The Ruling on Reciting al-Fatihah for the Deceased at Their Grave

Question:
The questioner, brother M. A. S. from al-Lith in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, asks in his question: Is it permissible to recite al-Fatihah or any part of the Noble Qur'an for the deceased when visiting their grave? And does that benefit them? Please issue a ruling for us, may Allah reward you with good.

Answer:
It is established from the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) that he used to visit graves and make du'a' for the deceased with supplications he taught his Companions, who transmitted them from him. Among these is: It is not established from him (peace and blessings be upon him) that he recited a surah from the Noble Qur'an or verses from it for the deceased, despite the frequency of his visits to their graves. Had that been prescribed, he would have done it and explained it to his Companions, out of desire for reward, mercy for the Ummah, and fulfillment of the obligation of conveying the message. For he is as described by the Exalted in His saying: [Surah al-Tawbah: 128]. Since he did not do that despite the presence of the reasons for it, it indicates that it is not prescribed. The Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) knew this, so they followed his path and were content with taking a lesson and making du'a' for the deceased when visiting them. It is not established from them that they recited the Qur'an for the deceased, so reciting it for them is an invented religious innovation. It is established from him (peace and blessings be upon him) that he said: And success is from Allah.