for parents and close relatives.” The verse is general, applying to both heirs and non-heirs, since Allah says: “for parents and close relatives.” However, we say that this verse is qualified by the verses on inheritance, due to the Prophet’s saying, peace and blessings be upon him: “Indeed, Allah has given every person entitled to a right his due; therefore, there is no bequest for an heir.” (1) Thus, the generality of Allah’s words, “for parents and close relatives,” is qualified by the verses on inheritance.

If someone were to ask: Can parents ever be non-heirs?

The answer is: they can be non-heirs—for example, if they are disbelievers while the child is Muslim. In that case, he may make a bequest to them, for Allah Most High says: “But keep them company in this world with kindness.” [Luqman 31:15]

His statement, “It is recommended,” clearly indicates that making a bequest for non-inheriting relatives is not obligatory. This is the view held by the majority of scholars. They maintained that the verses on inheritance abrogated Allah’s words: “It is prescribed for you, when death approaches one of you and he leaves behind wealth, that he should make a bequest for parents and close relatives according to what is acceptable—a duty upon the righteous.”

Most scholars hold that the verses on inheritance abrogate this verse, and that none of its wording is acted upon, because it has been abrogated. Abrogation is the lifting of a ruling.

However, Abdullah ibn Abbas, may Allah be pleased with him, rejected this view. He held that the verse remains in force, and that making a bequest for non-inheriting relatives is obligatory. What he held is closer to what is correct.

If someone were to ask: But Allah says, “And for you is half of what your wives leave