The executor’s authority is confined to the matter for which he was expressly appointed. Whoever is named executor for one specific task is not thereby executor for anything else. Thus, if a man is charged with settling the testator’s debts, he has no standing to oversee the children, for his powers—like those of an agent—extend only to what he has been authorized to do.

A bequest made by a non-Muslim to a Muslim is valid so long as the estate consists of lawful property; but if it consists of prohibited items such as wine or swine, the bequest is void, because a Muslim is not permitted to manage such property.

If the testator tells the executor, “Dispose of my one-third as you see fit,” or, “Give it in charity to whomever you wish,” the executor may not take any portion of it for himself, for he has not been granted permission to do so. Nor may he give it to his own children or heirs, because he is regarded as suspect in their case.

Among the rules of bequests is that if someone dies in a place where there is neither judge nor appointed executor—such as a person who dies in the wilderness—it is permissible for any of the Muslims present to assume charge of the estate and do whatever is in its best interest, whether selling assets or otherwise. This is a case of necessity, for leaving the estate unattended would lead to its loss; safeguarding it is a collective obligation. He should also shroud the deceased and provide the funeral expenses from the estate itself.