INNOVATIONS | Funerals |

Gifting the reward of the prayer (salaah) to the deceased

Question: Is it correct for me to pray a number of raka'aat at any time and then gift the reward to the deceased and will it's reward reach him or not?

Response: It is not permissible to gift the reward of what you have prayed (salaah) to the deceased, rather, it is an innovation because it has not been confirmed on the authority of the Prophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) or the companions (radhi-yallaahu 'anhum). The Prophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) said:

«Anyone who introduces something into this matter of ours (i.e. Islaam), that which is not from it, will have it rejected» - this (narration) is agreed upon (by both Imaam al-Bukhaaree and Imaam Muslim).

And with Allaah lies all success and may Allaah send prayers and salutations upon our Prophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) and his family and his companions.

The Permanent Committee for Islaamic Research and Verdicts

al-Bid'u wal-Muhdathaat wa maa laa Asla lahu - Page 292;

Fataawa al-Lajnah ad-Daa.imah lil-Buhooth al-'Ilmiyyah wal-Iftaa. - Fatwa No. 7482

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Published: 13 May 2000