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 ‘Extracts
from Four Tablets by ‘Abdu’l-Baha Concerning the Question of Inheritance’,
prepared by the Research Department of the Universal House of Justice)
