Is it permissible for a person to recite al-Fatihah and, after completing the condolence, to take money from the person offering the condolence? Is the money considered lawful or forbidden?
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The questioner : This message came from a listener who did not mention his name. He asks: Is it permissible for a person to recite al-Fatihah and, after completing the condolence, to take money from the person offering the condolence? Is the money considered lawful or forbidden?
The Shaykh : We say that it is not permissible for a person to take anything for reciting the Qur'an. It is only permissible to take payment for teaching the Qur'an, because teaching is a work whose benefit extends to others, unlike mere recitation. This is regarding the taking of money. Therefore, our brother the questioner must return what he took to its owner. As for his mention of reciting al-Fatihah at the time of condolence, we tell him that this is a religious innovation. The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him), his rightly guided successors, and his Companions did not recite al-Fatihah at the time of condolence. Rather, they consoled the bereaved with what befits their condition, meaning with what serves as a cause for strengthening them to bear this calamity, because the meaning of condolence is strengthening. The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) consoled one of his daughters by saying to the messenger he sent to the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him): Such great words undoubtedly have a profound effect on the bereaved, enabling them to bear the calamity and be patient with it. This is because they believe that if they seek reward from Allah (Blessed and Exalted is He) for patience with this calamity, He will give them their reward without measure. Also, because to Allah the Exalted belongs what He takes and what He leaves. The King is the owner of His kingdom and He disposes of it as He wills. Every thing with Him has a specified term that is not exceeded or brought forward. Therefore, there is no benefit in despair. Although, without a doubt, a person will grieve, as the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said upon the death of his son Ibrahim: But a person must be patient and not utter a word or perform an action that indicates irritation and lack of patience.
The questioner : Yes, since we have asked about or presented the message of the listener who did not mention his name, who asks about taking payment for reciting the Qur'an for condolence, this message came to us from its presenter, Salem 'Abd al-Ghali, from al-Ahsa, al-Ayun.
The Shaykh : We say that it is not permissible for a person to take anything for reciting the Qur'an. It is only permissible to take payment for teaching the Qur'an, because teaching is a work whose benefit extends to others, unlike mere recitation. This is regarding the taking of money. Therefore, our brother the questioner must return what he took to its owner. As for his mention of reciting al-Fatihah at the time of condolence, we tell him that this is a religious innovation. The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him), his rightly guided successors, and his Companions did not recite al-Fatihah at the time of condolence. Rather, they consoled the bereaved with what befits their condition, meaning with what serves as a cause for strengthening them to bear this calamity, because the meaning of condolence is strengthening. The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) consoled one of his daughters by saying to the messenger he sent to the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him):
Tell her to be patient and seek reward, for Allah has taken what He took and kept what He kept, and everything with Him is by a specified term.
مرها فلتصبر ولتحتسب فإن لله ما أخذ وله ما أبقى وكل شيء عنده بأجل مسمىThe heart grieves and the eye sheds tears, but we do not say anything but what pleases the Lord. And indeed, we are deeply grieved by your parting, O Ibrahim.
القلب يحزن والعين تدمع ولا نقول إلا ما يرضي الرب وإنا لفراقك يا إبراهيم لمحزونونThe questioner : Yes, since we have asked about or presented the message of the listener who did not mention his name, who asks about taking payment for reciting the Qur'an for condolence, this message came to us from its presenter, Salem 'Abd al-Ghali, from al-Ahsa, al-Ayun.