Yes, within the one-third bequest. Naming a registered Canadian charity also generates a donation tax credit for the estate.
The Canadian position
Confirm the organisation's registered charity status and use its exact legal name and registration number in the will — a misnamed charity is a common cause of failed gifts.
The Islamic position
A gift with continuing benefit is classical sadaqah jariyah. Directing part of the wasiyyah to it is among the most common uses of the discretionary third.
Where the four schools stand
Agreed. A Muslim may direct up to one third of the net estate by wasiyyah — after debts and funeral expenses are met — and no more. The four schools do not differ on the ceiling itself, and they also agree that the limit exists to protect the fixed heirs rather than to restrict generosity.
Shared evidence: Sahih al-Bukhari 2742 · Sahih Muslim 1628a.
Not covered by this finding: the treatment where there are no fixed heirs at all — not yet researched school by school. Treat that as open and ask a scholar of your school.
Researched finding from our madhhab register — issue one-third-cap, reviewed 2026-08-16.
Full evidence and history: The one-third cap on a bequest — the issue page.
Related madhhab issue: Is a trust recognised in fiqh, and is waqf the closest thing?.
What to do about it
- Use the charity's exact registered name and number.
- Express the gift as a percentage, not a fixed sum.
- Name an alternate charity in case the first ceases to exist.
This is legal information only. For advice on your own circumstances, speak to a lawyer.
Citations & sources
Every factual claim on this page traces to a source below. Details change — check the original source before relying on any figure, fee or legal position. Anything under “further reading” is related material, not a source for what is stated here.
- Surah al-Baqarah 2:180 — the bequest verse — Quran.com
- Sahih al-Bukhari, Book 55: Wills and Testaments (Wasaya) — Sunnah.com
- Sahih Muslim, Book of Wills — Sunnah.com
- What to do when someone has died — Canada Revenue Agency
- Income Tax Act, RSC 1985, c 1 (5th Supp) — Justice Laws Canada
- Charitable donation through will tax credit — Treadstone Law
- Naming an alternate executor ontario will — Treadstone Law
- Naming a charity as rrsp beneficiary tax canada — Treadstone Law
- Charity beneficiary rrsp tfsa tax credit ontario — Treadstone Law
- Wills & estates practice — Treadstone Law