"What is the ruling of Islamic law on depriving heirs of their inheritance and distributing the estate to Islamic charities to atone for sins, for fear of the temptation of wealth for them, even though they are well-off? "
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
"It is not permissible for a Muslim to bequeath more than one-third of his estate, even if his heirs are wealthy, due to the Prophet's ﷺ saying to Sa'd: ""One-third, and one-third is a lot."" If he bequeaths more than one-third, the bequest is only valid for one-third, unless the adult and competent heirs agree to it. Bequeathing more than one-third is forbidden, and the forgiveness of sins is achieved through repentance with its conditions, not by depriving the heirs of their inheritance. The money is yours today and your heir's tomorrow, so offer from it in your lifetime.
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Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/100696
Where this answer came from
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- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 100696
- Added here
- . This is when the answer was added to El Fatwa, not the fatwa's date.
- Text
- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
- Read the full ruling
- Read the full answer on Ftawy