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Distribution of Inheritance: Being Kind to Orphans and the Needy (Hadith No. 2414)
Bismillah.
وَإِذَا حَضَرَ الْقِسْمَةَ أُولُو الْقُرْبَىٰ وَالْيَتَامَىٰ وَالْمَسَاكِينُ فَارْزُقُوهُم مِّنْهُ وَقُولُوا لَهُمْ قَوْلًا مَّعْرُوفًا
“And when [other] relatives and orphans and the needy are present at the [time of] division, then provide for them [something] out of the estate and speak to them words of appropriate kindness.” [4:8]
Volume 4, Book 51, Number 21 :
Narrated by Ibn ‘Abbas (radiallaahu `anhu)
Some people claim that the order in the above Verse is cancelled, by Allah, it is not cancelled, but the people have stopped acting on it. There are two kinds of guardians (who are in charge of the inheritance): One is that who inherits; such a person should give (of what he inherits to the relatives, the orphans and the needy, etc.), the other is that who does not inherit (e.g. the guardian of the orphans): such a person should speak kindly and say (to those who are present at the time of distribution), “I can not give it to you (as the wealth belongs to the orphans).”
Ibn Kathir comments:
Ath-Thawri said that Ibn Abi Najih narrated from Mujahid that implementing this Ayah, “Is required from those who have anything to inherit, paid from whatever portions their hearts are satisfied with giving away.” Similar explanation was reported from Ibn Mas`ud, Abu Musa, `Abdur-Rahman bin Abi Bakr, Abu Al-`Aliyah, Ash-Sha`bi and Al-Hasan. Ibn Sirin, Sa`id bin Jubayr, Makhul, Ibrahim An-Nakha`i, `Ata’ bin Abi Rabah, Az-Zuhri and Yahya bin Ya`mar said this payment is obligatory. Others say that this refers to the bequeathal at the time of death. And others say that it was abrogated. Al-`Awfi reported that Ibn `Abbas said that this Ayah,
﴿وَإِذَا حَضَرَ الْقِسْمَةَ﴾
(And when are present at the time of division), refers to divisions of inheritance. So, when poor relatives, who are ineligible for inheritance, orphans, and the poor attend the division of the inheritance, which is sometimes substantial, their hearts will feel eager to have a share, seeing each eligible person assuming his share; while they are desperate, yet are not given anything. Allah the Most Kind, Most Compassionate, commands that they should have a share in the inheritance as an act of kindness, charity, compassion and mercy for them.
Mawdudi comments:
This directive is addressed to the heirs of the deceased. They are told not to be niggardly towards their relatives whether they be close or distant. Nor should they be niggardly towards either poor and needy members of the family or towards orphans who are present when the inheritance is distributed. Although they are not legally entitled to any share it is seemly for people to act magnanimously and give them something out of their inheritance, and especially to desist from making hurtful remarks.
Eidi Project (Aug ’11)
Salam,
Bismillah.
For those of you who don’t know, I’m an active member of Youth Club. Alhamdulillah for that.
YC (Youth Club) aims to gather today’s youth and give them positive outlets for their skills and energies. For this very reason, YC organizes events/activities each month. Just FYI, we started this club in May ’11. Joy of Giving was held in June; Skilled Up! was July’s highlight; and Eidi Project has been the talk of a few towns (Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Wah, Risalpur etc.) this August. :D
The initial plan for Eidi Project was to collect funds, visit a local hospital/orphanage, give kids some Eidi, bring smiles to their faces and return home satisfied. But I gotta say, it turned out quite differently. But due to Allah’s favor upon us, it only got bigger and better.
The whole project was divided into three phases: collection, packing and distribution.
Details here: www.tinyurl.com/eidiproject
Funds were collected in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Risalpur and Wah. When I say funds, I mean money, clothes, toys, books etc. We’re still counting the total cash received, but it’s bordering 1 lac. All by the Grace of Allah.
August 19th was Packing Day. Authorities at Captain Cook’s were kind enough to let us use their space for this purpose. Around 20 volunteers showed up. We packed gifts for about 250 kids. Wrote customized ‘Eid Mubarak’ messages too. It was fun, to say the least. :)
August 20th was Distribution Day. We selected a school in F-11 (OSCS) where more than 130 underprivileged children are currently studying. It was their last day of school before they got off for Eid holidays. When we went there, we were surprised to see that they were impatiently waiting for us. Little girls had mehndi on their hands and smiles on their faces. We started distributing the Eidi gifts. Each kid I handed a gift to, returned to me a genuine smile and an adorable ‘JazakAllah’. Loved the feeling. :)
At the OSCS, F-11.
On the same day, around 160 orphans/needy children were given Eidi in Risalpur under the same project. Volunteers who went there enjoyed a lot and gave amazing reviews. Alhamdulillah. A full report by the project in charge over there is awaited.
Risalpur
Risalpur
Risalpur
Risalpur
Risalpur
Chapter three of distribution phase is Nawshehra. We’ll be sending over cash and other collections (whatever we can get by Aug 23rd iA) to our connection over there. They will then distribute Eidi to the deserving families then inshaAllah. There’s still time. If you’re interested in donating, contact youthclub.pk@gmail.com NOW!
All in all, I have to say, being a part of this project has been an honor.
Felt the joy of Eid way before Eid. :)
Wassalam.
