Legacy Letter Template and Sample

Template
1. Introduction
2. The Virtue
3. Reflections on Family and Relationships
4. Thoughts on Wealth, Charity, and Service
5. Final Words of Advice and Parting Reflections
6. Prayers and Supplications (Dua)
7. Signature and Date
Sample
1. Introduction
2. The Virtue
3. Reflections on Family and Relationships
4. Thoughts on Wealth, Charity, and Service
5. Final Words of Advice and Parting Reflections
6. Prayers and Supplications (Dua)
7. Signature and Date

Template

Legacy Letter (Ethical Will) Template

Disclaimer: This Legacy Letter is not a legally binding document and is not intended to serve as a substitute for a will or any other legal document. It serves as a personal message to loved ones, sharing values, reflections, and life lessons.

بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ

In the name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate

Dear family, friends, and loved ones,

1. Introduction

I’m writing this letter to share with you some of the most important thoughts and lessons I’ve gathered in my life.

It’s not possible to say everything I’d like to, but my hope is that what I do share here will offer you something meaningful to reflect on and carry forward.

Since it is impossible to cover everything, I have chosen one thing for each section. My hope is that each "one thing" will be clear, memorable, and useful in your life.

I have chosen these words with care, seeking Allah's guidance to offer something of benefit to you.

My hope is that these reflections will serve as a reminder of our connection, a source of comfort, and a means of barakah in your life.

2. The Virtue

Throughout my life, certain values and principles have guided me. One of them has had a lasting impact on how I think, act, and relate to others: [insert value here]. I hope [insert value here] becomes a steady part of your life too. May it guide your choices, strengthen your relationships, and help you face challenges with clarity and purpose. If you hold onto it, I believe it will serve you well, no matter where life takes you.

3. Reflections on Family and Relationships

My family has always been the most important part of my life. I want each of you to know how much you mean to me.

To My Spouse: [One message of love, gratitude, or advice for your spouse.]
To My Children: [Share one specific memory or one key piece of advice for your children.]
To My Parents: [Share one moment with your parents that you are most grateful for and a dua for them.]
To My Siblings: [Name one quality you’ve always admired in your siblings and offer one dua for their future.]
To My Friends/Community: [What’s one message you’d like your community to remember you by?]

4. Thoughts on Wealth, Charity, and Service

Wealth is a trust from Allah. How we use it matters more than how much we have.

One Lesson About Wealth: [Share one personal lesson you’ve learned about money and wealth.]
One Cause I Hope You Will Support: [Mention one specific cause or charity that you want your loved ones to continue supporting.]
One Moment of Service I’m Grateful For: [Share one example of service you’ve done that you hope inspires others.]

5. Final Words of Advice and Parting Reflections

Life will have its challenges, and I want to leave you with some words of encouragement.

One Act of Worship to Hold On To: [Write about one act of worship (like salah, dhikr, or Qur'an) that you hope your loved ones will never abandon.]
One Way to Stay Strong During Hard Times: [Offer one piece of advice on how to stay patient and trust in Allah’s plan.]
One Dream I Have for Your Future: [Share one dream, hope, or dua for your loved ones’ future.]

6. Prayers and Supplications (Dua)

Dua is worship. Here are the prayers I make for you:

When you remember me, I ask that you make dua for me. Ask Allah to forgive me, have mercy on me, and grant me a place among the righteous in Jannah (Paradise). This is the greatest gift you can give me after I am gone.

A Dua for My Loved Ones: [Include a dua that reflects love, mercy, and forgiveness for your family and loved ones.]
A Dua for My Own Forgiveness: [Choose a dua that reflects humility and a sincere request for forgiveness]

7. Signature and Date

Indeed, to Allah we belong and to Him we shall return.

With love,

[Your Full Name]

Date: [Insert Date]

سُبْحَانَكَ اللَّهُمَّ وَبِحَمْدِكَ، أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ، أَسْتَغْفِرُكَ وَأَتُوبُ إِلَيْكَ

Glory be to You, O Allah, and praise, I bear witness that there is no deity but You, I seek Your forgiveness and turn to You in repentance.

Sample

Legacy Letter (Ethical Will)

بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ

In the name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate

Dear family, friends, and loved ones,

1. Introduction

I’m writing this letter to share with you some of the most important thoughts and lessons I’ve gathered in my life.

It’s not possible to say everything I’d like to, but my hope is that what I do share here will offer you something meaningful to reflect on and carry forward.

Since it is impossible to cover everything, I have chosen one thing for each section. My hope is that each "one thing" will be clear, memorable, and useful in your life.

I have chosen these words with care, seeking Allah's guidance to offer something of benefit to you.

My hope is that these reflections will serve as a reminder of our connection, a source of comfort, and a means of barakah in your life.

2. The Virtue

Throughout my life, certain values and principles have guided me. One of them has had a lasting impact on how I think, act, and relate to others: sincerity (ikhlas). Ikhlas is the pure devotion of one’s intentions solely for the sake of Allah, free from any desire for recognition, reward, or the approval of others.

I hope sincerity becomes a steady part of your life too. May it guide your choices, strengthen your relationships, and help you face challenges with clarity and purpose. If you hold onto it, I believe it will serve you well, no matter where life takes you. Sincerity allows you to act for the sake of Allah alone, free from the need for the approval of others.

3. Reflections on Family and Relationships

My family has always been the most important part of my life. I want each of you to know how much you mean to me.

To My Beloved Wife, Khadijah: You have been my greatest partner, my safe harbor, and my most trusted advisor. Your patience with me and your love for our family has been a source of constant strength. My dua for you is that Allah grants you ease, joy, and closeness to Him in this life and the next. Know that my love for you is eternal, and I ask Allah to reunite us in Jannah.
To My Children, Zainab and Harith: Zainab, you are my heart’s pride. Your compassion and intelligence inspire me every day. Harith, you have the courage of a lion and a heart full of justice. My advice to both of you is this: Hold tight to your salah, guard your tongue, and always remember who you are. Your lineage is one of dignity, and you both carry that legacy forward. No matter what happens, know that I am proud of you beyond words. Never forget that this world is fleeting, and the true home is with Allah.
To My Parents: To my mother and father, may Allah have mercy on you as you had mercy on me when I was young. Everything I have achieved is built on the foundation of your sacrifices. I ask Allah to place you among the righteous and grant you the highest level of Jannah. I will never forget the warmth of your hands on my head or the dua you made for me late at night.
To My Siblings: I’ve always admired your perseverance and generosity. Each of you carries qualities I’ve tried to learn from. My dua for you is that you remain united, support one another, and never let pride or anger keep you apart. Family is a fortress. Never forget that.
To My Friends and Community: If there’s one message I’d like you to remember me by, it’s this: Live as people of service. Be the one who answers the call when others hesitate. The world is full of people chasing their own needs, but the one who serves others finds contentment that no wealth can buy.

4. Thoughts on Wealth, Charity, and Service

Wealth is a trust from Allah. How we use it matters more than how much we have.

One Lesson About Wealth: Wealth will never fill the emptiness in your heart, but giving it away will. I’ve found that the joy of giving exceeds the joy of earning. Remember this as you navigate your careers and pursuits.
One Cause I Hope You Will Support: Support the cause of education for underprivileged children. Knowledge opens doors that poverty tries to close. If you’re looking for a cause to champion, support scholarships, orphan sponsorships, and community learning initiatives.
One Moment of Service I’m Grateful For: I’m grateful for the time I spent mentoring young men in our community. I saw boys become men, and men become leaders. If you have the chance to guide someone, take it. You’ll see that helping others grow also grows you.

5. Final Words of Advice and Parting Reflections

Life will have its challenges, and I want to leave you with some words of encouragement.

One Act of Worship to Hold On To: Hold on to the Qur’an. Recite it, reflect on it, and act on it. If you’re ever lost or unsure of what to do, the Qur’an will be your light. Read Surah Al-Kahf every Friday, and it will be a shield for you.
One Way to Stay Strong During Hard Times: When hardship comes, remember Allah is near. Say "Hasbiyallahu wa ni’mal wakeel" (Allah is sufficient for me, and He is the best disposer of affairs). It’s not just a phrase—it’s a lifeline. Hold tight to it.
One Dream I Have for Your Future: My dream for you is that you live a life of Tawakkul (reliance on Allah). If you learn to rely on Allah fully, you will never fear loss. I pray that your lives are filled with purpose, courage, and contentment.

6. Prayers and Supplications (Dua)

Dua is worship. Here are the prayers I make for you:

A Dua for My Loved Ones: O Allah, protect my family and loved ones from harm. Grant them health, barakah in their time and wealth, and hearts that are firm upon Your deen. Increase them in iman, taqwa, and beautiful character. Let them be of those who You love and who love You.
A Dua for My Own Forgiveness: O Allah, forgive me for my shortcomings, my mistakes, and my moments of heedlessness. Have mercy on me when I’m lowered into my grave, and let my deeds be a light for me. Place me among the righteous and allow me to meet You while You are pleased with me.

7. Signature and Date

Indeed, to Allah we belong and to Him we shall return.

With love,

Sadiq Jamal

Date: 16th December 2024

Glory be to You, O Allah, and praise, I bear witness that there is no deity but You, I seek Your forgiveness and turn to You in repentance.