Optimal Gifts for the Deceased
Among the most commendable acts that can be dedicated to the deceased are charity (sadaqah), seeking forgiveness (istighfar), prayers (dua), and pilgrimage (hajj). The highest form of charity is that which is ongoing and addresses the pressing needs of the less fortunate, such as providing water in arid areas. Ibn Uthaymeen has argued that prayers are the best offering for the departed, citing the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) who said: “When a person dies, their deeds come to an end except for three: ongoing charity, beneficial knowledge, or a righteous child who prays for them.” This underscores the significance of prayer for the deceased, as specifically highlighted by the Prophet.
Prayer is considered one of the most beneficial acts that can reach the deceased. The righteous predecessors frequently prayed for their fellow believers who had passed on, as indicated in the verse: “And those who came after them say, ‘Our Lord, forgive us and our brothers who preceded us in faith.'” Moreover, the importance of praying for the deceased is emphasized by the legislation of funeral prayers, which include supplications for the deceased after the third takbeer. The primary purpose of funeral prayers is to make supplications for mercy, forgiveness, and relief from sins for the deceased, as narrated by the Prophet, recognizing their vulnerability and great need for such prayers at that moment.
Beneficial Acts for the Deceased
Numerous deeds can be performed for the deceased that contribute to their benefit after death, including:
- Prayers and seeking forgiveness for them: This is a widely agreed-upon act. The Prophet (peace be upon him) used to pray, “O Allah, forgive our living and our dead.” This practice was also passed down from the esteemed companions.
- Charity: Imam Nawawi mentioned the consensus on the reward of charity reaching the deceased, whether it comes from their offspring or others. The Prophet (peace be upon him) stated, as narrated by Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him), that when a man asked if he could atone for his deceased father by giving charity on his behalf, the Prophet replied affirmatively.
- Recitation of the Quran: Reading the Quran is among the deeds that can benefit the deceased, as acknowledged by the majority of scholars. After completing a recitation, an individual may intend to dedicate the reward of their reading to the deceased.
- Fasting and pilgrimage: This can be viewed as fulfilling a debt or vow on behalf of the deceased. To emphasize this point, the Prophet (peace be upon him) was asked by a man if he could make up the fast of his deceased mother, to which the Prophet responded that if she had a debt, it would be appropriate to settle that, thus highlighting that fulfilling debts to Allah holds even greater priority.
- Ongoing charity: This type of charity allows the deceased to continuously receive rewards until the Day of Judgment. Examples include digging water wells or constructing mosques, ensuring that the rewards continue as long as these acts are maintained.
Ongoing Charity on Behalf of the Deceased
It is permissible to establish ongoing charity for an individual both before and after their death, whether it is from their children or others. Ongoing charity is defined as a charitable act whose benefit extends over a period of time, continuing to yield rewards as long as it remains active. An individual’s deeds cease upon death, with the exception of ongoing charity. The Prophet (peace be upon him) stated: “When a person dies, their deeds come to an end except for three: ongoing charity, beneficial knowledge, or a righteous child who prays for them.” Scholars assert that the deceased benefits from any charity received, whether it is ongoing or not. Various forms of ongoing charity exist, including printing books and distributing them to libraries or students, establishing water supply networks for humans and animals, digging wells, and installing shade structures to protect people from the summer heat and winter rain, among other fruitful charitable acts.