CONVEYING REWARDS TO THE DECEASED
(ISAALE SAWAAB)
Allah
– in the name of – the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
At
the outset please know, that in Islam, death is not perceived as an end of
life. It is just the end of the worldly existence as we witness it, and the beginning
of a new existence, in which the soul experiences a new world called “Barzakh.”
The soul may experience this new life with or without its original body,
according to its own rank allotted to it by Allah the Almighty, the Supreme. There
are too many proofs from the Holy Qur’an and Hadeeth (Holy Prophet's Traditions)
regarding the above, and warrant an extensive article on the same. But that is
not the question here.
The
question that some people ask is that if a person is dead, can we increase its
status or decrease its torment by conveying rewards of OUR deeds?
It
is the consensus of the Sahaba, the earlier Ulema, and the latter ones that the
above is (a) Effective and that (b) it is certainly permissible, in fact meritorious,
to do so.
If one wants to convey the reward of one's recital of Holy Qur’an,
charity, Nafil Salaat (Non Obligatory), fasts and good deeds, Hajj, Umrah etc.,
then one should convey it to the virtuous soul of our beloved Holy Prophet
(peace and blessings be upon him), one's relatives, and all the Muslim men and
women. All of them will receive the same reward without any deduction; the one
who has carried this out will also receive the same reward without any loss. It
is also valid to convey the reward to the living persons. (Fatawa Shami).
Before
we back up the above statements with several proofs from the Holy Qur’an and Hadeeth,
we should, as a matter of justice, look into the objections brought against the
above belief.
Those
who object to this act, cite the following verse from the Holy Qur’an:
“And
that man will not obtain anything except what he strove for?” (Najm 53:39)
They
allege that the above verse clarifies that none of our deeds can benefit one
who has passed away. Such a view is incorrect. Firstly, this Ayah exhorts
people to remember that good deeds will bring good results and evil deeds, an
evil result. So they must always persist is seeking good. And that that they
must not simply depend on other people’s prayers. Secondly, most scholars are
of the opinion that the message in this verse is abrogated by the verse: “And
those who believe and whose families follow them in Faith, -- to them We shall
join their families: nor shall We deprive them of the fruit of anything of
their works: yet each individual is in pledge for his deeds” (Toor 52:21).”
This verse enters the children into
They
also cite a famous Hadeeth from Muslim Shareef:-
Abu
Huraira (Allah be well pleased with him) reported Allah's Messenger (peace and
blessings be upon him) as saying: When a man dies, his acts come to an end, but
three, recurring charity, or knowledge (by which people) benefit, or a pious
son, who prays for him (for the deceased).
Please
closely examine the above Hadeeth. The words say “his acts” (except three) come
to an end. What comes to an end, then, is the deceased person's own actions.
This does not mean that a dead person does not benefit from anything else. He
cannot increase his own reward by any new act (even if he prays or does Zikr in
the grave, as proven from various Hadeeth). But his reward can go on increasing
because of the prayers of his son.
The
above Hadeeth therefore cannot be quoted in support of the argument that our
actions cannot benefit those who are dead. In fact, it supports the case for
conveying rewards to the dead!.
Also
note that the actions and beliefs of none else than the beloved Holy Prophet
(peace and blessings be upon him) are proof of their wrong opinion. And also
against their narrow minded opinion are the actions and beliefs of none else
than the great Sahaba (Allah be well pleased with them).
Having
negated the objections, we bring forth for your perusal several proofs from the
Holy Qur’an and Hadeeth supporting the act of conveying rewards to those who
passed away before us.
A.
PROOFS FROM HOLY QUR’AN
Verse 1
And
those who came after them say, “O our Lord! Forgive us, and our brothers who
accepted faith before us, and do not keep any malice in our hearts towards
the believers – O our Lord! Indeed You only are the Most Compassionate, Most
Merciful.”. (Hashr 59:10)
Note
that the above verse is a very strong evidence of the practice of the Sahaba,
which was so loved by Allah that it is part of the Holy Qur’an. Why would the
Sahaba pray for the deceased people if their prayer was of no benefit? And to
top it all, Allah the Almighty has approved and praised their action!
Verse 2
"O
our Lord! And forgive me, and my parents, and all the Muslims on the day
when the account will be established."
(Ibrahim 14:41)
The
benefit of the above verse is obvious. The prayer of Prophet Syedna Ibrahim (peace
be upon him), includes all believers – right from the beginning i.e. those
before him, and till the end of this world i.e. even those who are not yet
born. Al Hamdo Lillah! And this prayer is often made in the last part (Qaadah) of
our Salaat.
Verse 3
And
those who believe and whose families follow them in Faith, -- to them We
shall join their families: nor shall We deprive them of the fruit of
anything of their works: yet each individual is in pledge for his deeds. (Toor 52:21).”
This
verse says that children will be admitted into
Verse 4
And
lower your wing humbly for them, with mercy, and pray, "My Lord! Have
mercy on them both, the way they nursed me when I was young." (Bani
This
verse is in fact a command from Allah for all believers to seek mercy for their
parents. So what is your opinion? Will not the command of Allah hold any
benefit for the deceased parent?? It certainly does.
Also
note that there are several other verses from the Holy Qur’an that teach us to
pray, and the prayer includes all Muslim brothers & sisters (living, passed
away or yet to be borne).
Readers
are requested to reflect on the fact that the above verses are part of the Holy
Qur’an – they are read perhaps millions of times every day all over the world,
as part of regular recitation, and also as Qirat within Salaat, and also as prayer
in the last part (Qaadah) of Salaat.
B.
PROOFS FROM THE HADEETH
GENERAL PERMISSIONS (HADEETH
# 1 - 4)
Hadeeth 1
Abu
Huraira (Allah be well pleased with him) reported Allah's Messenger (peace and
blessings be upon him) as saying: When a man dies, his acts come to an end, but
three, recurring charity, or knowledge (by which people) benefit, or a pious
son, who prays for him (for the deceased). (Muslim)
Hadeeth 2
The
Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him)said, "What is credited to a
believer of his action and good deed after his death is any useful knowledge he
might have taught or spread, a Allah-fearing child he might have left behind, a
copy of the Qur'an he might have left to an heir, a mosque he might have built,
a house he might have dedicated for use by travelers, a stream or river he
might have caused to run, a donation to charity (i.e. sadaqah) he might have
set aside when he was enjoying good health. All that catches up with him
after his death." (Ibn Majah)
Hadeeth 3
Narrated
Abdullah ibn Amr ibn al-'Aas (Allah be well pleased with him): Al-'As ibn Wa'il
left his will that a hundred slaves should be emancipated on his behalf. His
son Hisham emancipated fifty slaves and his son Amr intended to emancipate the
remaining fifty on his behalf, but he said: I should ask first the Apostle of
Allah . He, therefore, came to the Holy Prophet and said: Apostle of Allah, my
father left in his will that a hundred slaves should be emancipated on his
behalf and Hisham has emancipated fifty on his behalf and fifty remain. Shall I
emancipate them on his behalf? The Apostle of Allah said: Had he been a
Muslim and you had emancipated slaves on his behalf, or given sadaqah on his
behalf, or performed the pilgrimage, that would have reached him. (Abu Daud)
Hadeeth 4
Abu
Huraira (Allah be well pleased with him) reported Allah's Messenger (peace and
blessings be upon him) as saying: He who alleviates the suffering of a
brother out of the sufferings of the world, Allah would alleviate his suffering
from the sufferings of the Day of Resurrection, and he who finds relief for
one who is hard pressed, Allah would make things easy for him in the Hereafter,
and he who conceals (the faults) of a Muslim, Allah would conceal his faults in
the world and in the Hereafter. Allah is at the back of a servant so long as
the servant is at the back of his brother, and he who treads the path in search
of know- ledge, Allah would make that path easy, leading to Paradise for him and
those persons who assemble in the house among the houses of Allah (mosques) and
recite the Book of Allah and they learn and teach the Qur'an (among themselves)
there would descend upon them the tranquility and mercy would cover them and
the angels would surround them and Allah makes a mention of them in the
presence of those near Him, and he who is slow-paced in doing good deeds,
his (high) lineage does not make him go ahead. (Muslim)
FUNERALS (HADEETH
# 5 - 9)
When
a Muslim dies, it is a duty on the community of Muslims to offer a special
prayer for him during which they pray Allah to forgive him and admit him into
heaven. The funeral prayer is Fard Kifayah for the living Muslim brothers i.e.
if just one person offers it, the entire community is absolved of this duty.
But see the importance attached to the more and more people joining the prayer.
And the benefit reaching the deceased person is obvious.
Hadeeth 5
Syeda
'A'isha (Allah be well pleased with her) reported Allah's Apostle (peace and
blessings be upon him) saying: If a company of Muslims numbering one hundred
pray over a dead person, all of them interceding for him, their intercession
for him will be accepted. (Muslim)
Hadeeth 6
'Abdullah
b. 'Abbas (Allah be well pleased with him) reported that his son died in Qudaid
or 'Usfan. He said to Kuraib to see as to how many people had gathered there
for his (funeral). He (Kuraib) said: So I went out and I informed him about the
people who had gathered there. He (Ibn 'Abbas) said: Do you think they are
forty? He (Kuraib) said: Yes. Ibn 'Abbas then said to them: Bring him (the dead
body) out for I have heard Allah's Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him)
as saying: If any Muslim dies and forty men who associate nothing with Allah
stand over his prayer (they offer prayer over him), Allah will accept them as
intercessors for him. (Muslim)
Hadeeth 7
Narrated
Syedna Uthman ibn Affan (Allah be well pleased with him): Whenever the Holy Prophet
(peace and blessings be upon him) became free from burying the dead, he used to
stay at him (i.e. his grave) and say: “Seek forgiveness for your brother,
and beg steadfastness for him, for he will be questioned now”. (Abu Daud)
Hadeeth 8
It
is narrated on the authority of Abu Huraira that a dark-complexioned woman (or
a youth) used to sweep the mosque. The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings
be upon him) missed her (or him) and inquired about her (or him). The people
told him that she (or he) had died. He asked why they did not inform him, and
it appears as if they had treated her (or him) or her (or his) affairs as of
little account. He (the Holy Prophet) said: Lead me to her (or his) grave. They
led him to that place and he said prayer over her (or him) and then remarked: Verily,
these graves are full of darkness for their dwellers. Verily, the Mighty and
Glorious Allah illuminates them for their occupants by reason of my prayer over
them. (Muslim, Bukhari, Mishkaat)
Hadeeth 9
Reported
VISITING GRAVEYARDS. (HADEETH # 10 - 11)
Hadeeth 10
Sulaiman
b. Buraida (Allah be well pleased with him) narrated on the authority of his
father that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) used to
teach them when they went out to the graveyard. One of the narrators used to
say this in the narration transmitted on the authority of Abu Bakr:" Peace
be upon the inhabitants of the city (i. e. graveyard)." In the hadeeth
transmitted by Zuhair (the words are):" Peace be upon you, the inhabitants
of the city, among the believers, and Muslims, and Allah willing we shall join
you. I beg of Allah peace for us and for you." (Muslim)
Hadeeth 11
Narrated
Abu Huraira (Allah be well pleased with him): The Holy Prophet (peace and
blessings be upon him)said while standing near the graves of the martyrs of
Uhud, “I bear witness that you are alive in the sight of Allah.” Then turning
towards those present he said, “So visit them, and greet them – I swear by
the One in whose power lies my life, they will answer back to whoever greets
them until the Last Day.” (Hakim, Baihaqi)
There
are numerous Ahadeeth about supplications to be made when visiting the
graveyard – the benefit of which to one’s self and to the deceased, it quite
evident.
Also
note that there are several other Ahadeeth that teach us to pray, and the
prayer includes all Muslim brothers & sisters (living, passed away or yet
to be borne).
PERFORMING HAJJ (HADEETH # 12
- 13)
Ahadeeth
in support of offering the pilgrimage on behalf of a deceased person or one who
is unable to undertake the journey are numerous. Also note that performing Hajj
includes Umrah, Tawaf of the Ka’ba, and also Salaat (after Tawaf) – all these
are credited to the deceased.
Hadeeth 12
"A woman came to the Holy
Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and said, 'I have given charity on
behalf of my dead mother by giving away her female servant.' The Holy Prophet
answered, 'You will have its reward [and so will she] but return the female
servant so that the inheritance [may be properly divided].' The woman then
said, 'She used to owe fasts, can I fast on her behalf?' He answered, 'You may
fast on her behalf.' The woman then said, 'She did not perform Hajj, can I
perform on her behalf?' The Holy Prophet answered, 'Yes. You may perform
Hajj on her behalf." (Tirmizi)
Hadeeth 13
A
woman from the tribe of Juhaina came to the Holy Prophet and said, "My
mother had vowed to perform Hajj but she died before performing it. May I
perform Hajj on my mother's behalf?" The Holy Prophet replied, "Perform
Hajj on her behalf. Had there been a debt on your mother, would you have
paid it or not? So, pay Allah's debt as He has more right to be paid."
(Bukhari)
GIVING OF CHARITY / SADAQAH
(HADEETH # 14 - 18)
Hadeeth 14
Abu
Huraira (Allah be well pleased with him) reported that a person said to Allah's
Apostle (peace and blessings be upon him): My father died and left behind
property without making any will regarding it. Would he be relieved of the
burden of his sin if I give sadaqah on his behalf? He (the Holy Prophet) said:
Yes. (Muslim)
Hadeeth 15
Syeda
A'isha (Allah be well pleased with her) reported that a man said to Allah's
Apostle (peace and blessings be upon him): My mother died all of a sudden, and
I think if she (could have the opportunity) to speak she would have (made a
will) regarding Sadaqah'. Will I be entitled to reward if I give charity on
her behalf? He (the Holy Prophet) said: “Yes”. (Muslim)
Hadeeth 16
Anas
b. Malik (Allah be well pleased with him) is reported as saying: Abu Talha was
the one among the Ansar of Medina who possessed the largest property and among
his property he valued most was his garden known as Bairaha' which was opposite
the mosque, and the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) often
visited it and he drank of its sweet water. When this verse was revealed:"
You will never attain righteousness till you give freely of what you Have"
(iii. 91), Abu Talha got up and, going to Allah's Messenger (peace and
blessings be upon him), said: Allah says in His Book:" You will never
attain righteousness till you give freely of what you love," and the
dearest of my property is Bairaha' so I give it as Sadaqah to Allah from Whom I
hope for reward for it and the treasure with Allah; so spend it, Messenger of
Allah, on whatever purpose you deem it proper. The Messenger of Allah (peace and
blessings be upon him) said: Bravo! That is profit earning property. I have
heard what you have said, but I think you should spend it on your nearest
relatives. So Abu Talha distributed it among the nearest relatives and his
cousins on his father's side. (Muslim, Bukhari). It is said that Abu Talha
donated it on behalf of his mother.
Hadeeth 17
Narrated
Sa'd ibn Ubadah (Allah be well pleased with him): Sa'd asked: Apostle of Allah,
Umm Sa'd has died; what form of sadaqah is best? He replied: Water (is best). He
dug a well and said: It is for Umm Sa'd. (Abu Daud, Mishkaat)
Hadeeth 18
Narrated
Ibn `Abbas (Allah be well pleased with him): The mother of Sa`d bin 'Ubada died
in his absence. He said, "O Allah's Apostle! My mother died in my absence;
will it be of any benefit for her if I give Sadaqah on her behalf?" The
Prophet said, "Yes," Sa`d said, "I make you a witness that I
gave my garden called Al Makhraf in charity on her behalf." (Bukhari)
SETTLING OF DEBTS. (HADEETH
# 19 - 20)
It
is unanimously agreed by scholars that if a person dies without settling an
outstanding debt, leaving no money to settle it, anyone (whether related to him
or not) could pay it on his behalf, and the deceased would be absolved of the
burden. The benefit from a living person to the deceased is very apparent. If
the case is such and the deceased person may benefit by a financial payment,
why should he not benefit by a gift made of the reward for a good action?
Hadeeth 19
Narrated
Abu Huraira (Allah be well pleased with him): The Holy Prophet said, "I am
more closer to the believers than their own selves, so whoever (of them) dies
while being in debt and leaves nothing for its repayment, then we are to pay
his debts on his behalf and whoever (among the believers) dies leaving some
property, then that property is for his heirs." (Bukhari)
Hadeeth 20
Narrated
Salama bin Al-Akwa (Allah be well pleased with him) : Once, while we were
sitting in the company of Holy Prophet, a dead man was brought. The Holy
Prophet was requested to lead the funeral prayer for the deceased. He said,
"Is he in debt?" The people replied in the negative. He said,
"Has he left any wealth?" They said, "No." So, he led his
funeral prayer. Another dead man was brought and the people said, "O
Allah's Apostle! Lead his funeral prayer." The Holy Prophet said, "Is
he in debt?" They said, "Yes." He said, "Has he left any
wealth?" They said, ''Three Dinars." So, he led the prayer. Then a
third dead man was brought and the people said (to the Holy Prophet), Please
lead his funeral prayer." He said, "Has he left any wealth?"
They said, "No." He asked, "Is he in debt?" They said,
("Yes! He has to pay) three Diners.', He (refused to pray and) said,
"Then pray for your (dead) companion." Abu Qatadah said, "O
Allah's Apostle! Lead his funeral prayer, and I will pay his debt." So, he
led the prayer. (Bukhari)
FASTING (HADEETH # 21 - 24)
Hadeeth 21
Ibn
Abbas (Allah be well pleased with him) reports that a woman traveled in a boat
and pledged that should Allah save her life, she would fast for a month. She
was saved but she did not fast before she died. Her daughter or her sister
asked the Holy Prophet about that and he ordered her to fast on behalf of
the deceased woman. (Abu-Daud, Nasai, Ahmad and others).
Hadeeth 22
"A woman came to the Holy Prophet (May Allah bless him and
give him peace) and said, 'I have given charity on behalf of my dead mother by
giving away her female servant.' The Holy Prophet answered, 'You will have its
reward [and so will she] but return the female servant so that the inheritance
[may be properly divided].' The woman then said, 'She used to owe fasts, can I
fast on her behalf?' He answered, 'You may fast on her behalf.' The
woman then said, 'She did not perform Hajj, can I perform on her behalf?' The Holy
Prophet answered, 'Yes. You may perform Hajj on her behalf." (Tirmizi)
Hadeeth 23
Narrated
`Aisha (Allah be well pleased with her): Allah's Apostle said, "Whoever
died and he ought to have fasted (the missed days of Ramadan) then his
guardians must fast on his behalf." (Bukhari)
Hadeeth 24
Narrated
Ibn `Abbas (Allah be well pleased with him): A man came to the Holy Prophet (peace
and blessings be upon him) and said, "O Allah's Apostle! My mother died
and she ought to have fasted one month (for her missed Ramadan). Shall I
fast on her behalf?" The Holy Prophet replied in the affirmative and
said, "Allah's debts have more right to be paid." In another narration
a woman is reported to have said, "My sister died..." (Bukhari)
READING OF QUR’AN AND ZIKR
(HADEETH # 25 - 30)
Hadeeth 25
Narrated Abdullah Bin Umar (Allah be well pleased with him) that
our beloved Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) has said, "that
if anyone dies amongst you then do not keep it, send it towards the Kabr, and after
burying it, Stand before its head side and recite the first Ruku of
"Surah Bakarah", i.e. from Alif Laam Meem Zaalikal Kitaab to Humul
Muflihoon; and recite by it's feet side the last Ruku of "Surah
Bakarah", i.e. From Aamanar rasoolu till the end of the Surah, Fansurna
alal qumil kaafireen. (Mishkaat).
Hadeeth 26
The
Holy Prophet said: "Recite Ya Seen [Qur'an 36] over your dead."
(Abu Daud, Nasai, Ibn Majah)
Hadeeth 27
Ata'
ibn Abi Rabah (Allah be well pleased with him) said: I heard Ibn `Umar (Allah
be well pleased with him) say: I heard the Holy Prophet say: "When one of
you dies do not tarry, but make haste and take him to his grave, and let
someone read at his head the opening of Surah Baqarah, and at his feet its
closure when he lies in the grave." (Tabarani)
Hadeeth 28
The
Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, "What is credited to
a believer of his action and good deed after his death is any useful knowledge
he might have taught or spread, a Allah-fearing child he might have left
behind, a copy of the Qur'an he might have left to an heir, a mosque he
might have built, a house he might have dedicated for use by travelers, a
stream or river he might have caused to run, a donation to charity (i.e.
sadaqah) he might have set aside when he was enjoying good health. All that
catches up with him after his death." (Ibn Majah).
The
underlined words “a copy of the Qur'an he might have left to an heir” are
an ample proof that when the heir will read from it, the reward will be passed
on to the deceased.!!!
Hadeeth 29
Jaber
reported: We came out with the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him)
to Saa’d bin Muaz when he expired. When the Holy Prophet performed his funeral
prayer, and he was buried in his grave and the earth was levelled upon him, the
Holy Prophet read “Tasbeeh” and we also recited “Tasbeeh” for a long time. Then
he recited “Takbeer”, so we too recited “Takbeer”. It was asked “O the
Messenger of Allah! Why have you recited “Tasbeeh” and “Takbeer”? He said,
“The grave became too narrow for this pious man till Allah made it spacious
because of it (the recitation).” (Ahmed, Mishkaat)
Hadeeth 30
Narrated
on the authority of Ibn Shamasa Mahri : He said: We went to Amr b. al-As and he
was about to die. He said: When I die, let neither female mourner nor fire
accompany me. When you bury me, fill my grave well with earth, then stand
around it for the time within which a camel is slaughtered and its meat is
distributed so that I may enjoy your intimacy and (in your company) ascertain
what answer I can give to the messengers (angels) of Allah. (Muslim – part
of a longer Hadeeth.)
It
is desirable that after burial the people sit at graveside for the duration of
slaughtering a camel and distributing its meat, and that during that time the
sitters busy themselves with reciting Qur'an, supplicating for the deceased,
exhortation, and the stories of the Holy Prophets etc. Imam Shafie said that it
is better to recite the Holy Qur’an and all those present should also recite –
and it is better if the entire Qur’an is recited. Also documented by Imam
Nawawi in Riyadh-us-Saleheen.
It
is the opinion of most scholars that when visiting the graveyard, a person
should recite the following Surahs because of their individual excellence, and
then convey the reward of recitation: Surah Fateha (one of the best prayers),
Surah Yaseen (the heart of the Holy Qur’an), Surah Ikhlas (equal to one third
of Holy Qur’an in reward) and Surah Mulk (intercedes for the reader till the
reader is forgiven).
PLANTING OF TREES (HADEETH # 31)
Hadeeth 31
Ibn
Abbas (Allah be well pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (peace
and blessings be upon him) happened to pass by two graves and said: They (their
occupants) are being tormented, but they are not tormented for a grievous sin.
One of them carried tales and the other did not keep himself safe from being
defiled by urine. He then called for a fresh twig and split it into two parts,
and planted them on each grave and then said: Perhaps, their punishment way
be mitigated as long as these twigs remain fresh.(Muslim)
Imam
Nawawi said in commenting on the above in his Sharh Sahih Muslim (al-Mays ed.
3/4:206): "The scholars have declared desirable -- mustahabb -- the
recitation of the Qur'an over the grave due to the above Hadeeth, because if
relief from punishment is hoped for through the glorification of date-palm
stalks, then the recitation of the Qur'an is more deserving yet, and Allah
knows best." This Hadeeth also constitutes a legal basis for the
planting of trees at the site of graves.
Among
the Companions Hazrat Abu Barza al-Aslami (Allah be well pleased with him) and Hazrat
Burayda (Allah be well pleased with him) asked to be buried together with two
fresh stalks. Imam Suyuti mentioned this in “Sharh al-sudur”.
PERFORMING SACRIFICE
(HADEETH # 32 - 33)
Hadeeth 32
Reported
S. 'A'isha (Allah be well pleased with her) : Allah’s Messenger (peace and blessings
be upon him) commanded that a ram with black legs, black belly and black
(circles) round the eyes should be brought to him, so that he should sacrifice
it. He said to ‘A’isha: Give me the large knife, and then said: Sharpen it on a
stone. She did that. He then took it (the knife) and then the ram; he placed it
on the ground and then sacrificed it, saying: Bismillah, Allah-humma Taqabbal
min Muhammadin wa Al-i-Muhammadin, wa min Ummati Muhammadin (In the name of
Allah,” O Allah, accept on behalf of Muhammad and the family of Muhammad and
the Umma of Muhammad”). (Muslim)
The
Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) slaughtered 100 sheep during his
farewell Hajj and made intention for himself and all those (alive, deceased and
to come) who bring faith on his Holy Prophethood. (Nasbur Raaya, Allama Zailee)
The
evidence here is that the Holy Prophet sacrificed animals and donated its reward
to his entire Ummah – which includes both the living and the dead – i.e. all those
who existed in his time and to all those who were to come after him, until the
last day.
Hadeeth 33
Hazrat
Hanash (Allah be well pleased with him) said: I saw Ali (Allah be well pleased
with him) sacrificing two rams; so I asked him: What is this? He replied. The
Apostle of Allah enjoined upon me to sacrifice on his behalf, so that is
what I am doing. (Abu Daud)
Whilst most Muslims do offer sacrifice for themselves, their
relatives (alive and deceased) etc., they should also remember the above
Hadeeth, and offer a sacrifice on behalf of the Holy Prophet (peace and
blessings be upon him). May Allah grant us Tawfeeq - Aameen.
GATHERING FOR QUR’AN
RECITATION & ZIKR (HADEETH # 34 - 36)
Reciting the Holy Qur’an carries great reward, is one of the best
Sunnahs, and the number of Ahadeeth describing its merits are numerous. The
intention here is to list only the merits of gathering to recite the Qur’an
and supplicate – not to list the merits of reading the Holy Qur’an itself.
Hadeeth 34
Abu
Huraira (Allah be well pleased with him) reported Allah's Messenger (peace and
blessings be upon him) as saying: He who alleviates the suffering of a
brother out of the sufferings of the world, Allah would alleviate his suffering
from the sufferings of the Day of Resurrection, and he who finds relief for
one who is hard pressed, Allah would make things easy for him in the Hereafter,
and he who conceals (the faults) of a Muslim, Allah would conceal his faults in
the world and in the Hereafter. Allah is at the back of a servant so long as
the servant is at the back of his brother, and he who treads the path in search
of know- ledge, Allah would make that path easy, leading to Paradise for him and
those persons who assemble in the house among the houses of Allah (mosques) and
recite the Book of Allah and they learn and teach the Qur'an there would
descend upon them the tranquility and mercy would cover them and the angels
would surround them and Allah makes a mention of them in the presence of those
near Him, and he who is slow-paced in doing good deeds, his (high) lineage
does not make him go ahead. (Muslim)
It
is mentioned in Tafseer Rooh-ul-Bayan that when the recitation of the Qur’an is
completed, 4000 angels say Aameen on the supplication after it, and they pray
for the forgiveness of the reader(s).
Imam
Nawawi mentions in “Al Azkaar” that the famous Sahabi Syedna Anas (Allah be
well pleased with him) used to call people to his house to attend the
supplication after the completion of Holy Qur’an’s recitation.
Hadeeth 35
Abu
Huraira (Allah be well pleased with him) reported Allah's Apostle (peace and
blessings be upon him) as saying that Allah has mobile squads of angels, who
have no other work (to attend to) but to follow the assemblies of Zikr and when
they find such assemblies in which there is Zikr (of Allah) they sit in them
and some of them surround the others with their wings till the space between
them and the sky of the world is fully covered, and when they disperse (after
the assembly of Zikr is adjourned) they go upward to the heaven and Allah, the
Exalted and Glorious, asks them although He is best informed about them: Where
have you come from? They say: We come from Your servants upon the earth who had
been glorifying You (reciting Subhan Allah), uttering Your Greatness (saying
Allah o-Akbar) and uttering Your Oneness (La ilaha ill Allah) and praising You
(uttering al-Hamdu Lillah) and begging of You. He would say: What do they beg
of Me? They would say: They beg of You the Your Paradise. He (Allah) would say:
Have they seen My Paradise? They said: No, our Lord. He would say: (What it
would be then) if they were to see My Paradise? They (the angels) said: They
seek Your protection. He (Allah) would say: Against what do they seek My protection?
They (the angels) would say: Our Lord, from the Hell-Fire. He (Allah) would
say: Have they seen My Fire? They would say: No. He (Allah) would say: What it
would be if they were to see My Fire? They would say: They beg of You
forgiveness. He would say: I grant pardon to them, and confer upon them what
they ask for and grant them protection against which they seek protection. They
(the angels) would again say: Our Lord, there is one amongst them such and such
simple servant who happened to pass by (that assembly) and sat there along with
them (who had been participating in that assembly). He (Allah) would say: I
also grant him pardon, for they are a people the seat-fellows of whom are in no
way unfortunate –(Muslim, Bukhari, Tirmizi, and Nasa'i)
Hadeeth 36
Reported
Abu Huraira (Allah be well pleased with him), that the Holy Prophet (peace and
blessings be upon him) said, “When you pray for a dead man, make your prayer
sincere for him” (Abu Daud, Ibn Majah)
From the above we have proved that
gathering to read the Holy Qur’an ( a very meritorious act) is of course
permitted, and to convey the reward (several types of meritorious acts) is
commendable. When the Hadeeth says it is commendable, we need not pursue as to
whether there is any “historical” evidence as to when and where it was actually
done.
Observe the Hadeeth mentioned under number
2 and 28 – it specifically mentions the deceased leaving behind a copy of the
Holy Qur’an. It is very clear that when the heir will read from it,
the reward will be passed on to the deceased.!!!
We have also cited the practice of the
Sahaba who used to gather at the house of Syedna Anas, and that should suffice
as proof.
As regards having 30 or so persons reading
the Holy Qur’an separately, it would not have been possible at the time of the Holy
Prophet or the Sahaba immediately after him since the Holy Qur’an was not
compiled, nor was it printed. The first compilation was hand written, and then
only a few manuscripts were copied for preservation. The number of companions
who had memorized the entire Qur’an were just a few. Also most of the early
companions knew the Qur’an only in small parts, and that too not in the order
we have it printed today. It would have thus been very difficult for them to
coordinate reciting the entire Holy Qur’an in one sitting. The practice followed
now is a matter of convenience and in no way can be termed against Sunnah.
It is also a very convenient way for the
poor Muslims (who cannot afford charity, Hajj or sacrifice etc) to convey
reward to their near ones, by reciting alone, or by arranging such recitation
in mosques, homes etc.
We
do not find any proof within Islamic Sources that forbid the holding of the
Qur’an Khwanee on the 3rd, 10th or 40th day. Nor
is it compulsory to do it on these very days. After all, this is a Mustahab
Act, not a compulsory act (which usually has a time limit). From the prayers
for the dead mentioned in the Qur’an and Hadeeth, there is no time limit. The Holy
Prophets, and the Sahaba prayed for all Muslims, no matter when they had died.
The Holy Qur’an also commands us likewise for our parents. However, these are
scheduled for the following reasons:-
- It is easier to
remember. If not planned or programmed, it will never be held. Look, the
Holy Qur’an commands us to offer prayer, but does not command us to put up
notices within our mosques declaring the congregation timings, or to
announce the Azaan on loud speakers – but we do that although Muslims are
aware of the 5 daily prayers.
- The Holy Prophet
(peace and blessings be upon him)used to regularly visit the graves of the
martyrs of Uhud regularly once every week. He also exhorted others to
visit Uhud, and greet the martyrs. (See Hadeeth above). It is also
mentioned that he offered charity on their behalf. The actions of the Holy
Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him)(i.e. visiting every week) are a
very good example for us.
- The 3rd day
probably signifies the end of the permitted mourning period (except for
widows). It is also the last day for people to pay condolences. So the
last thing to do before the mourning ends would be, of course, to pray for
the departed soul.
- The 10th
day means that a week has passed by after the mourning period. It is
therefore chosen as a grim reminder.
- The number 40 occurs
in the Qur'an and Hadeeth in many places. It is an important number to
indicate change from one state to another. According to some Hadeeth, the
fetus in the womb of a mother changes from one state to another every
forty days. Holy Prophet Musa (peace be upon him) was asked by Allah to
spend forty nights at mount Sinai (al-Baqarah
- The annual day speaks
for itself. Another year has passed – even for the person who is alive.
Please
note a person may be saddened by the loss of someone near for his entire
life – there is nothing forbidden in it – but he may not “mourn” the loss
after 3 days (except in case of widows).
We must also remember that:-
- These are occasions of
solemnity, and not ostentation or show.
- The purpose should be seeking
Allah’s pleasure, of conveying reward to the departed soul, and praying
for their salvation.
- These occasions should
serve as reminders of our own deaths and the after life.
- Giving charity to the
needy & deserving, along with such recitations, on behalf of the
deceased is commendable.
- The conveyance of
reward not only benefits the deceased but also has immense reward for the
doers of the good, and they remind them of the hereafter. The person
performing the good deed gets the reward multiplied by the number of
people to whom the reward was conveyed!
May
Allah keep us on the Straight Path – Aameen. Peace and abundant blessings be
upon the Holy Prophet, his family, his companions and his entire Ummah. Aameen.
M.
Aqib Farid Qadri
21
Safar 1424 (
email
: aqibfarid@yahoo.com