How to Greet the Deceased and the Best Deeds That Reach Them

The questioner:
He says: Honorable Shaykh, may Allah grant you success, what is the manner of greeting the deceased? And does the deceased know that

The Shaykh:
regarding Hajj, that is correct, “Peace be upon you, and Allah’s mercy and blessings,” just like the greeting for Hajj, yes.

The questioner:
And does he know who is greeting him?

The Shaykh:
The evidence indicates that he knows who is greeting him. Allah knows best. The important thing is that we greet him, and it is not our concern whether he hears it or not. Greet him, and Allah is capable of all things; He is able to convey the greeting to him and for him to return the greeting to the Muslim.

The questioner:
And what are the best deeds that reach the deceased?

The Shaykh:
The deeds mentioned in the evidence are making du'a' (supplication) for him, giving sadaqah (voluntary charity) on his behalf, and performing Hajj and 'Umrah. These are the deeds that reach him; they are all noble deeds. Yes.