By Sofiat Adenekan-Abdul
Muslims have been urged to redefine inheritance beyond wealth and property to include knowledge, good character, compassion and moral values passed from one generation to another.
The Chairman and Founder of Ashraaf Islamic Foundation, Dr Sharafudeen Aliagan, made the call on Saturday at the foundation’s Maulid celebration, themed “Inheritance Beyond Wealth: Preserving the Prophetic Legacy in Modern Society.”
Aliagan said while the Quran provides detailed guidance on the distribution of wealth, particularly in Surah An-Nisa, inheritance should also encompass wisdom, morality, peace and values that strengthen families and communities.
“Inheritance is beyond wealth. It has to do with wisdom, understanding, moral and peace,” he said.
He described the Maulid celebration as an opportunity to reflect on the life and teachings of Prophet Muhammad rather than merely commemorate his birth.
Aliagan said the Ashraaf Maulid, which began about 22 years ago, had continued to evolve, expressing hope that the initiative would reach communities across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The keynote speaker, Associate Professor Saheed Timeyin of the Department of Foreign Languages, Lagos State University, challenged participants to consider what would remain of them if their material possessions disappeared.
“If everything we had suddenly disappears, you wake up to discover that your car is no longer there, what you had in your account is no longer there, your titles are suddenly removed, what will remain of you?” he asked.
Timeyin said the question highlights the difference between material and moral inheritance, noting that while property, money and businesses can be transferred through legal documents, values such as honesty, compassion, integrity, courage and responsibility are transmitted through example.
“There is an inheritance that can be measured in naira, acres and buildings, and there is another inheritance that cannot be measured by any accountants,” he said.
He said the focus should therefore extend beyond what people leave behind to the values and character of those who inherit them.
Timeyin identified the life of Prophet Muhammad as a model for understanding inheritance beyond wealth, citing truthfulness, justice, patience, service and moral responsibility as key elements of his legacy.
He urged Muslims to demonstrate those values in their daily lives rather than limit their observance to admiration and celebration.
“We may admire the Prophet without becoming more truthful. We may celebrate his birth without strengthening our family relationships. We may recite poems in his honour without becoming more compassionate,” he said.
Timeyin also linked the theme to Nigeria’s social challenges, arguing that national development should not be measured only by wealth, education, technology and physical infrastructure.
He called on families, religious leaders, educators and professionals to pay greater attention to the values they transmit to younger generations.
The speakers said inheritance should extend beyond property and financial assets to include faith, knowledge, character, compassion, justice, service and responsibility.
