Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura
Friday Sermon
21 June 2024 / 14 Zulhijjah 1445H
Faraid and Family Welfare
Dear blessed Friday congregants,
Once again, we call upon all those present to increase their God-consciousness towards Allah SWT. Fulfill all His commands and abstain from all that He has forbidden. Guide our families towards piety. May Allah s.w.t continue to guide all of us as a family on the path that He is pleased with. Amin.
Dear congregants,
We are still in the month of Zulhijjah. Today, we revisit the contemplation of the farewell sermon (Khutbah Wada’)—the final sermon delivered by the Prophet Muhammad s.a.w during his only Hajj pilgrimage. The Prophet Muhammad s.a.w advised:
أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ، إنَّ اللهَ قَدْ قَسَمَ لِكُلِّ وَارِثٍ نَصِيبَهُ مِنَ المِيرَاثِ
“O people, indeed Allah has prescribed the rightful share for every heir from the inheritance.” (Hadith narrated by Imam Muslim).
It is essential to remember that Allah s.w.t has decreed the legislation regarding inheritance or faraid. When something is decreed by the Most Knowledgeable, there is surely wisdom in it. Referring to the Quran, the rights of the heirs have been set by Allah SWT and elaborated in detail in verses 11, 12, and 176 of Surah al-Nisa’.
Dear brothers,
Although faraid stipulates specific shares for heirs, Allah SWT also encourages that any surplus obtained after the distribution should be shared among other family members, including those who are not direct heirs, such as adopted children and stepchildren. This reminder is recorded in Surah an-Nisa’, verse 8, where Allah s.w.t says:
“And when [other] relatives and orphans and the needy are present at the [time of] division, then provide for them [something] out of it [i.e., the estate] and speak to them words of appropriate kindness.”
Dear congregants,
Before the estate is divided among the heirs, all obligations of the deceased must be settled first. This includes debts, bequests, zakat on wealth, and Hajj if it was obligatory. Regarding Hajj, the Prophet Muhammad s.a.w was once approached by a woman who asked whether she should perform Hajj on behalf of her mother who had vowed to perform Hajj but passed away before doing so. The Prophet replied, meaning: "Yes, perform Hajj on her behalf. Wouldn't you fulfill her debts if she owed someone?" She replied, "Yes." The Prophet said again, "Fulfill the debt owed to Allah, for His debt is more deserving to be fulfilled." (Hadith narrated by Imam Bukhari).
In the book "Tuhfat al-Muhtaj fi Syarh al-Minhaj," (تحفة المحتاج في شرح المنهاج), Ibn Hajar al-Haitami opined that this hadith obligates performing Hajj on behalf of the deceased, and the expenses are to be taken from their estate. The obligation of Hajj is waived if the deceased did not leave wealth. It is recommended for both heirs and non-heirs to perform Hajj on behalf of the deceased, even if other heirs do not consent. Therefore, it is clear that faraid can only be executed after the aforementioned matters are settled, and if there is a surplus from the estate.
Apart from the distribution of inheritance through faraid, there are several estate planning instruments that can be utilized by individuals during their lifetime, such as wills, nomination of gifts, and others. We are responsible for making informed decisions before choosing these instruments mentioned earlier. We must ensure the well-being of family members without causing injustice to some.
Honored congregants,
Allow me to share some guidelines that need attention regarding inheritance:
Firstly, inform the heirs about our estate planning. This is necessary so that they are aware of our plans and to avoid confusion. If there is difficulty in explaining the intentions behind these plans, seek assistance from qualified and trusted individuals. May our intentions be conveyed accurately and well to our family members.
Secondly, heirs should accept the estate planning made by family members with an open heart. Avoid questioning the intentions and objectives of the estate owner. Maintain good thoughts about the planning done during their lifetime. Hopefully, this will bring peace of mind to us.
Dear brothers and sisters, Remember, faraid is not just a right or a claim to rights—it is indeed a responsibility. It is the responsibility of those receiving the inheritance to safeguard the interests of needy family members. Also, remember that the wealth we possess is merely a loan from Allah. He is the Lord of everything. Just as Allah has prescribed the division of inheritance after the death of family members, He has also prescribed rights and responsibilities behind each share we receive from that inheritance.
Heirs should realize that every wealth they possess will be accounted for before Allah on the Day of Judgment. Pray that Allah s.w.t blesses all our plans and grants peace to all our families.
Ya Allah, Ya Hafiz, we raise our hands seeking Your protection for ourselves and our families from all evils. Ya Satir wa Ya Ghafir, protect our families and shield them from the tribulations of wealth after we face You, Ya Allah. Ya Mujib ad-da’wah, help us fulfill Your commands and stay away from Your prohibitions, and grant us guidance so that we may continue to walk on the path that pleases You. Amin, Ya Rabbal ‘alamin.
أَقُوْلُ قَوْلِي هَذَا وَأَسْتَغْفِرُ اللهَ العَظِيْمَ لِي وَلَكُمْ، فَاسْتَغْفِرُوهُ إِنَّهُ هُوَ الغَفُوْرُ الرَّحِيْم
SECOND KHUTBAH
أَلَا صَلُّوا وَسَلِّمُوا عَلَى النَّبِيِّ الْمُصْطَفَى، فَقَدْ أَمَرَنَا اللهُ بِذَلِكَ حَيْثُ قَال فِي كِتَابِهِ العَزِيزِ: إِنَّ اللهَ وَمَلَائِكَتَهُ يُصَلُّونَ عَلَى النَّبِيِّ يَـا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا صَلُّوا عَلَيهِ وَسَلِّمُوا تَسْلِيمًا. اللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ وَسَلِّمْ وَبَارِكْ عَلَى سَيِّدِنَا مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَى آلِ سَيِّدِنَا مُحَمَّدٍ.
اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِلمُؤْمِنِينَ وَالمُؤْمِنَاتِ، وَالمُسْلِمِينَ وَالمُسْلِمَاتِ، الأَحْيَاءِ مِنهُم وَالأَمْوَاتِ. اللَّهُمَّ ادْفَعْ عَنَّا البَلَاءَ وَالوَبَاءَ وَالزَّلَازِلَ وَالمِحَنَ، مَا ظَهَرَ مِنْهَا وَمَا بَطَنَ، عَن بَلَدِنَا خَاصَّةً، وَسَائِرِ البُلْدَانِ عَامَّةً، يَا رَبَّ العَالَمِينَ. اَللَّهُمَّ انْصُرْ إِخْوَانَنَا اْلمُسْتَضْعَفِيْنَ فِي غَزَّة وَفِي فِلِسْطِينَ وَفِيْ كُلِّ مَكَانٍ عَامَّةً، يَا أَرْحَمَ الرَّاحِمِينَ. اَللَّهُمَّ بَدِّلْ خَوْفَهُمْ أَمْنًا، وَحُزْنَهُمْ فَرَحًا، وَهَمَّهُمْ فَرَجًا، يَا رَبَّ العَالَمِينَ. اَللَّهُمَّ اكْتُبِ السِّلْمَ وَالسَّلاَموَاْلأَمْنَ وَاْلأَمَانَ لِلْعَالَمِ أَجْمَع يَا لَطِيْف. رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِي الدُّنيَا حَسَنَةً، وَفِي الآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً، وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ.
عِبَادَ اللهِ، إِنَّ اللهَ يَأْمُرُ بِالعَدْلِ وَالإِحْسَانِ وَإِيتَاءِ ذِي القُرْبَى، وَيَنْهَى عَنِ الفَحْشَاءِ وَالمُنكَرِ وَالبَغْيِ، يَعِظُكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَذَكَّرُونَ، فَاذكُرُوا اللهَ العَظِيمَ يَذْكُرْكُمْ، وَاشْكُرُوهُ عَلَى نِعَمِهِ يَزِدْكُمْ، وَاسْأَلُوهُ مِن فَضْلِهِ يُعْطِكُم، وَلَذِكْرُ اللهِ أَكْبَرُ، وَاللهُ يَعْلَمُ مَا تَصْنَعُونَ.
