كُتِبَ عَلَيْكُمْ إِذَا حَضَرَ أَحَدَكُمُ ٱلْمَوْتُ إِن تَرَكَ خَيْرًا ٱلْوَصِيَّةُ لِلْوَٰلِدَيْنِ وَٱلْأَقْرَبِينَ بِٱلْمَعْرُوفِ ۖ حَقًّا عَلَى ٱلْمُتَّقِينَ 180
Translations
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.
Transliteration
Kutiba alaikum idha hadara ahadakumu al-mawtu in taraka khayran al-wasiyyatu li-al-walidayn wa-al-aqrabin bi-al-maruf haqqan ala al-muttaqin
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah establishes the obligation of making a will (wasiyyah) for one's parents and near relatives when death approaches, provided one leaves behind wealth. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi, this was an obligatory command during the early Medinan period, though it was later abrogated regarding the portions of inheritance by the detailed inheritance laws revealed in Surah Al-Nisa (4:11). The phrase 'bi-al-maruf' (in a good manner) emphasizes that the will should be reasonable and just, in accordance with Islamic principles.
Revelation Context
This ayah was revealed in Medina after the establishment of the Islamic state and addresses the practical matter of estate planning. It comes early in Surah Al-Baqarah and sets the foundation for Islamic law of inheritance and testamentary disposition. The context reflects a society where formal legal arrangements for property distribution were becoming necessary in the Muslim community.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'It is the duty of a Muslim who has anything to bequeath not to let it pass two nights without writing a will about it.' (Sahih Bukhari 2738). Additionally, the Prophet emphasized: 'One-third [of the estate in a will] is substantial, but giving your heirs nothing and leaving them in need is worse.' (Sahih Muslim 1628)
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds believers of the importance of prudent financial planning and securing their family's welfare through lawful means, while emphasizing that fulfilling obligations to parents and relatives—even after death—is a sign of piety (taqwa). It teaches that being conscious of mortality and preparing accordingly is not a pessimistic practice, but rather a wise and compassionate act of faith.