Is the sacrifice offered for the soul of the deceased at the time of his death permissible or not?

Question:
Is the sacrifice offered for the soul of the deceased at the time of his death permissible or not?

Answer:
This is a bid'ah (religious innovation). Making it a habit to offer a sacrifice for the soul of the deceased is a bid'ah. If people make it a habit and establish it as a regular custom, it becomes a bid'ah. However, if it happens that a person is in a state of need and slaughters a sacrifice, and he is sincere in giving its meat, then this is from the prescribed charity, whether he gives the meat, food, or money. This benefits the deceased, with Allah's permission. But if this is a customary thing, scheduled for a specific time, and designated for slaughtering, then it is a bid'ah. Because a bid'ah is what is newly introduced in the religion for which there is no evidence from the Book of Allah or the Sunnah of His Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him). There is no report from the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) designating a sacrifice for a specific day. This is something introduced by the ignorant and the common people, so it is a bid'ah. May Allah reward you with good.