one-third is much or large. He then gave the reason: leaving heirs independent of means is better than leaving them poor and holding out their hands. The narration places the welfare of heirs at the center of the decision. It does not reject giving altogether, but it refuses the larger amounts mentioned. The main lesson is balanced planning: a bequest may be made, yet the surviving family should not be left without enough support.
What we learn from this hadith
- Two-thirds and half were refused as bequest amounts.
- One-third was permitted and described as a lot.
- The financial condition of heirs matters.
- A will should not leave heirs poor and dependent on others.
