Unveiling the Significance of Proposing Hibah as an Alternative to Nafkah Security for Widows

Abstract

In recent years, there has been increasing interest in the study and promotion of hibah (gifts) as one of the alternatives in Islamic estate planning. This paper aims to shed light on the instrument of hibah as an alternative payment for nafkah (alimony) to the wife as security for maintaining the widow’s claim to the husband’s property after the husband's death. This study adopts a doctrinal approach as it requires an examination of the legislation relating to hibah and nafkah based on several legal provisions from the various statutes in Malaysia. This approach is important to clarify the current and existing legal provisions relating to hibah and nafkah from the various statutes as a specific hibah and nafkah law has not yet been enacted in Malaysia. Finally, this study is also based on library-based research where the data were collected from primary and secondary sources. Overall, this study provides valuable information on the existing legal provisions on hibah and nafkah in Malaysia and makes some important recommendations to safeguard the rights of women in property distribution, especially widows. It takes into account that Islam encourages the practise of systematic estate planning to ensure the rights of heirs to the deceased’s assets. The findings of this study will raise awareness of the need for proper wealth planning by the hibah for women, which will ultimately benefit widows after the death of their husbands.