Ruling on the Execution of a Bequest

Question:
The listener, Hasan Saleh Sa'id al-Yamani, sent a message saying: Our father (may Allah have mercy on him) passed away three years ago and left us a written bequest stating: "Slaughter a head of sheep on the twenty-seventh day of Ramadan every year." We carried this out for two years, but then I traveled and borrowed money for the trip abroad. In addition to this, I support my family, which consists of six people, and I was unable to slaughter this head of sheep because my salary is not sufficient for it. Am I obligated to execute the bequest every year? Please guide us, may Allah reward you with good.

Answer:
Yes, you are obligated to execute the bequest; because Ramadan is a blessed month, and the night of the twenty-seventh is among the best of nights, and it is most likely the Night of Decree. So if your father bequeathed to you the slaughter of a sacrificial animal, or the giving of money for charity on this night, or in Ramadan, or at any time, give it. Yes.

The presenter : May Allah reward you with good, and may He do you good.