Reciting al-Fatihah for the deceased is an innovated religious innovation
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His Eminence the Shaykh: We previously discussed the topic of offering condolences to the family of the deceased in a past session. We find that in some countries—and you mentioned this—that they recite al-Fatihah. When one of the attendees comes forward to offer condolences, he recites al-Fatihah for the deceased.
The Shaykh: For the deceased at the grave?The questioner: No, not at the grave, but with the family of the deceased.
The Shaykh: Meaning: he recites it for the deceased.
The questioner: So we ask you to clarify for us whether there is a specific rule for offering condolences?
This is adding one religious innovation to another. It is not established from the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him), nor from the Companions, and I am also not aware of any report that reciting al-Fatihah is a method of offering condolences.
The Shaykh: For the deceased at the grave?The questioner: No, not at the grave, but with the family of the deceased.
The Shaykh: Meaning: he recites it for the deceased.
The questioner: So we ask you to clarify for us whether there is a specific rule for offering condolences?
This is adding one religious innovation to another. It is not established from the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him), nor from the Companions, and I am also not aware of any report that reciting al-Fatihah is a method of offering condolences.