FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Questions about Wasiyyat

Clear answers on eligibility, rates, property and burial, drawn from the Wasiyyat Rules.

Getting started

Wasiyyat is a voluntary will made in favour of the Community, established by the Promised Messiahas in Al-Wasiyyat (1905). A Musi pledges to lead a righteous life and to give 1/10 to 1/3 of their income and property for the propagation of Islam.

An Ahmadi who has reached the age of majority, generally 15 years, may make a Wasiyyat. Where the law of the land sets a different age of majority, the Wasiyyat is renewed once that legal age is reached (Wasiyyat Rule 20).

If, at the time of applying, a person has neither income nor property, they are not required to make a Wasiyyat. Non-earning members, such as homemakers, may apply on the basis of a minimum standard of income (“pocket money”) set by the Markaz. Check the current figure for Canada with the national office.

Yes. If an applicant meets all the conditions on income and property, debt alone does not prevent them from making a Wasiyyat.

Download the instructions, checklist and fillable form from the Resources page. Complete the form on your computer, print and sign it, then contact your local Wasaya secretary or the national office for submission.

Rates & payments

The minimum rate is 1/10 and the maximum is 1/3. You can choose your rate within that range, and may set different rates for income and for property.

Hissa Amad is the contribution paid on income during the Musi’s lifetime, at their chosen rate of 1/10 to 1/3, on income from all sources other than property.

Income arising from property, such as rent, is paid at the rate of Chanda ‘Aam (1/16), even if Hissa Jaidad on that property has already been paid.

No. Instalments, mortgage payments, interest and insurance are not deducted from real income for the purpose of Chanda.

Yes. Within the 1/10 to 1/3 limit, contact the department to request a change of rate.

Property (Hissa Jaidad)

Hissa Jaidad is the share of a Musi’s property, 1/10 to 1/3, that is payable under the terms of their Wasiyyat in the prescribed manner.

Generally not. Cars and similar dispensable items are not included, unless they are a Musi’s only property, make up most of it, or form a valuable collection.

You should inform the office of any new property or income. The Wasiyyat applies to it as well; on property bought later, payment becomes binding after the Musi’s death if not settled during their lifetime.

If a Musi inherits property, for example from a spouse, Wasiyyat is payable on that property at their prescribed rate.

Burial & Maqbarah

Bahishti Maqbarah (“Heavenly Graveyard”) is the cemetery established by the Promised Messiahas in Qadian, following a vision, for righteous members who fulfil the conditions of Wasiyyat. A second is in Rabwah, Pakistan. It is the name of a cemetery and does not by itself guarantee Paradise.

Cemeteries for Musis in other countries are called Maqbarah Musian, not Bahishti Maqbarah. The same rules and regulations apply to them.

Yes. The Wasiyyat form states that the will remains valid and effective whether or not the Musi’s remains are buried in Bahishti Maqbarah.

Please note: These answers are summaries. The Wasiyyat Rules and the National Department of Wasaya are the authority on any individual case.

Glossary

Musi / Musiah
A man / woman who has made the Wasiyyat

Hissa Amad
Share paid on income during life

Hissa Jaidad
Share of property bequeathed

Chanda ‘Aam
General contribution, at 1/16 of income

Tajdeed
Reaffirmation of one’s Wasiyyat

Majlis Karpardaz
The central body that administers Wasiyyat

Tarka
The estate a Musi leaves behind

Maqbarah Musian
Cemetery for Musis outside Qadian and Rabwah

Categories: Wasaya