Is it permissible to prepare food and claim that its reward is for the deceased?

The questioner : Thank you, and we have another call. The question is: There is a custom, and when food is served, especially in Ramadan, they say, "This is on our behalf and on behalf of our deceased," and they call it a *sabil*. Is this action permissible?

The Shaykh : No, this is a bid'ah (religious innovation); it is among the innovations.

The questioner : And what is the best thing to do, Shaykh? May Allah bless you.

The Shaykh : The best thing is charity; nowadays, one should give money as charity.

The questioner : If this is the case, nothing else is obtained.

The Shaykh : Absolutely not. The matter of serving food and saying, "This is the reward for my father, the reward for my mother, the reward for my aunt," has no basis whatsoever; it is an innovation.

The questioner : The second question, if Allah wills.

The Shaykh : O brother, supplication for the deceased is better than giving charity on their behalf. So, focus on supplicating for the deceased and make the charity for yourself, for you will need the charity. And if you do not know whether charity will be given on your behalf, make the righteous deeds for yourself and supplicate for your deceased brothers from the people of