Legacy of Zahra (sa)
“One who dies without a Will, dies the death of one during the days of Ignorance (Jahiliyyah).”
Wasa’il al-Shi’a, Volume 19, Page 259
The Zahra Trust cannot draft your Will or provide legal, tax or financial advice. If you would like to direct your charitable third in your estate, however, you can discuss your impact options with a member of our team by .
What a Will Settles
“Prescribed for you when death approaches any of you, if he leaves wealth, is that he makes a bequest to parents and next of kin according to what is reasonable, a duty upon the righteous.”
You leave this world with your duties and wishes recorded, as Islam asks of every believer.
Cared for as you intended, with no disputes, and guardians named for children under 18.
Your khums and religious dues written down, so your executors know exactly what you intended.
By directing your charitable third in your Will, you can earn rewards that outlive you.
The Process
Five steps, in the order Islam sets out. First, list what you own and what must be paid. Then choose where your charitable third goes. Your family's shares are fixed by the Qur'an, so they are always protected. Finally, sign your Will.
Step 1 of 5: Start Here
Write down what you own, what you owe and any outstanding religious dues, including khums or zakat.
Step 2 of 5: Paid First
Your funeral costs, debts and religious dues like khums and zakat come out of your estate first, before anyone receives a share.
Step 3 of 5: Your Choice
Up to one third of what is left is yours to give. You can send it to the causes closest to your heart, including sadaqah jariyah that keeps rewarding you.
Step 4 of 5: Then Calculate
Whatever remains after your third goes to your spouse, children and parents. These shares are an obligation the Qur'an sets out, not something you or anyone else can change, so your family's inheritance is always protected.
Step 5 of 5: Finish Here
Ask a solicitor to prepare the Will, sign it correctly with witnesses, then store the original somewhere safe.
This section describes the Ja'fari process in general terms. Rulings on individual situations can differ, so confirm the details of your own estate with your scholar, and have your Will drafted or reviewed by a qualified solicitor. This is not legal advice.
The One Third
Islamic inheritance follows a set order. Your funeral costs and debts are paid first. Up to one third of what remains is then yours to give as you choose. Your family's fixed shares, set by the Qur'an, come from the rest and are always protected.
Your third can go to anyone, including a family member. Leaving more than one third needs your heirs' consent. Your scholar and your solicitor can advise on your own circumstances.
Khums, zakat, other debts and an obligatory hajj do not come out of your third. They are paid from your estate first, so your whole third stays free for the causes you choose.
“Give charity, for charity repels seventy kinds of calamities.”
Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq (as), al-Kafi, Volume 4
“Charity increases wealth. Give charity, and Allah will show you mercy.”
Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq (as), Wasa’il al-Shi’a, Volume 9
Leading scholars recommend that every believer use the one third their Will allows. The rulings of the maraji’, including Ayatollah al-Sistani’s Minhaj al-Salihin, permit bequeathing up to one third of the estate, and scholars encourage dedicating part of it to sadaqah jariyah and to any religious duties left outstanding, so that your giving continues after you. Confirm the details of your own bequest with your scholar.
The one third rule and the treatment of bequests follow Ja'fari inheritance principles. Rulings on individual situations can differ, so confirm the details of your own estate with your scholar, and have your Will drafted or reviewed by a qualified solicitor. This is not legal advice.
Inheritance Calculator
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Where Your Legacy Goes
Your legacy can keep working through clean water, lasting care and practical skills passed from one person to another. You can direct your charitable third in the name of a loved one or a Marhumeen.
Sadiya, a widow raising three children alone in Najaf, Iraq, lived in a home so run down that rats infested the space and she was bitten as she slept. Donor support enabled her to purchase a secure, stable home, with essential appliances and continuing food and clothing support.
“I am unable to thank you, and no matter how much I speak, I will not be able to thank them enough. May Allah (swt) save them now and in the hereafter.”
Sadiya, 45, Iraq
Kassem, 65, is an olive farmer in Nabatieh, Lebanon, whose land was heavily damaged during the crisis. New olive seedlings replanted the destroyed sections, restoring the possibility of future harvests and income through his own work.
“When I saw the new olive seedlings planted on my land, it felt like hope returned to me after everything we lost.”
Kassem, 65, Lebanon
Zahra, a widow raising two children alone in Shigar District, Pakistan, lost her home and belongings when monsoon floodwater tore through her village. An emergency food parcel and bedding set brought food and warmth at the point of greatest need.
“For the first time after the floods, we slept comfortably and had enough to eat.”
Zahra, 45, Pakistan
Yalid, 26, runs a small community centre in Spaki, Kenya, and cares for five orphaned cousins who travel to stay with him each Ramadan. A monthly food parcel helped ensure they could eat consistently throughout the holy month.
Yalid, 26, Kenya
Programmes
These are the programme areas your charitable third can support. You can also leave it to The Zahra Trust to use where the need is greatest.
Wells, hand pumps and household water systems close to home.
244 Water wells built in 2025
Lasting projects that keep serving a community year after year.
2,366,155 Family's homes built, restored and renovated in 2025.
School places, books and daily meals for children in care.
22,489 Children, orphans, and needy people received education and skills training in 2025.
Medical supplies, midwifery and support wherever the need is greatest.
462,983 Critically injured or sick people received medical care in 2025.
Why Leave a Legacy With The Zahra Trust?
A Registered Charity
The Zahra Trust, charity number 1129501, registered in England and Wales.
Accountable Internationally
Consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council.
What Supporters Say
“I always wanted my faith to guide how I provide for my family after I'm gone. Including The Zahra Trust in my Will meant I could protect my children's inheritance and still leave something that continues to help others for years to come. It gives me peace of mind knowing that this sadaqah jariyah will carry on long after me.”
Why We Carry Her Name
Sayyida Zahra (sa) is remembered for a life of mercy, courage and giving. Her legacy is not measured by what she kept, but by what she gave away, and by a name that for a thousand years has not been forgotten.
The Charitable Third
Directing your charitable third to The Zahra Trust is a single line in your Will, and your solicitor needs only three details.
I give to The Zahra Trust, registered charity number 1129501, the sum of GBP ______ (or ______ per cent of my residuary estate) for its general charitable purposes.
This wording leaves your charitable third for general charitable purposes. For a programme area or a specific project, ask us and we will provide wording that names it.
Example wording only, not legal advice. Your solicitor drafts the clause that goes into your Will.
If you intend to direct your charitable third, or already have, please ask for a callback. We will go through your wishes with you, check that the wording your solicitor has used says what you mean it to say, and make sure your gift is carried out as you intend.
Please ask for a callback if you intend to direct your charitable third, or already have. A short call lets us record your wishes, check the wording your solicitor has used, and confirm your charitable third goes to the programme or project you want it to reach.
Azhar Abdalla in our Donor Care team will talk it through with you, with no pressure. He is happy to answer any questions you may have about how best to direct your charitable third. For advice on your own Will or tax, please speak to a solicitor.
Or email us:[email protected]
Questions
Find clear answers to the questions that may be shaping your decision.
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The information on this page is general information about directing your charitable third in your Will. It is not legal, tax or financial advice, and it is not a recommendation to make any particular donation or investment. The Zahra Trust does not draft Wills and does not provide legal, tax or financial advice. Please take independent professional advice before making or changing your Will.
