Islamic Last Will Template - Walkthrough

A simple DIY Islamic Last Will Template for Canadians
đź“ś

This page is part of the Islamic Will Step-by-Step Guide. Click here to see the full guide.

Get the Islamic Last Will Template

The Islamic Last Will Template is part of the MuslimMoney Will Kit. You can get access to the will kit for free by entering your first name and email address:

Video

What You Should Know About This Template

There are several Islamic Will templates available online. This template has the following features:

  1. Includes essential elements of an Islamic Will:
    1. burial instructions
    2. executor appointment
    3. distribution guidelines
    4. guardianship (if applicable)
    5. trustee appointment (if applicable)
  2. Excludes supplementary elements
    1. Advice to one’s family is best reserved for your Legacy Letter.

How to Use the Template

Use the information from your Islamic Will Workbook (you would’ve completed this in Step 1 of the Islam Will and Legacy process) to customize the your Islamic Last Will and Testament.

image
image
image
image

How to Finalize Your Will

image

How Do I Make My Islamic Will Legal?

An Islamic Will is not a legal document in Canada until you:

  1. You print it
  2. Sign it in the presence of two witnesses
  3. Have the two witnesses sign it n your presence and in the presence of each other.
    • Witnesses must be at least 18 years old (19 years old in some provinces) and cannot be one of your beneficiaries or the spouses of one of your beneficiaries.
  • The act of you and your witnesses signing the Will is called "Executing the Will."
  • Once a will is "executed," it becomes a proper legal document.

What is an “Affidavit of Execution”?

An “affidavit of execution” involves having one of the witnesses swear a formal statement in front of a notary public or commissioner for oaths, attesting to the validity of the will and its proper execution.

All lawyers can act as notaries public or commissioners for oaths, but you can also find non-lawyer commissioners for oaths through a simple Google search.

Do I Need an Affidavit of Execution to Make an Islamic Will a Legal Document?

No.

An affidavit of execution is not required to make your Islamic will legally valid. Your will becomes a legal document once you:

  • You print it
  • Sign it in the presence of two witnesses
  • Have the two witnesses sign it in your presence and in the presence of each other.

Should I Still Get an Affidavit of Execution?

Probably.

While the affidavit isn’t needed for the Will’s legality, it becomes critical during probate.

When your executor submits your Will for probate, the Affidavit of Execution is submitted with it.

If you skip this step during your Islamic Will and Legacy Plan, you’re essentially passing that burden onto the executor who will need to track down one of the original witnesses to swear a new Affidavit after you die.

If witnesses are unavailable (e.g., moved, deceased), the court may demand alternative evidence (e.g., comparing your signature to other documents).

This can delay probate for months and create unnecessary stress.

Province-by-Province Requirements for a Legal Islamic Will

General Requirement for All Provinces

  • You must be of sound mind when making your will. This means you understand what a will is, what you own, and who might expect to inherit from you.
‣

Alberta

‣

British Columbia

‣

Manitoba

‣

New Brunswick

‣

Newfoundland and Labrador

‣

Nova Scotia

‣

Ontario

‣

Prince Edward Island

‣

Quebec

‣

Saskatchewan

Related Articles

Written by Farooq Maseehuddin

image

Farooq Maseehuddin (MuslimMoney Guy) is a financial educator and writer. He holds both a Bachelor of Education (BEd.) and a Master of Education (MEd.) from the University of Alberta. He's been a high school teacher and Muslim community organizer for two decades.