In truth, the wisdom of this perspicuous and most mighty
ordinance is that no one should draw breath without a will. Observe how, in the
absence of a will, the inheritance in its entirety is divided up, distributed
and dispersed contrary to the wishes of the deceased; what difficulties and
disagreements are thus engendered! The will, however, is the settler of every
dispute, and the cause of ease for all, for in it the testator disposeth of his
property in whatsoever manner he desireth. How agreeable it is for the estate
in its entirety to be disposed of in accordance with the testator's will and
pleasure! Observe ye how many people during their lifetime are fearful about
what will happen when they pass away. Now, with this divine commandment -- the
obligation and religious duty of drawing up a will before one's passing -- all
these difficulties are resolved.
- ‘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)
