Can I direct part of my estate to a masjid?

This is legal information only. For advice on your own circumstances, speak to a lawyer.

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.

Researched — the four schools agree

All four Sunni schools cap a bequest at one third of the net estate, after debts and funeral expenses.

All four Sunni schools researched and sourced. Reviewed 2026-08-16. Full positions, evidence and sources — The one-third cap on a bequest.

Making an Islamic will in Canada — province by province, and what makes one valid where you live →

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.

Note

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.

Islamic primary sources

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

Canadian legislation & government

What to do when someone has died — Canada Revenue Agency
Income Tax Act, RSC 1985, c 1 (5th Supp) — Justice Laws Canada