The Ruling on Dedicting the Recitation of the Qur'an and Voluntary Fasting to the Deceased

Question:
Is it permissible to recite the Qur'an, and likewise to fast on the Day of 'Arafah and the Day of 'Ashura, and to dedicate these to the deceased? Please guide us, may Allah reward you with good.

Answer:
One does not fast voluntarily on behalf of the deceased, nor does one recite the Qur'an for him. There is nothing in the Sunnah that indicates this. As far as we know, there is nothing in the Sunnah that indicates dedicating the recitation of the Qur'an, or fasting, or prayers to the deceased. However, if he has a debt of fasting, it is made up on his behalf. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: Therefore, praying on his behalf, or reciting for him, is not prescribed as far as we know. What is prescribed is giving charity on his behalf, making supplication for him, performing Hajj on his behalf, and performing 'Umrah. This is what is prescribed, along with paying off his debt. If he had fasting or a debt, that is also made up on his behalf. Yes.

The presenter: May Allah reward you with good, and may He do you good.