"Sa'd bin 'Ubadah went out with the Prophet on one of his campaigns, and death came to his mother in Al-Madinah. It was said to her (as she was dying): 'Make a will.' She said: 'To whom shall I make a will? The wealth belongs to Sa'd.' Then she died before Sa'd came. When Sa'd came, he was told about that and he said: 'O Messenger of Allah, will it benefit her if I give in charity on her behalf?' The Prophet said: 'Yes.' Sa'd said: 'Such and such a garden is given in charity on her behalf' -regarding a garden that he named."
Narrated by It was narrated from Sa'eed bin 'Amr bin Shurahbil bin Sa'eed bin Sa'd bin 'Ubadah, from his father, that his grandfather said:
Context
In this narration, Sa'eed bin 'Amr recounts a situation where Sa'd bin 'Ubadah inquires about the benefit of giving charity on behalf of his deceased mother, who did not leave a will. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ affirms that charity can indeed benefit the deceased. This highlights the significance of charity in Islam and its potential to aid those who have passed away.
Modern Application
This hadith encourages individuals to consider charitable acts on behalf of deceased loved ones. It serves as a reminder that acts of kindness and charity can continue to benefit others even after one's passing.
Topics
This hadith is tagged with Charity and Inheritance Distribution because it discusses the impact of charitable acts on behalf of the deceased and their relationship to inheritance.
Prescribed for you when death approaches [any] one of you if he leaves wealth [is that he should make] a bequest for the parents and near relatives according to what is acceptable - a duty upon the righteous.
And spend [in the way of Allah] from what We have provided you before death approaches one of you and he says, "My Lord, if only You would delay me for a brief term so I would give charity and be among the righteous."
The Prophet is more worthy of the believers than themselves, and his wives are [in the position of] their mothers. And those of [blood] relationship are more entitled [to inheritance] in the decree of Allah than the [other] believers and the emigrants, except that you may do to your close associates a kindness [through bequest]. That was in the Book inscribed.
Allah instructs you concerning your children: for the male, what is equal to the share of two females. But if there are [only] daughters, two or more, for them is two thirds of one's estate. And if there is only one, for her is half. And for one's parents, to each one of them is a sixth of his estate if he left children. But if he had no children and the parents [alone] inherit from him, then for his mother is one third. And if he had brothers [or sisters], for his mother is a sixth, after any bequest he [may have] made or debt. Your parents or your children - you know not which of them are nearest to you in benefit. [These shares are] an obligation [imposed] by Allah. Indeed, Allah is ever Knowing and Wise.
O you who have believed, testimony [should be taken] among you when death approaches one of you at the time of bequest - [that of] two just men from among you or two others from outside if you are traveling through the land and the disaster of death should strike you. Detain them after the prayer and let them both swear by Allah if you doubt [their testimony, saying], "We will not exchange our oath for a price, even if he should be a near relative, and we will not withhold the testimony of Allah. Indeed, we would then be of the sinful."
This hadith is #3658 from Sunan an-Nasa'i, in the Book of The Book of Wills. It is graded Sahih and narrated by It was narrated from Sa'eed bin 'Amr bin Shurahbil bin Sa'eed bin Sa'd bin 'Ubadah, from his father, that his grandfather said:.