Our father has passed away, and we wish to give charity on his behalf. What do you advise us to do?

Question:
She says: Our father has passed away (may Allah have mercy on him), and we want to give charity on his behalf. What do you advise us to do? May Allah reward you with good.

Answer:
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, Lord of the worlds, and may Allah send prayers and blessings upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and his Companions. As for giving charity on behalf of a deceased person, it is a prescribed act. If Allah accepts it, it benefits the deceased, because a man asked the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him): "My mother has died; should I give charity on her behalf?" So he (peace and blessings be upon him) instructed him to give charity on her behalf. This is a good deed. Any type of charity contains good and benefits the deceased, by the permission of Allah. However, seeking out those in need and meeting their needs is better and more excellent.