In Singapore, one document could decide whether your elderly parent’s hard-earned money, CPF savings, and even their HDB flat remain usable—or locked behind a wall of bureaucracy.
It’s called the Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA).
And for most Muslim families, they only hear about it after it’s too late.
An Illustrative Family Scenario
Imagine an elderly parent loses mental capacity after a serious stroke. The family may suddenly discover that being a spouse or child does not automatically give them legal authority to manage the parent’s property and financial affairs.
If there is no valid LPA, the family may need to apply for a court appointed deputy before certain decisions can be made. That can add legal steps, cost and stress at an already difficult time.
An LPA allows a person, while they still have mental capacity, to appoint one or more trusted donees to make decisions if mental capacity is lost later. MUIS has ruled that this form of planning is permissible under Islamic law and consistent with the objectives of the Shariah.
What Is an LPA and Why Should Muslims Care?
An LPA is a legal document that allows a person (the donor) to appoint someone they trust (the donee) to make decisions on their behalf if they lose mental capacity in future.
This could cover:
- Operating bank accounts within the authority granted
- Managing CPF matters within the authority granted
- Selling property
- Making medical decisions
- Paying zakat, fidyah, or outstanding debts
Without it, your family has no automatic right to handle your affairs—even if they’re your spouse or children.
MUIS Fatwa: The LPA Is Permissible in Islam
MUIS concluded that the Lasting Power of Attorney is a permissible form of planning under Islamic law and is consistent with the objectives of the Shariah.
MUIS Fatwa on Lasting Power of Attorney
The fatwa committee ruled that:
- The LPA does not contradict Syariah
- The arrangement is compatible with recognised Islamic concepts of entrusting another person to manage affairs
- It is a precautionary measure, not a sign of lack of faith
MUIS also clarified that making an LPA does not violate tawakkul (reliance on Allah), as Islam encourages preparing for the future responsibly.
The Islamic Case for LPA
1. Amanah (Trust)
Appointing someone to manage your affairs is a trust. Islam holds us accountable for how we protect our family and wealth during all stages of life—including incapacity.
2. Fulfilling the Rights of Dependents
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“It is sufficient sin for a person to neglect those he is responsible for.”
(Sunan Abi Dawud)
Making an LPA ensures your dependents can carry on — without falling into hardship or court battles.
3. Preventing Family Disputes
Clarity is mercy. Without an LPA, families may argue over who makes decisions. With it, there’s no doubt who holds that amanah.
The CPF, HDB and Family Planning Question
Here in Singapore, most elderly Muslims have their money tied up in CPF, HDB property, or bank savings. If they become mentally incapacitated without an LPA:
- Family members generally cannot deal with a person’s property simply because they are relatives
- Managing CPF or bank matters may require proper legal authority
- Property and financial obligations can become harder to manage when no one has been appointed in advance
- A court appointed deputy may be required if the person has already lost mental capacity without making an LPA
For those who care about both dunya and akhirah, that’s a serious issue.
So What Should You Do?
This is where working with an experienced professional makes all the difference.
A trusted advisor can help Muslim families plan for the unexpected in a way that respects both Singaporean law and Islamic values — no unnecessary upsells, no confusing terms, just clear, reliable guidance.
Whether it’s helping you:
- Draft a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA)
- Identify the most suitable donee
- Understand what’s allowed under Syariah
- Or plan your next steps after a diagnosis
They’re ready to support your journey, one well-informed decision at a time.
Free Checklist: Starting Your LPA Planning
- Who will be your donee?
- Do they understand your religious obligations (zakat, fidyah, debts)?
- Have you discussed this with your family? Have you considered both personal welfare and property and affairs powers?
- Do you know how to file it through Singapore’s Office of the Public Guardian?
Need professional guidance?
Speak to ARLC Legal to set up your LPA with confidence. Their team supports Muslim families with clear steps, from choosing the right donee to filing with the Office of the Public Guardian.
Visit ARLC Legal’s WebsiteGo to a Lawyer for LPA
ARLC Legal — Lasting Power of Attorney for Muslim Families
ARLC Legal advises on Singapore LPAs for Muslim clients with clear, step by step guidance that respects religious considerations. The team helps with donor and donee appointments, mental capacity requirements under the Mental Capacity Act, and submission to the Office of the Public Guardian. Bilingual assistance is available where needed.
Final Word
If we plan for weddings, holidays, and even our child’s preschool — how can we not plan for something as serious as mental incapacity?
Start your LPA now. Not out of fear. But out of faith and responsibility.
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