INTENSITY MARKERS:
[M] = Fard / Wajib (Obligatory — must do)  |  [1] = Sunnah Mu'akkadah / Highly Recommended  |  [2] = Sunnah / Recommended  |  [3] = Mustahab / Virtuous / Commendable  |  [H] = Haram (Forbidden — must not do)  |  [h] = Makruh (Discouraged — should not do)  |  [P] = Mubah (Permissible — neutral)

✅ What to Do

[1]Ensure debts are paid first before distribution. (Tirmidhi 1078)
[1]Give to parents, spouse, children as per fixed shares.
[1]He is Allah besides whom there is no god, Knower of the unseen and the witnessed — Recite last three verses of Al-Hashr daily (Quran 59:22-24; Tirmidhi 2922) [bg:Revealed in Medina (5 AH) after the expulsion of the Jewish tribe Banu al-Nadir from their fortresses. The surah glorifies Allah for granting the Muslims victory without battle and establishes the distribution of spoils (fay') from surrendered property. The hypocrites who secretly supported Banu al-Nadir are exposed. Revealed in Medina describing Allah by His most beautiful names: He is Allah besides whom there is no god, the Knower of the unseen and the seen, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful, the Sovereign, the Holy, the Peace, the Giver of Faith, the Guardian, the Almighty, the Compeller, the Supreme.]
[1]Indeed We sent down the Reminder and We will preserve it — Recite and preserve the Quran diligently (Quran 15:9; Bukhari 5019) [bg:Revealed in Mecca promising Allah's protection of the Quran: 'Indeed We have sent down the Reminder and indeed We will preserve it' (15:9). Revealed when the Quraysh mocked the Prophet and claimed the Quran would be lost like previous scriptures. The surah recounts the destruction of previous nations who rejected their messengers. Revealed in the Meccan period when the Quraysh accused the Prophet of fabricating the Quran and claimed it could be corrupted like previous scriptures.]
[1]Learn the 3 categories: Ashab al-Furud (fixed-share heirs), Asabah (residuary), Dhawil Arham (distant kin).
[2]Consult a knowledgeable person for complex inheritance cases.
[2]Execute bequests up to 1/3 of estate to non-heirs. (Bukhari 5355)
[3]Call upon your Lord humbly and privately — Call upon Allah with humility and in private (Quran 7:55; Bukhari 6336) [bg:Revealed in Mecca calling the Quraysh to follow the revelation and warning them of destruction like previous nations ('Ad, Thamud, Lut). The story of Musa and Pharaoh is the central narrative, revealed to strengthen the Prophet's heart. The ayah 'Take what is given freely and enjoin what is good' (7:199) is a Meccan command of noble character. Revealed in late Meccan period teaching the proper manners of supplication (du'a) — humbly and privately, not with loud voices or ostentation. The pagan Arabs would call upon their idols loudly and arrogantly; the ayah redirects sincere calling to Allah alone with humility and in a low voice, rooted in the certainty that Allah hears and is near.]
[3]Woe to every slanderer and backbiter — Avoid gossip and negative speech for mental well-being (Quran 104:1) [bg:Revealed in Mecca condemning the slanderer and backbiter (al-humazah al-lumazah). The surah was revealed regarding some Quraysh leaders like al-Walid ibn al-Mughirah and Umayyah ibn Khalaf who mocked Muslims behind their backs. The warning: wealth amassed in arrogance will not save them from the crushing Fire (al-Hutamah). Revealed in the early Meccan period condemning the slanderer and backbiter — referring specifically to some Quraysh leaders who would mock the Prophet and the Believers behind their backs. The ayah uses the name 'Humazah' (one who defames by speech) and 'Lumazah' (one who defames by action) to describe those who spread malicious gossip.]
[M]Distribute inheritance according to Shariah — do not change shares.
[M]Learn the shares of inheritance as prescribed by Allah. (Qur'an 4:11)
[M]Practice self-accountability before final accounting (Quran 69:19-29) [bg:Revealed in Mecca asserting the certainty of the Day of Judgment (al-Haqqah — the Reality). The surah describes the destruction of 'Ad, Thamud, Pharaoh, and the people of Lut as precedents of divine punishment. The Quran is declared as the word of a noble messenger, not poetry or soothsaying. Revealed in Mecca describing Judgment Day when every person receives their book (record of deeds). The righteous receive it in their right hand rejoicing, while the wicked receive it in their left hand behind their back, crying: 'I wish I had never been given my account and never known what my account was!' This establishes the practice of self-accountability (muhasabah) before the final accounting — reviewing one's deeds daily before being reviewed by Allah.]
[M]Say: O disbelievers, I do not worship what you worship — Declare disavowal of false worship clearly (Quran 109:1-6 ()) [bg:Revealed in Mecca when the Quraysh leaders proposed a compromise: worship their gods for a year, and they would worship Allah for a year. The surah was the definitive rejection: 'Say: O disbelievers, I do not worship what you worship... To you your religion, and to me my religion.' This establishes the principle of religious boundaries without compromise. Revealed in the early Meccan period when the Quraysh leaders (including al-Walid ibn al-Mughirah, al-'As ibn Wa'il, and Umayyah ibn Khalaf) proposed a compromise to the Prophet: worship their gods for a year, and they would worship his God for a year. This surah was revealed as the definitive rejection of any religious compromise: 'For you is your religion, and for me is my religion.]
[M]The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months — Make abundant du'a on Laylat al-Qadr (Quran 97:3-5; Tirmidhi 3513) [bg:Revealed in Mecca describing Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Power) when the Quran was first revealed. The surah was revealed when the Prophet mentioned a man from Banu Isra'il who fought for a thousand months, and the companions were amazed. The night is better than a thousand months — a night of divine decree, peace, and angelic descent. Revealed in Mecca describing Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Power) which is better than a thousand months. The ayah says: 'The angels and the Spirit (Jibril) descend therein by the permission of their Lord for every matter. Peace it is until the break of dawn.' This was revealed when the Prophet mentioned a man from Banu Isra'il who fought for a thousand months, and the companions were amazed.]
[M]Write a will — no Muslim with wealth should sleep without a will. (Bukhari 2738)

🚫 What Not to Do

[H]Change or manipulate shares to favor some heirs over others.
[H]Deprive women of inheritance — their shares are ordained by Allah. (Qur'an 4:7)
[H]Do not despair of Allah's mercy — Lose hope in Allah's mercy (Quran 12:87; Bukhari 3935) [bg:Revealed in Mecca as 'the best of stories' (ahsan al-qasas) — the complete narrative of Prophet Yusuf. Revealed when the Quraysh tested the Prophet by asking about the story of Yusuf (as suggested by the Jewish rabbis). The surah consoles the Prophet and the Believers who faced persecution from their own families. Revealed in the Meccan period as part of the story of Yusuf, when Ya'qub (Jacob) instructs his sons not to despair of Allah's mercy.]
[H]Follow the footsteps of Shaytan (Quran 15:39-40; Muslim 2812) [bg:Revealed in Mecca promising Allah's protection of the Quran: 'Indeed We have sent down the Reminder and indeed We will preserve it' (15:9). Revealed when the Quraysh mocked the Prophet and claimed the Quran would be lost like previous scriptures. The surah recounts the destruction of previous nations who rejected their messengers.]
[H]Love wealth excessively to the point of sin (Quran 100:8) [bg:An early Meccan surah swearing by the warhorses that run panting, strike sparks, and raid at dawn. The powerful oaths point to the nobility and strength of horses in battle. The surah declares the ingratitude of humans toward their Lord and their intense love of wealth. The Day when what is in the graves is raised and hearts are disclosed. Revealed in Mecca: 'And indeed he is intense in his love of good (al-khayr — meaning wealth).' This was revealed describing the human tendency toward love of wealth.]
[H]Replace Allah's blessing with disbelief (Quran 14:28; Bukhari 4297) [bg:Revealed in Mecca centered on Prophet Ibrahim's supplication for Makkah and his descendants. The surah calls the Quraysh to recognize Allah's blessings and warns that those who replace gratitude with disbelief will face destruction. Named after Ibrahim whose dua for Makkah's security connects the Prophet's mission to the patriarch of monotheism. Revealed in Mecca regarding the Quraysh leaders who exchanged Allah's blessing (the safe sanctuary of Makkah, the prophethood of Muhammad) with disbelief and settled their people in the 'house of destruction' (Hell). Specifically revealed concerning those who led the opposition to the Prophet at the Battle of Badr.]
[H]Say: O disbelievers, I do not worship what you worship — Compromise on matters of Tawheed (Quran 109:1-6) [bg:Revealed in Mecca when the Quraysh leaders proposed a compromise: worship their gods for a year, and they would worship Allah for a year. The surah was the definitive rejection: 'Say: O disbelievers, I do not worship what you worship... To you your religion, and to me my religion.' This establishes the principle of religious boundaries without compromise. Revealed in the early Meccan period when the Quraysh leaders (including al-Walid ibn al-Mughirah, al-'As ibn Wa'il, and Umayyah ibn Khalaf) proposed a compromise to the Prophet: worship their gods for a year, and they would worship his God for a year. This surah was revealed as the definitive rejection of any religious compromise: 'For you is your religion, and for me is my religion.]
[H]Use gifts during lifetime to circumvent inheritance laws unjustly.
[h]Be arrogant thinking wealth is your merit (Quran 34:35-37; Muslim 2747) [bg:Revealed in Mecca asserting that knowledge and wealth do not indicate divine favor. The surah recounts the stories of Dawud, Sulayman, and the people of Sheba who were destroyed for their arrogance. The Quraysh were warned that their wealth would not save them, just as previous prosperous nations were destroyed.]
[h]Delay distribution after the deceased's debts are paid.
[h]Do not argue with People of the Book except in best manner — Argue with People of the Book except in best manner (Quran 29:46; Bukhari 4487) [bg:Revealed in Mecca (some ayahs revealed during early migration) concerning the trial of faith. The surah opens: 'Do the people think they will be left to say 'We believe' and not be tested?' — revealed when the Muslims in Mecca were persecuted for their faith. The story of Nuh, Ibrahim, Lut, and Shu'ayb illustrate patience through trials. Revealed in the Meccan period (some say after the migration to Medina) instructing Believers on how to debate with the People of the Book (Jews and Christians) — in the best manner, not with those who are unjust, saying 'we believe in what has been revealed to us and to you, and our God and your God is one.' This established a respectful interfaith dialogue methodology.]
[h]Mock or call believers names (Quran 68:51-52) [bg:The second surah revealed (after al-Alaq). Revealed in Mecca when the Quraysh accused the Prophet of being a madman (majnun). The surah opens swearing by the pen (al-Qalam) and what is written — a divine affirmation of writing and knowledge. The Prophet is praised for his noble character and warned not to compromise with the polytheists. Revealed in Mecca when the Quraysh disbelievers, upon hearing the Quran, would stare intensely at the Prophet as if they would knock him down with their eyes (literally 'cast evil eye' — 'al-ayn'). They would say: 'He is a madman.' The ayah declares: 'But it is nothing less than a Reminder for all the worlds.' This establishes that mocking or calling believers derogatory names because of their faith is a form of oppression.]
[h]Rejoice arrogantly in worldly power (Quran 27:33-34; Bukhari 3021) [bg:Revealed in Mecca centered on the stories of Sulayman (Solomon) and the Queen of Sheba (Bilqis), and the prophet Salih with Thamud. The surah opens with the Quran as 'good news for the believers' and emphasizes that no one can guide except Allah. The story of Bilqis demonstrates the superiority of divine guidance over worldly power. Revealed in Mecca through the story of the Queen of Sheba (Bilqis) who told her council: 'Indeed kings, when they enter a city, ruin it and make the honored among its people humiliated.' This was revealed when the Quraysh boasted about their political power and alliances. The ayah warns against arrogance in worldly power, establishing that political authority without divine guidance leads to corruption and oppression.]
[h]The retribution of an evil is an equivalent evil; whoever forgives and reconciles — his reward is with Allah — Take revenge beyond what is just (Quran 42:40; Muslim 2588) [bg:Revealed in Mecca (some ayahs Medinan) establishing that Allah has revealed the same faith to all prophets: 'He has ordained for you the same religion which He enjoined upon Nuh, Ibrahim, Musa, and Jesus.' The surah emphasizes mutual consultation (shura) as a characteristic of the Believers and promises forgiveness for those who forgive others. Revealed in the late Meccan period stating that the recompense for an injury is an equivalent injury, but whoever forgives and reconciles, their reward is with Allah. This balanced principle — justice with the option of superior forgiveness — was revealed when the Muslims were suffering persecution and wondering about appropriate responses to the Quraysh.]
[h]Woe to every slanderer and backbiter — Backbite, slander, and mock others (Quran 104:1-2) [bg:Revealed in Mecca condemning the slanderer and backbiter (al-humazah al-lumazah). The surah was revealed regarding some Quraysh leaders like al-Walid ibn al-Mughirah and Umayyah ibn Khalaf who mocked Muslims behind their backs. The warning: wealth amassed in arrogance will not save them from the crushing Fire (al-Hutamah). Revealed in Mecca condemning those who backbite (humazah) and slander (lumazah) — referring specifically to some Quraysh leaders like al-Walid ibn al-Mughirah and Umayyah ibn Khalaf who mocked Muslims behind their backs and to their faces.]
[h]Write a will that contradicts Shariah (e.g., leaving everything to one child).

⭐ As You Wish

[P]By the racers, panting — Study horsemanship and animal care (Quran 100:1-5) [bg:An early Meccan surah swearing by the warhorses that run panting, strike sparks, and raid at dawn. The powerful oaths point to the nobility and strength of horses in battle. The surah declares the ingratitude of humans toward their Lord and their intense love of wealth. The Day when what is in the graves is raised and hearts are disclosed. Revealed in the early-middle Meccan period with an oath by the warhorses that run panting, striking sparks, raiding at dawn, raising dust, and penetrating enemy ranks. These powerful oaths point to the strength and nobility of horses in battle, a subject the Arabs deeply respected.]
[P]He is Allah besides whom there is no god, Knower of the unseen and the witnessed — Learn and reflect on the beautiful names of Allah (Quran 59:22-24; Bukhari 2736) [bg:Revealed in Medina (5 AH) after the expulsion of the Jewish tribe Banu al-Nadir from their fortresses. The surah glorifies Allah for granting the Muslims victory without battle and establishes the distribution of spoils (fay') from surrendered property. The hypocrites who secretly supported Banu al-Nadir are exposed. Revealed in Medina describing Allah by His most beautiful names: He is Allah besides whom there is no god, the Knower of the unseen and the seen, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful, the Sovereign, the Holy, the Peace, the Giver of Faith, the Guardian, the Almighty, the Compeller, the Supreme.]
[P]Prepare against them whatever force you can — Prepare military strength for defense (Quran 8:60; Muslim 1913) [bg:Revealed after the Battle of Badr (2 AH) regarding the division of war spoils (anfal) among the Muslims — the first major military confrontation between the Muslims and Quraysh. Addresses obedience in battle, unity, and the ethics of warfare. The ayah 'And if they incline to peace, then incline to it' (8:61) was revealed after the Quraysh sought peace following Badr. Revealed in Medina after Badr (2 AH) establishing the principle of military preparedness and deterrence. This was revealed when the Muslims were building their defensive capacity against the Quraysh and their allies.]
[P]Recite virtuous poetry free of immorality (Quran 26:224-227; Bukhari 6142) [bg:Revealed in Mecca recounting the stories of Musa, Ibrahim, Nuh, Hud, Salih, Lut, and Shu'ayb — each concluding with the call to fear Allah and obey the messenger. Revealed to console the Prophet when the Quraysh accused him of being a poet or soothsayer. The surah declares that only the disbelievers will be asked about their poets. Revealed in Mecca stating: 'As for the poets, the deviators follow them. Do you not see that they wander in every valley (of speech) and say what they do not do?' This was revealed when the Quraysh poets (like Abu Sufyan ibn al-Harith) composed verses mocking the Prophet and the Muslims. The ayah excepts 'those who believe, do righteous deeds, remember Allah much, and defend themselves after being wronged.' This established that poetry is permissible only when it promotes truth and defends against falsehood.]
[P]Say: O disbelievers, I do not worship what you worship — Recite Surah Al-Kafirun before sleeping (Quran 109:1-6; Tirmidhi 3401) [bg:Revealed in Mecca when the Quraysh leaders proposed a compromise: worship their gods for a year, and they would worship Allah for a year. The surah was the definitive rejection: 'Say: O disbelievers, I do not worship what you worship... To you your religion, and to me my religion.' This establishes the principle of religious boundaries without compromise. Revealed in the early Meccan period when the Quraysh leaders (including al-Walid ibn al-Mughirah, al-'As ibn Wa'il, and Umayyah ibn Khalaf) proposed a compromise to the Prophet: worship their gods for a year, and they would worship his God for a year. This surah was revealed as the definitive rejection of any religious compromise: 'For you is your religion, and for me is my religion.]
[P]Study spider silk and biomimicry (Quran 29:41; Bukhari 3267) [bg:Revealed in Mecca (some ayahs revealed during early migration) concerning the trial of faith. The surah opens: 'Do the people think they will be left to say 'We believe' and not be tested?' — revealed when the Muslims in Mecca were persecuted for their faith. The story of Nuh, Ibrahim, Lut, and Shu'ayb illustrate patience through trials. Revealed in Mecca describing the example of those who take protectors besides Allah: 'The example of those who take allies besides Allah is like the spider who builds a house — and indeed the weakest of houses is the spider's house — if they only knew.' The Quraysh trusted their idols for protection, but the ayah compares their false security to a spider's web. This was revealed as a metaphor for the weakness of relying on anything other than Allah.]
[P]Travel and observe historical ruins as lessons (Quran 15:75-77; Bukhari 3379) [bg:Revealed in Mecca promising Allah's protection of the Quran: 'Indeed We have sent down the Reminder and indeed We will preserve it' (15:9). Revealed when the Quraysh mocked the Prophet and claimed the Quran would be lost like previous scriptures. The surah recounts the destruction of previous nations who rejected their messengers. Revealed in Mecca after recounting the destruction of the people of Lut (Lot).]
[P]Use dream interpretation for guidance (with knowledge) (Quran 12:4-6,36-44; Bukhari 6982) [bg:Revealed in Mecca as 'the best of stories' (ahsan al-qasas) — the complete narrative of Prophet Yusuf. Revealed when the Quraysh tested the Prophet by asking about the story of Yusuf (as suggested by the Jewish rabbis). The surah consoles the Prophet and the Believers who faced persecution from their own families. Revealed in Mecca relating the dream of Prophet Yusuf — seeing eleven stars, the sun, and the moon prostrating to him. Prophet Ya'qub warned him not to tell his brothers lest they plot against him. The Prophet himself regularly interpreted dreams for his companions.]
[P]When the sky breaks apart, when the stars scatter — Contemplate the Day the heavens split (Quran 82:1-5) [bg:Revealed in Mecca describing the cosmic upheaval when the sky breaks apart, the stars scatter, the seas burst forth, and the graves are overturned. Every soul will know what it has sent ahead and left behind. The surah reminds humans that noble angels are recording their deeds and that the Day of Judgment is inevitable. Revealed in the early Meccan period describing the cosmic events: when the sky is split apart, stars scattered, seas burst forth, graves overturned — then every soul will know what it has sent ahead and what it has left behind. These vivid descriptions of the Day of Judgment were revealed to instill a sense of accountability.]
[P]When the sun is wrapped, when the stars fall — Reflect on cosmic signs of the end times (Quran 81:1-14) [bg:One of the early Meccan surahs describing the cosmic signs of the end: the sun wrapped up, the stars falling, mountains removed, and the souls reunited. When this surah was revealed, the Prophet said: 'Whoever wishes to see the Day of Judgment as if it is before his eyes, let him recite Idha al-Shamsu Kuwwirat.' Revealed in the early Meccan period describing the cosmic collapse of Judgment Day: the sun folded up, stars fall, mountains move, pregnant camels abandoned, wild beasts gathered, seas boiled over, souls paired, the baby girl buried alive is asked for what crime she was killed, scrolls unfolded, heaven stripped, Hellfire kindled, Paradise brought near, and every soul knows what it has done. This comprehensive scene was revealed to awaken the Quraysh from their heedlessness.]
— Give gifts to children during your lifetime as long as you are just among them.
— Make bequests up to 1/3 to non-heirs (charity, friends, etc.).

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