Innovation in Muslim Estates Distribution Planning According to the Quran and Sunnah

Abstract

Estate planning is a process in which estates are being distributed during one’s lifetime to meet a testator’ intention. In this context, innovation is vital in selecting and applying appropriate instruments which are in accordance with the Islamic principles. In Malaysia, various conflicts of distribution of estates or wealth occur among the beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries, mainly due to the sole reliance on faraid, delayed application of distribution of estates by the beneficiaries, bureaucratic challenges which lead to the lock down of Muslims’ estates and other related issues. The main objective of this article is to explore the concept of innovation in the planning of the distribution of estates according to the Quran and Sunnah. In achieving this objective, the content analysis methodology is applied by using primary and secondary data. The study has found that the innovation in estates planning needs to be applied regularly to resolve the problems and difficulties faced by Muslims in their estates distribution, due to the current limitations and restraints. The guidance of the innovation has been ordained in the Quran and Sunnah and they are to be explored by the Muslims themselves.