Is it better for a deceased person's charity (sadaqah) to come from their own wealth or from the wealth of their children?
A person has no wealth attributed to him after his death. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "The son of Adam says: 'My wealth, my wealth!' But is there anything for you from your wealth, O son of Adam, except what you ate and consumed, or what you wore and wore out, or what you gave in charity and sent forth?" And, "Which of you loves the wealth of his heir more than his own wealth?!" They said: "O Messenger of Allah! There is none among us but loves his own wealth more." He said: "Indeed, his wealth is what he sent forth, and the wealth of his heir is what he left behind."
If it is established that the deceased has no wealth, then there are two cases for him: 1. If he bequeathed charity from his wealth: The bequest must be fulfilled according to what he stipulated, as long as it does not exceed one-third, and the charity is disbursed from one-third of his wealth. 2. If the person did not make a will: It is not permissible to give charity from what he left behind unless all heirs who have the right to donate agree to it. There is no difference between them giving charity from the wealth their deceased inherited, or giving charity on his behalf from their own personal wealth, because all of it is their property. As for the minor or whoever did not agree, his full share must be disbursed from the inheritance.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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