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What’s the Best Advice to Leave for Children in Will?

21 August, 2023
Q In this day and age, life is getting more and more dangerous and full of temptations and tribulations. What is the best advice to give our children now, or to leave for them in our will?

Answer

Short Answer:

  • The most important thing to tell your children is exactly what Prophet Jacob told his own sons on his death bed. He asked:

    {“What will you worship after me?”}

    And he wasn’t comfortable until they said:

    {“We will worship your God and the God of your fathers; Abraham, and Ishmael, and Isaac – one God. And we are Muslims [in submission] to Him”.} (Quran 2:133)

  • Most people only focus on the worldly life and material affairs, while Allah instructed us to focus on what is more important than that because the temporary world is nothing but a fleeting test.  

………….

Peace be upon you dear questioner,

This is a very important question. Thank you for entrusting About Islam to answer it for you.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

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‘It is not proper for a Muslim who has something to bequeath to spend even three nights without having his will written down with him regarding it.’ ‘Abdullah b. ‘Umar (Allah be pleased with him) said: ‘Ever since I heard Allah’s Messenger (PBUH) say this, I have not spent a night without having my will (written) along with me.’ (emphasis added-Muslim)

So, we are definitely encouraged to write our will and say what we want to say for those we care about.

What’s The Best Advice to Leave Children in the Will?

The most important thing to tell your children is exactly what Prophet Jacob told his own sons on his death bed. He asked:

{“What will you worship after me?”}

And he wasn’t comfortable until they said:

{“We will worship your God and the God of your fathers; Abraham, and Ishmael, and Isaac – one God. And we are Muslims [in submission] to Him”.} (Quran 2:133)

Let us recall the verses proceeding this one:

{And [mention] when Abraham was raising the foundations of the House and [with him] Ishmael, [saying], “Our Lord, accept [this] from us. Indeed, You are the Hearing, the Knowing.

Our Lord, and make us Muslims [in submission] to You and from our descendants a Muslim nation [in submission] to You. And show us our rites and accept our repentance. Indeed, You are the Accepting of repentance, the Merciful.

Our Lord, and send among them a messenger from themselves who will recite to them Your verses and teach them the Book and wisdom and purify them. Indeed, You are the Exalted in Might, the Wise.”

And who would be averse to the religion of Abraham except one who makes a fool of himself. And We had chosen him in this world, and indeed he, in the Hereafter, will be among the righteous.

When his Lord said to him, “Submit”, he said “I have submitted [in Islam] to the Lord of the worlds.”

And Abraham instructed his sons [to do the same] and [so did] Jacob, [saying], “O my sons, indeed Allah has chosen for you this religion, so do not die except while you are Muslims.”

Or were you witnesses when death approached Jacob, when he said to his sons, “What will you worship after me?” They said, “We will worship your God and the God of your fathers; Abraham, and Ishmael, and Isaac – one God. And we are Muslims [in submission] to Him”.} (Quran 2:127-133)

If you think about it, this is truly the most precious advice to give. Allah Almighty created us in this world for a reason. He, Almighty says:

{And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me.

I do not want from them any provision, nor do I want them to feed Me.

Indeed, it is Allah who is the [continual] Provider, the firm possessor of strength.} (Quran 51:56-58)

Most people only focus on the worldly life and material affairs, while Allah instructed us to focus on what is more important than that because the temporary world is nothing but a fleeting test.  

As He, Almighty says:

{O mankind, fear your Lord and fear a Day when no father will avail his son, nor will a son avail his father at all. Indeed, the promise of Allah is truth, so let not the worldly life delude you and be not deceived about Allah by the Deceiver.} (Quran 31:33)

And:

{O my people, this worldly life is only [temporary] enjoyment, and indeed, the Hereafter – that is the home of [permanent] settlement.

Whoever does an evil deed will not be recompensed except by the like thereof; but whoever does righteousness, whether male or female, while he is a believer – those will enter Paradise, being given provision therein without account.} (Quran 40:39-40)

So, this is something to remind your children of throughout your life and definitely in your will because this is their ultimate purpose and will be, inshaAllah (God Willing), the determination for their eternal success, salvation, and happiness.

Contemplate these verses:

{Every soul will taste death, and you will only be given your [full] compensation on the Day of Resurrection. So he who is drawn away from the Fire and admitted to Paradise has attained [his desire]. And what is the life of this world except the enjoyment of delusion.

You will surely be tested in your possessions and in yourselves. And you will surely hear from those who were given the Scripture before you and from those who associate others with Allah much abuse. But if you are patient and fear Allah – indeed, that is of the matters [worthy] of determination.} (Quran 3:185-186)

Truly, Allah is The One who gives the best advice to those whom He created. Let them know and advise them to hold on to that because this is the essence of our existence and ultimate realization in life.

May Allah grant you a prosperous life in His service and guide you and your offspring to all that which is good and pure for them in this life and the next.

Please continue feeding your curiosity, and find more info in the following links:

A Will against Islamic Inheritance Law: Valid?

Can a Muslim Inherit a Non-Muslim Relative?

What Is the Purpose of Life According to the Quran?

Islam’s Perception of Worldly Life

My Parents’ Bad Example Has Affected My Entire Life