Recitation on behalf of the deceased
Machine translationRead the Arabic original
Fatwa number ( 1207 )
Q: I have heard some students of knowledge say in the Sacred Precinct of Madinah that hiring someone to recite the Qur'an on behalf of the deceased is not prescribed. Since this is widespread in our country and elsewhere, I hope you will issue a fatwa based on the evidence. How should the money the deceased bequeathed for the recitation of the Qur'an on his behalf be handled?
A: Hiring someone to recite the Qur'an on behalf of the deceased to fulfill his bequest is a religious innovation, so it is not permissible and is invalid. This is based on the saying of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him):Sahih Muslim 1718b and his saying (peace and blessings be upon him): Sahih Muslim 1718a . The money this deceased bequeathed to pay the wage of a reciter on his behalf should have its proceeds spent on acts of good. If he has poor descendants, give them charity from it to the extent that it meets their needs. Likewise, those who need assistance among those who learn the Qur'an and students of Islamic jurisprudence are deserving of assistance from this money, as well as other acts of good. And success is from Allah, and may Allah send prayers and blessings upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and his Companions.
Q: I have heard some students of knowledge say in the Sacred Precinct of Madinah that hiring someone to recite the Qur'an on behalf of the deceased is not prescribed. Since this is widespread in our country and elsewhere, I hope you will issue a fatwa based on the evidence. How should the money the deceased bequeathed for the recitation of the Qur'an on his behalf be handled?
A: Hiring someone to recite the Qur'an on behalf of the deceased to fulfill his bequest is a religious innovation, so it is not permissible and is invalid. This is based on the saying of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him):
He who did any act for which there is no sanction from our behalf, that is to be rejected.
من عمل عملاً ليس عليه أمرنا فهو رد'A'isha reported Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) as saying: He who innovates things in our affairs for which there is no valid (reason) (commits sin) and these are to be rejected.
من أحدث في أمرنا هذا ما ليس منه فهو رد
Source
www.alifta.gov.sa
The Arabic text is copied verbatim from the original source, without any edits.