Question
The deceased was a pious Muslim. He appointed a pious friend to be the executor of his estate to ensure that his assets will be distributed in accordance with the Shariah's laws. Now some heirs want the executor to resign. They desire to appoint one of themselves, a female, to be the executor. Should he resign?
Answer
When a person has made someone the Wasi(executor) of his estate, he did so because of confidence in that person. The Wasi has an amaanat (trust) to discharge. It is not permissible for the Wasi to abandon the amaanat by abstaining from fulfilling the wasiyyat of the deceased. There must be a valid Shar'i reason for the Wasi withdrawing and refusing to execute the obligation with which he was entrusted. Furthermore, even if there is valid reason, he should not hand over the affairs of the estate to a woman. Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) prohibited the appointment of a female to a position of trust and leadership.
- Source
- themajlis.co.za
- Published in
- The Majlis Vol 20 No 08
- PDF page
- 3
Appears under THEY MUST BE BRANDED.