The Amount and Timing of a Bequest

Question: When is a bequest prescribed? Did the Shari'ah specify a certain amount of money for it?

Answer: A bequest is prescribed at all times if a person has something in which to make a bequest, and he should hasten to make it. This is based on what is established from him (peace and blessings be upon him) that he said: It was narrated by the two Shaykhs: al-Bukhari and Muslim in the two Sahihs. This indicates that it is prescribed to hasten to make a bequest if one has something in which he wishes to make a bequest.
The maximum amount permissible is only one-third. If he makes a bequest of one-quarter or one-fifth or less, there is nothing wrong with it. However, the maximum permissible is one-third; this is based on the saying of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) in the hadith of Sa'd (may Allah be pleased with him): And Ibn 'Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them both) said: "If only people would reduce from one-third to one-quarter." This is because the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) said: , and al-Id (may Allah have mercy on him) made a bequest of one-fifth. Therefore, if a person makes a bequest of one-quarter or one-fifth, it is better than one-third, especially if the wealth is substantial. And if he makes a bequest of one-third, there is no blame on him.