Ruling on Reciting al-Fatihah for All the Dead and the Living After Prayer

Question:
Is it permissible to recite al-Fatihah for all the dead and the living—meaning the prophets, the martyrs, the awliya (close friends of Allah), and the rest of the believers and relatives—after finishing the prayer or at any other time?

Answer:
There is no basis for this in the pure Shari'ah, and reciting al-Fatihah for anyone is not prescribed; because this was not reported from the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) nor from the Companions, so it has no basis. Some scholars said there is no harm in sending the recitation to the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and others, but this is a view with no evidence for it, and the safest course is to leave it; because acts of worship are based on divine legislation; as the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: whoever However, one should frequently send blessings upon the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and make du'a' (supplication) for one's parents and relatives, for du'a' is beneficial. As for reciting al-Fatihah or other parts of the Qur'an for the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) or anyone else, it is not prescribed according to the stronger of the two opinions of the scholars; due to the hadith mentioned, which is his saying (peace and blessings be upon him): And success is from Allah.