Chapter on Endowments, Charity, and Gifts

Rubay' ibn Abdullah narrated from Abu Abdullah عليه السلام, who said: "The Commander of the Faithful, Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib عليه السلام, peace be upon him, donated his house in Medina located in the area of Banu Zurayq. Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib عليه السلام wrote: 'In the name of Allah سبحانه وتعالى, the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate. This is what Ali ibn Abi Talib عليه السلام donates while He عليه السلام is alive and sound. He عليه السلام donates his house in Banu Zurayq as a charity that shall neither be sold, gifted, nor inherited until Allah سبحانه وتعالى, who inherits the heavens and the earth, takes possession of it. He عليه السلام has granted residence in this charitable house to his maternal aunts for as long as they live and as long as their descendants live. Once they have all passed away, it will be for the needy among the Muslims. Allah سبحانه وتعالى is a witness to this.'"