Question:
When preparing an Islamic will, is there a certain percentage that should be designated to be given to Masajid, madaris, or other educational institutions, locally or overseas, (home country?) from Quran & sunnah or recommended by our respected scholars?
بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمنِ الرَّحِيْم
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
Answer
However much percentage or amount of money you specify (that does not exceed ⅓ of your estate) to be donated to the Masjids, etc., is your discretion. Nevertheless, if you desire to give to Masjids, etc., we suggest you spend that amount towards those neediest and where the benefit would be immense.
If you have the means, a good option would be to build a Masjid, madrasa, etc., in an area where there is a dire need, and many people would benefit, whether locally or overseas. Such a sadaqah would be considered *jaariyah *(continuous). Sadaqah Jaariyah refers to giving such a thing, by way of sadaqah, that is lasting and benefits the creation of Allah (SWT) even after his death, e.g., building a well for people to drink and make wudu from, building a masjid, etc. As long as his Sadaqah Jaariyah exists, and people continue to benefit from it, he will continue to receive rewards. (Mirqatul Mafateeh: v. 1, p. 269 [Maktaba Imdadia Multan]; Mazahir e Haq: v. 1, p. 229 [Darul Isha’at])
The Prophet (SAW) said, “When the human being dies, his actions (its rewards) stop except three things: ongoing charity, beneficial knowledge, and a pious child who supplicates for him.” (Muslim: Hadith 1631)
Only Allah knows best
Written by Maulana Mohammad Ahsan Osmani
Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah
Darul Ifta Birmingham