As for the question of inheritance which is occasioning
perplexity: in truth, one is entirely free during his lifetime to make
provision in his will for the division and distribution of his property amongst
his heirs in whatsoever manner he seeth fit, in order that his wishes may then
be implemented after he hath passed away. The writing of a will is obligatory
upon everyone; everyone, that is, must in his lifetime draw up a will that is
firm, sound, and clear in its provisions; seal and hide it; and guard it in a
very safe place. In drawing up his will the testator enjoyeth full discretion
to dispose of his property as he seeth fit; his will is a binding instrument,
having precedence over any other provision, and no one hath the power to either
modify or change it. Under these conditions, should he bequeath his whole
property to his children, he is but acting within his rights. In the event,
however, of disobedience to this command, of failure to draw up a will, and of
non-fulfilment of the divine obligation; likewise in the event of disappearance
of the will itself, the testator's property will be divided up according to the
designated shares.
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (From a Tablet; compilation: ‘Concerning the
Question of Inheritance: Extracts from Four Tablets by Abdu'l-Bahá’, prepared
by the Research Department of the Universal House of Justice)
