charity, endowments, absolution from debt, and forgiveness for a crime necessitating a financial penalty, if done while in good health, it is considered from the entire estate. We know of no disagreement regarding this. However, if it occurs during a life-threatening illness that is followed by death, then it is from one-third of the wealth, according to the majority of scholars. It has been narrated from the people of literalism (Ahl al-Zahir) regarding a gifted property that has been taken into possession that it is from the entire estate. This is not correct due to what Abu Hurayrah, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated, saying: The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: "Indeed, Allah has bestowed charity upon you at the time of your death by [allowing] one-third of your wealth, as an increase for your deeds." Reported by Ibn Majah (1). The implication of this indicates that one does not have more than the one-third. Imran ibn Husayn narrated that a man from the Ansar manumitted six of his slaves during his illness, having no wealth other than them. The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) summoned them, divided them into three parts, drew lots among them, freed two, and kept four in servitude. [Reported by Muslim] (2). If manumission does not take effect with its implications, then other things are even more so. This is because the apparent outcome of this state is death, so his gift (3) in that state concerning his heirs does not exceed the one-third, just like a bequest.

Section: The ruling on gifts during a life-threatening illness is the same as the ruling on a bequest in five matters: First, that its validity is suspended upon it being within the one-third or the heirs' permission (5). Second, that it is not valid for an heir unless the rest of the heirs permit it. Third, that its merit is less than the merit of charity given while in good health. This is because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) was asked about the best charity and said: "That you give charity while you are healthy and stingy, hoping for wealth and fearing poverty, and do not delay until, when the soul reaches the throat, you say: Give such-and-such to so-and-so, and give such-and-such to so-and-so, when it has already become the property of so-and-so." Agreed upon (6). Its wording is: A man said: