Islam has strongly emphasized that each individual make a Will in his lifetime and have witnesses to it.
It is prescribed for you, when death approaches one of you, if he leaves behind wealth, that he bequeaths unto parents and near relatives in goodness; (that is) a duty on those who safeguard themselves with full awareness of divine laws.” 2:180 The Holy Quran.
The Prophet (SAW) has also strongly urged Muslims to do so. It is so much important, that when going to bed to sleep, it is recommended that the Will be kept under the pillow.
Why is an Islamic Will (Wasiyat) important?
The importance of the Islamic Will is clear from the following two hadith:
“It is the duty of a Muslim who has anything to bequest not to let two nights pass without writing a WILL about it.” (Sahih al-Bukhari)
“A man may do good deeds for seventy years but if he acts unjustly when he leaves his last testament, the wickedness of his deed will be sealed upon him, and he will enter the Fire. If, (on the other hand), a man acts wickedly for seventy years but is just in his last will and testament, the goodness of his deed will be sealed upon him, and he will enter the Garden.” (Ahmad and Ibn Majah)
Please find attched a template of an Islamic will which is according to Enghlish Law and has been checked and approved by Mufti Abdus Samad Desai of Majlisul Ulama South Africa (Publisher/Editor of the Majlis Monthly).