that his will is written and kept with him.’ This clause proves not only the permissibility but the obligation of acting upon a written document.

His use of the word ‘written’—a passive participle—indicates that it makes no difference whether the testator himself wrote the will or someone else whose handwriting can be authenticated; what matters is that the writing be identifiable. The document must be either in the hand of the testator or in the hand of a trustworthy scribe whose writing is recognized. If it is in an unknown hand, it carries no legal weight and no action may be based on it.

Likewise, the phrase ‘with him’ points to the necessity of safeguarding one’s papers and not allowing others unrestricted access to them. They should be stored in a secure place—such as a locked box—because if they are neglected they may be lost, or someone might take and destroy them, and the like.

The essential point is to take due care of the will and preserve it so that it is not lost.

The report also highlights how promptly the Companions obeyed the Prophet ﷺ. After hearing this ḥadith, Ibn ʿUmar—may Allah be pleased with them both—said, ‘No night has passed since I heard the Messenger of Allah ﷺ say this except that my will has been written and kept with me.’ Thus a person should give this matter the attention it deserves, lest death overtake him suddenly while he has neglected his own affairs and the rights of others.