Introduction
In the digital
age, Muslims around the world own more than just physical property. We store
wealth in cryptocurrency, share content across social media platforms, and
build audiences that hold value. Yet, few consider what happens to these
digital assets after death. Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh) has a clear and rich
framework for inheritance (al-mirath), but how does it apply to intangible
digital properties? Let’s explore this topic using direct references from
Islamic sources and contemporary scholars.
What Are Digital Assets?
Digital
assets include:
·
Social Media Accounts
(Facebook, Instagram, YouTube)
·
Cryptocurrency Wallets
(Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.)
·
Domain Names and Blogs
·
Online Businesses and
Websites
·
NFTs and Gaming Accounts
·
Cloud storage and data
These
assets can generate ongoing revenue (e.g., YouTube monetization), or have
significant resale value (e.g., NFTs or crypto).
Fiqhi Principle: What
Constitutes Inheritable Property?
Imam
al-Kasani (d. 587H) in his seminal work Bada’i al-Sana’i explains:
كل ما يمكن تقويمه ماليا فهو مما يصح ان يورث “Everything that has measurable monetary
value can be inherited.” (Bada’i al-Sana’i, Vol. 6)
This
principle means if an asset can be owned, valued, and transferred, it is valid
for inheritance. Thus, digital assets, having monetary value, fall under this
category.
Sheikh
Dr. Yusuf al-Qaradawi states in Fiqh al-Zakah:
“Ownership
is not limited to tangible items. It includes rights, trademarks, and digital
assets if they are recognized and protected by law.”
Cryptocurrency and Islamic
Inheritance
Cryptocurrencies
are perhaps the most challenging digital assets due to their anonymity and
decentralized nature.
Sheikh
Haitham al-Haddad (UK-based scholar and member of the Islamic Shariah Council)
has publicly declared:
“Bitcoin
and other cryptocurrencies, if recognized by law and accepted as a medium of
exchange, are considered ‘mal’ (wealth) in Shariah. They must be included in
inheritance distribution.”
Similarly,
Mufti Faraz Adam (UK, Amanah Advisors) notes:
“Crypto-assets
are transferable, valuable, and ownable. Thus, they qualify as wealth and
should be included in a person’s estate upon death.”
Challenges in Implementation
- Password Protection: If heirs do not
have access to wallets or accounts, wealth may be lost forever. Crypto
wallets like Meta Mask or hardware wallets like Ledger require seed
phrases.
- Legal Will (Wasiyyah): The Prophet
Muhammad —peace be upon him— said:
“It is not permissible for any Muslim who has something to will
to stay for two nights without having his will written and kept ready with
him.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 2738)
- Ongoing Income (e.g., YouTube Revenue):
Scholars like Sheikh Dr. Salah Al-Sawy (AMJA, USA) argue:
“If an online business or monetized channel continues to
generate income, it must be treated like any rental income from property –
distributable according to the shares of the heirs.”
Inheriting Social Media Accounts
Can
a Facebook page or YouTube channel be inherited? Yes, if they have revenue
potential or commercial branding value.
The
European Council for Fatwa and Research (ECFR) issued a fatwa (Fatwa #4/19)
stating:
“Social
media accounts, if monetized or commercialized, become financial rights and are
inheritable.”
Islamic
scholars classify brand value or goodwill (e.g., followers, views, SEO rank) as
intangible assets with financial implications.
What Should a Muslim Do
Practically?
- Document All Digital Assets
o
List all usernames,
passwords, recovery options
o
Mention the value and
platform
o
Store this in a secure but
accessible location
- Prepare a Wasiyyah
o
Specify who gets access to
which assets
o
Clarify intentions for
ongoing sadaqah (charity)
- Educate the Family
o
Ensure heirs understand the
nature of your digital wealth
- Use Islamic Digital Will Tools
Examples:
o
Waqf-compliant online
platforms
o
Islamic estate planning
services (e.g., Shariawiz, Wasiyyah.com)
Contemporary Scholarly Opinions
- Dr. Monzer Kahf (Islamic
Economist):
“We must update our understanding of mal (wealth) to include
virtual currencies and assets… Our fiqh must respond to modern financial
realities.”
- Dr. Imran Usmani (Meezan Bank,
Pakistan):
“Digital banking and blockchain technologies are realities. If
money is stored in them, it becomes the responsibility of fiqh to integrate
them into inheritance systems.”
- Dar al-Ifta al-Misriyyah (Egypt’s
official fatwa body):
“Digital accounts, passwords, cryptocurrencies should be
documented in one’s will. Their neglect results in zulm (injustice) to rightful
heirs.”
Reward or Responsibility?
Prophet
Muhammad —peace be upon him— said:
“When
a person dies, all actions stop except three: Sadaqah Jariyah, knowledge that
benefits, or a righteous child who prays for them.” (Sahih Muslim, 1631)
A
monetized YouTube Islamic channel or digital course can be your sadaqah jariyah
— if its income is rightly distributed and used.
Neglecting
digital inheritance can result in loss of wealth, fitnah among heirs, or even
violation of Shariah.
Conclusion
In conclusion,
digital assets are not abstract ideas; they are real, measurable, and ownable.
They must be considered part of a Muslim’s estate. Scholars from all over the
world now recognize the need to integrate modern digital realities with
classical Islamic rulings. Every practicing Muslim should:
·
Recognize digital wealth as
part of their legacy
·
Prepare a proper wasiyyah
·
Consult with scholars on
specific scenarios
· Ensure justice is done for their heirs in accordance with Quranic guidelines
Share this
with your friends, family, and students. Let’s build a more aware Ummah in the
digital age.
#DigitalInheritance
#IslamicFiqh #CryptoInIslam #IslamicWill #FiqhAlMawarith #IslamicFinance
#Wasiyyah #HalalCrypto #SadaqahJariyah
دیجیٹل وراثت: مرنے کے بعد آپ کی کرپٹو اور سوشل میڈیا کا کیا بنے گا؟
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