Fulfill testamentary bequests fairly
Verse: 2:180-182
Arabic Text
كُتِبَ عَلَيْكُمْ إِذَا حَضَرَ أَحَدَكُمُ الْمَوْتُ إِن تَرَكَ خَيْرًا الْوَصِيَّةُ لِلْوَالِدَيْنِ وَالأَقْرَبِينَ بِالْمَعْرُوفِ ۖ حَقًّا عَلَى الْمَتَّقِينَ فَمَنْ بَدَّلَهُ بَعْدَ مَا سَمِعَهُ فَإِنَّمَا إِثْمُهُ عَلَى الَّذِينَ يُبَدِّلُونَ بِهِ ۖ إِنَّ اللَّهَ سَمِيعٌ عَلِيمٌ وَإِنْ خِفْتُمْ أَلَّا تُقْسِطُوا فِي الْيَتَامَىٰ فَانكِحُوا مِمَّا طَابَ لَكُمْ مِنَ النِّسَاءِ مَثْنَىٰ وَثُلَاثَ وَرُبَاعَ ۖ فَإِنْ خِفْتُمْ أَلَّا تَعْدِلُوا فَوَاحِدَةً أَوْ مَا مَلَكَتْ أَيْمَانُكُمْ ۚ ذَٰلِكُمْ أَدْنَىٰ أَلَّا تَعُولُوا
Translation
Prescribed for you, when death approaches any of you, if he leaves wealth, is that he should make a bequest for parents and near relatives according to what is acceptable—a duty upon the righteous. Then whoever alters the bequest after he has heard it—the sin is only upon those who alter it. Indeed, Allah is Hearing and Knowing. And if you fear that you will not deal justly with the orphan females, then marry those that please you of other women—two, or three, or four; but if you fear you will not be just, then [marry only] one or what your right hand possesses. That is more suitable to prevent injustice.
Description
Make sure to leave a fair will for your parents and close family before you die, and follow the rules of justice and fairness in marriage.
Detailed Explanation
This passage from the Quran instructs Muslims to be fair and careful in their responsibilities towards their families and their community. It emphasizes making a will, or testament, that fairly distributes any wealth you have to your parents and close relatives when you approach the end of your life. This encourages being mindful and considerate of your family's needs and maintaining harmony and fairness according to Islamic teachings.
The verses also highlight the importance of justice, especially in matters of marriage and dealing with orphaned girls. If you take the responsibility of marriage, it involves being just and treating each person with fairness. If a person fears that he can't commit to equal and fair treatment towards his wives, the Quran advises marrying only one. This helps avoid any form of injustice or harm and upholds the principles of fairness and equity, which are central to Islamic values.
Tafsir Ibn Kathir explains that these directives ensure that wealth is distributed in a manner aligned with divine guidance and that each person lives up to their responsibilities in family and community life. As Allah is All-Hearing and All-Knowing, He is aware of our intentions and actions, so it is important to live a life that reflects righteousness and fairness. This lesson captures the spirit of looking after others justly, being sincere, and always striving to do what is right.