is valid, because the illness that had prevented her from doing so has passed. Accordingly, he may give to some heirs rather than others—provided that they are not his children, according to the stronger view—and he may give away more than one-third, because a person in good health may donate all his wealth. When the Prophet ﷺ encouraged charity, Umar brought half of his wealth, competing with Abu Bakr, because the Companions competed in doing good. He said, “Today I shall surpass Abu Bakr.” He did not say this out of envy, but out of commendable emulation. Then Abu Bakr brought all his wealth, so Umar said, “After this, I will never compete with you again.” (1) Allah is Most Great. The point is that if this sick person, who gave away more than one-third while ill, is then cured by Allah, his gift takes effect just like the gift of a healthy person, whether made to an heir or to someone other than an heir, because the cause for concern has ceased.

“If a person’s illness is prolonged due to leprosy, tuberculosis, or paralysis, and it is not brought to an end by confinement to bed, then [his donations come] from all his wealth; and the converse likewise applies.”

His statement, “If a person’s illness is prolonged,” refers to the third category of illnesses: a prolonged illness, meaning an illness that persists.

His statement, “due to leprosy,” is an example. Leprosy consists of wounds and sores—may Allah protect us—such that, when it afflicts a person, it spreads throughout his body and destroys him. It is therefore a disease that spreads through the body. It has names which I think are familiar among ordinary people, such as gangrene and the like.

The ruler must isolate those afflicted with leprosy from healthy people; that is,