SECTION ON BEQUESTS · 2 – THE AMOUNT OF BEQUEST
2864 – According to the narration of ʿAmr ibn Saʿd’s father, Saʿd ibn Abī Waqqāṣ (may Allah be pleased with him), one day he fell ill (in Mecca) and was close to death. The Messenger of God (peace and blessings be upon him) came to visit him. Saʿd said: O Messenger of God, I have much wealth, and I have no one to inherit from me except two daughters. Should I give away two-thirds of my wealth in charity (as a bequest)? The Messenger of God (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “No.” I said, Should I give away half? He said, “No.” I said, Should I give away one-third? The Messenger of God (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Bequeath one-third, and one-third is still much. It is better for you to leave your heirs wealthy than to leave them poor, begging from people. You will certainly receive reward for whatever you spend as maintenance, even for the morsel you raise to your wife’s mouth.” I said, “O Messenger of God, will I remain in Mecca after the emigration (hijra)?” The Messenger of God (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “If you survive after me, you will do righteous deeds seeking the pleasure of Allah, and your rank and station will only increase thereby. I hope that many people will benefit from you, and that you will not die until others (unbelievers) are harmed by you.” Then the Messenger of God (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “O Allah, complete the emigration of my Companions (ṣaḥāba), and do not turn them back on their heels.” But the unfortunate one was Saʿd ibn Khawla, he said. The Messenger of God was greatly saddened because he died in Mecca.” [574]