Is a bequest obligatory?
Machine translationRead the Arabic original
Question: Is it true that a Muslim must write his will, and that the mother and father must write it and place it under the pillow every day? If that is true, what should I write in it, when I have no material wealth to bequeath to my children?
Answer: It is recommended for a Muslim, if he has ample wealth, to bequeath one-third or less for charitable purposes; based on the saying of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him):Sahih Muslim 1627a. It is agreed upon by al-Bukhari and Muslim, narrated by Ibn 'Umar (may Allah be pleased with them both). May Allah grant success.
Answer: It is recommended for a Muslim, if he has ample wealth, to bequeath one-third or less for charitable purposes; based on the saying of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him):
It is the duty of a Muslim who has something which is to be given as a bequest not to have it for two nights without having his will written down regarding it.
ما حق امرئ مسلم له شيء يريد أن يوصي فيه يبيت ليلتين، إلا ووصيته مكتوبة عنده
Source
binbaz.org.sa
The Arabic text is copied verbatim from the original source, without any edits.