Chapter on the Obligation of Executing the Bequest and the Prohibition of Altering it

Sahl ibn Ziyad narrated from Muhammad ibn Al-Walid from Yunus ibn Yaʿqub: A man in Hamadhan mentioned that his father had passed away. His father was unaware of this matter (the teachings of the Ahl Al-Bayt), and before his death, he made a will instructing that something be given in the way of Allah سبحانه وتعالى. Abu Abdullah عليه السلام was asked about how to fulfill this will, and it was explained to Imam عليه السلام that the deceased was unaware of the truth but had made a will at the time of his death. Abu Abdullah عليه السلام said: "If a man had made a will to me to distribute his wealth to a Jew or a Christian, I would fulfill it for them. Indeed, Allah سبحانه وتعالى, the Almighty and Majestic, says: 'But whoever changes it after hearing it, the sin is only upon those who change it. Verily, Allah سبحانه وتعالى is All-Hearing, All-Knowing.'" (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:181) Then Imam عليه السلام added: "Look for someone who is engaged in these paths (meaning the frontier defense posts), and send it to him."

It was narrated from Abu Ṭalib Abdullah ibn Al-Ṣalt Al-Qummi that he said: Al-Khalil ibn Hashim wrote to Dhu Al-Ri'asatayn, who was the governor of Nishapur, informing him that a man from the Magians had passed away and had bequeathed a portion of his wealth to the poor. The executor in Nishapur took that wealth and distributed it among the poor Muslims. Al-Khalil wrote to Dhu Al-Riʾasatayn about this matter, and Dhu Al-Riʾasatayn consulted Al-Maʾmun, who said: "I have no ruling on this issue." Then he asked Abu Al-Hasan عليه السلام, and Abu Al-Hasan عليه السلام replied: "The Magian did not bequeath his wealth to the poor Muslims. Therefore, it is appropriate that an equivalent amount from the charity funds be taken and returned to the poor among the Magians."