Leaving Wealth Behind For One’s Children

QUESTION:

How do we reconcile the Hadith of Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam telling Hadrat Sa’d ibn Abi Waqqas Radiallahu Anhu to leave his children wealthy rather than poor, with the story of Hadrat Umar bin Abdul Aziz Radiallahu Anhu leaving nothing for his children?

ANSWER:

Hadrat Saad Ibn Abi Waqqas Radiallahu Anhu wanted to give away his wealth in charity. If he did this, then he would leave behind nothing for his children. For this reason, the Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam told him to leave the wealth for them rather than leaving them with nothing. This was the guidance of the Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam, that, if one’s family is in need, then they should give to their families first, rather than giving to others.

The situation of Hadrat Umar Ibn Abdul Aziz Radiallahu Anhu was due to his Taqwa. He had trust in Allah Ta’ala that if his children were righteous, Allah Ta’ala would take care of them, and if they were sinful, then he would not want that the wealth he left behind be a means of him assisting them in sin.

Therefore, we can say that the children of Hadrat Saad Ibn Abi Waqqas Radiallahu Anhu were in need of wealth, while the children of Hadrat Umar Ibn Abdul Aziz Radiallahu Anhu were wealthy, hence, there was no need to leave anything behind for them. Similarly, Hadrat Umar Ibn Abdul Aziz Radiallahu Anhu had full trust in Allah Ta’ala that they will be taken care of.

ALLAH TA’ALA ALONE IN HIS INFINITE KNOWLEDGE KNOWS BEST!

ANSWERED BY:

Mufti Muhammad Isa Ali

Date: 30 Safar 1447 / 24 August 2025

CHECKED AND APPROVED BY:

Mufti Yacoob Vally Saheb