Leaving a legacy in Islam – the forgotten opportunity for a believer
Leaving a legacy to benefit others is a Muslim tradition which has enriched our history. But it’s rapidly dying out. Will you join us to revive it?
The Madrasa Yusufiyya served as Granada’s main theological school from 1349 until the city was conquered in 1492. Founded in 1550, the Suelymaniye complex wasn’t just a mosque but housed a hospital, a public bath, a madrasa, and a soup kitchen to feed the poor. And when it was constructed in 1673, the Badshahi Mosque was the largest in the world, accommodating 10,000 worshipers. So what do these historical landmarks have in common?
All three fill us with awe and admiration for the Muslim cultures which built them. Why? Because they were built in devotion to Allah (SWT) and as a service to people.
The Culture of serving others
In the past, leaving behind a legacy wasn’t a thing reserved only for kings and sultans. Ordinary Muslims who could afford to, competed with each other to establish waqfs, build fountains, and fund places of learning, healing and prayer. They were driven by a desire to benefit others and in doing so gain the pleasure of Allah (SWT).
Umar ibn al-Khattab reported, ‘The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) ordered us to give charity and at the time I had some wealth. I said to myself: “Today I will outdo Abu Bakr, if ever there were a day to outdo him.” I went with half of my wealth to the Prophet and he said: “What have you left for your family?” I said: “The same amount.” Then, Abu Bakr came with everything he had. The Prophet said: “O Abu Bakr, what have you left for your family?” Abu Bakr said: “Allah and his messenger.” I said: “By Allah, I will never do better than Abu Bakr.” (Al-Tirmidhi)
For these Muslims, giving in charity or leaving a legacy was an opportunity in itself. It wasn’t something they expected thanks or rewards for. Their reward was with Allah (SWT). Theirs was a culture which sought meaning in social service. Can we say the same for ours?
The wealth of our inheritors
When the people of the future look back on the remains of our civilisation, what will they see? What monuments will the rat-race for personal success leave behind? Will it provide something as simple as shade for a weary traveller, who might have wished blessings on us for the sapling we once planted?
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: "Who among you considers the wealth of his heirs more beloved to him than his own wealth?" They [the companions] replied: "O Messenger of Allah, there is no one among us except that he loves his own wealth more." He said: "His wealth is whatever he spends during his life (in good ways), while the wealth of his heir is whatever he leaves after his death." (Al-Bukhari)
Striving for fulfilment in the work we do is admirable. Working to obtain our needs and the needs of our families is a duty; a service in itself. But striking a balance between benefitting ourselves and being a benefit to others is essential for Muslims.
We all love furnishing our homes with creature comforts. And there’s nothing wrong with that. But this life is temporary, and all those pretty things will one day belong to others. Doesn’t it make sense then to strive more to furnish our permanent homes in the afterlife?
Reclaiming our tradition to serve
There is no denying it: the dominant culture today is fuelled by selfishness. And this is as harmful to us as it is to our society. It isolates us and robs our hereafter of blessings. Whereas once the companions of the Prophet(ﷺ) tried to outdo one another in good deeds, we are now embroiled in competition for personal gains.
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: “By Allah! I am not afraid that you will worship others along with Allah after my death, but I am afraid that you will fight with one another for the worldly things.” (Bukhari)
But this is not our culture. As Muslims, we have a faith that paves the way and gives us the opportunities to lead lives of meaning. And there’s nothing holding us back from reclaiming these traditions. This world is passing but it’s very important. It’s where all the opportunities are; where we sow what blessings we want to reap in our hereafter through the good we do and the legacies we leave behind.
Leaving a meaningful legacy
For well over two decades, IKCA supporters have partnered with us in the effort to be part of a meaningful cause. They’ve invested their Sadaqah Jariyah into Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospitals, which serve thousands of needy patients each year.
Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said: “When a man dies, his good deeds come to an end except for three things: Sadaqah Jariyah [ceaseless charity]; a knowledge which [he has passed on and] is beneficial; or a virtuous descendant who prays for him.” (Muslim)
Many of our supporters have gone onto bequeathe gifts in their Wills. They’ve reached out to us with a desire to leave a meaningful legacy which will serve people even after they’ve passed away. They see this as an opportunity; a way to enrich their hereafter and gain blessings for as long as patients benefit from their gifts.
Building landmarks of service
Together with our supporters we’ve changed the face of cancer care in Pakistan, making free treatment a reality for thousands of patients each year, in a country with no national health service.
Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said: “Verily, the believers are like a structure, each part strengthening the other.” And the Prophet clasped his fingers together. (Al-Bukhari)
With our supporters, we’ve built two Shaukat Khanum Hospitals, one in Lahore and one in Peshawar, and are now building a third in Karachi. We were able to do this because our faith, as Muslims, is stronger than the culture of selfishness which dominates the times we live in.
We believe that by working together to serve others, we can continue to leave behind landmarks of service and legacies to benefit future generations for decades to come. Will you join us?
Find out how you can leave a legacy by downloading our free Gifts in Wills guide.
Find out how your Sadaqah Jariyah can build Shaukat Khanum Hospital in Karachi