heirs, at the discretion of the executor; or for the building of mosques, the purchase of books, and the like. The will should be made without delay. Likewise, if it is known from the patient’s condition that he is negligent regarding the wrongs he has committed against others and the duties Allah has made obligatory upon him, he should be reminded in a manner that does not distress him, for the patient’s resolve is weakened.

For example, if he is in debt, it is appropriate to say: “Writing down debts and having them witnessed is good, and the appointed terms are in Allah’s hand,” and so forth.

He should also explain to him an important matter which many will-writers overlook: they should write, “This will supersedes all that preceded it.” We have found that some testators make two wills: an earlier will containing matters whose execution they request, and a later will containing other matters whose execution they request, different from the first. This causes conflict and confusion for the executors. Therefore, whenever he writes a will, he should say: “This will supersedes all that preceded it,” so that the executor will not be confused, no conflict between the wills will arise, and the person may have peace of mind. These words cause no harm.

Someone may say: What counts is the final will, since what comes later supersedes what came before. But we say: where reconciliation is possible, there is no supersession. The provisions in the first will may be many, as may those in the second, and it may not be possible to reconcile the two.

When visiting a sick person, it is sunnah to recite ruqyah for him, especially if the patient is eager for it.

“When the Angel of Death descends upon him, it is sunnah to keep his throat moistened with water or a drink, …”

His statement, “When the Angel of Death descends upon him,” means: the angel descends upon him to take his soul. The angel who takes the soul is one angel, called the Angel of Death.