• Sunnah
• By: Iqsadmin

The loss of a loved one is an immensely painful experience, leaving one grappling with grief and a desire to honor the departed’s memory. Islam provides guidance on actions that can benefit the deceased even after they have passed. Here are ways to benefit the departed based on the teachings of the Qur’an and authentic Sunnah:

1. Du’aa (Supplication):

• Praying for forgiveness for the deceased, asking Allah to forgive their sins and grant them peace in the afterlife. [Surah al-Hashr: 10]

2. Fasting on Behalf of the Deceased:

• Observing fasts that were obligatory (Fardh) on the deceased, ensuring any outstanding fasts are fulfilled on their behalf. [Al-Bukhari, Muslim]

3. Settling Debts:

• Paying off the deceased’s outstanding debts promptly, as unpaid debts can delay entry into Paradise. [Al-Nasaa’i]

4. Fulfilling Vows of Worship:

• Performing acts of worship vowed by the deceased during their lifetime. [Muslim]

5. Performing Hajj and Umrah:

• Undertaking Hajj and Umrah on behalf of the deceased, ensuring one has completed their own pilgrimage first. [Muslim]

6. Continuing Righteous Deeds:

• Continuing the good deeds and righteous actions initiated by the deceased, as their rewards will continue to accumulate through the deeds of their family. [Muslim]

7. Sadaqah (Charity) on Their Behalf:

• Donating to charity with the intention that the reward be attributed to the deceased, seeking continuous rewards for them. [Al-Bukhaari]

8. Assigning a Share of Sacrifice:

• Allocating a portion of a sacrifice’s reward to the deceased, especially during Eid ul-Adha, signifying a share of the reward. [Muslim]

9. Visiting and Maintaining Relations:

• Visiting and keeping relationships with people whom the deceased loved, ensuring continuity of those bonds. [Muslim]

What Not to Do:

1. Reciting Qur’an on Their Behalf:

• Reciting the Qur’an or specific surahs with the intention of gifting the rewards to the deceased. This practice is not sanctioned in Islamic teachings. [Shaikh Ibn Baaz]

2. Offering Nafl Prayers or Dhikr for Them:

• Performing optional prayers, dhikr, or other acts of worship on behalf of the deceased with the intention of transferring the reward. Such practices lack evidence and should be avoided. [Ibn Taymiyah]

3. Tawaaf (Circumambulation) by Itself:

• Performing Tawaaf around the Ka’bah specifically on behalf of the deceased, as Tawaaf cannot be done in isolation for someone else. [Shaykh Ibn Baaz]

4. Soyum, Urs, Barsi, 10th Day, or 40th Day Gatherings:

• Designating specific days for mourning or commemorating the deceased, like the third, tenth, or fortieth day after their passing. These practices lack Islamic basis and should be avoided. [Shaykh Ibn Mas’ood]

In summary, adhering to authentic Islamic practices and avoiding innovations is essential to truly benefit the departed. Focusing on acts firmly rooted in the Quran and Sunnah ensures that our efforts are in line with Islamic teachings and truly beneficial in the eyes of Allah.

May Allah grant peace and mercy to our departed loved ones and guide us to follow the authentic teachings of Islam.

Sources:

• Shaikh Ibn Baaz
• Ibn Taymiyah

• Al-Bukhari
• Muslim
• Surah al-Hashr: 10
• Al-Nasaa’i

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