Understanding The Prophet's Life
From Issue: 486 [Read full issue]
Leaving Heirs Wealthy
Sad ibn Abi Waqqas, who wanted to make out a will giving away in charity everything that he owned went to the Prophet (peace be upon him) and said to him: "O Messenger of Allah! I have a lot of wealth and only my daughter to inherit it from me. Should I bequeath all of my wealth in charity?"
The Prophet (peace be upon him) told him that he should not do so. Then Sad suggested bequeathing two-thirds of his wealth to charity. When the prophet again refused, Sad then suggested half of his wealth.
At this point the Prophet (peace be upon him) replied: "One-third, and that is still too much. It is better for you to leave your heirs wealthy, rather than leaving them dependent and begging from others.”
Source:
Sunan al-Tirmidhi (2042), Sunan Abu Dawud (2480), Sunan al-Nasai (3567) and Sunan Ibn Majah (2699)