In the often sensitive landscape of inheritance, grasping the details of wills and their legal frameworks is crucial. This blog post aims to clarify what a will is, highlight differences between a will and a gift, and discuss important considerations when creating a will during illness or at the end of life. Additionally, we will explore the principles of inheritance in Islam, focusing on both Shia and Sunni perspectives.

What is a Will?

A will is a legal document that lays out how a person's assets will be distributed after their death. It is essential for estate planning, allowing individuals to name beneficiaries and executors, and specify how debts will be settled. Furthermore, in a survey conducted by the American Bar Association, around 50% of adults in the U.S. do not have a will, highlighting a significant gap in estate planning.

The advantages of preparing a will include reducing family disputes and ensuring loved ones are cared for. A well-structured will can help streamline the probate process, potentially saving families time and money during an already challenging period.

WILL (Wasiyat)

Meaning:

A Will (Wasiyat) is a legal declaration of a Muslim made during his lifetime about the distribution of his property to take effect after his death.