Fatwa ID: 05415

Answered by: Mufti Nabil Khan

Question

I wanted to ask a question in regards to Isaal Thwaab,

From my understanding so far, I understand the following are beneficial for the dead according to the sunnah:

– Dua/seeking forgiveness

– Performing an Umrah on behalf of the dead

– Paying charity for them, or feeding poor

– Paying off debt for them (please confirm)

My question is in regards to reciting a chapter of the Quran for them or sending a Fatiha or a recitation of Surah Ikhlas.

From what I have heard so far, many scholars say this is not a part of the sunnah. What does Ahnaaf say in regards to this? From what I know so far, Ahnaaf allows it.

If this is the case, can you please provide me with the evidence that Ahnaaf uses to allow it?

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

Answer:

The Hanafi scholars as well as many other scholars have allowed and encouraged sending good deeds to the deceased in numerous ways such as reading Quran on their behalf. This is a topic that has been established through many different narrations.

Ibn Qayim (ra) mentions in his book Ruh that there is consensus amongst the schools of thought to read the Quran for the deceased being beneficial. He states that only Imam Ahmad (ra) disagreed until the hadith of Ibn Umar (ra) had reached him and then on changed his opinion complying with the remaining schools.

To read Surah Ikhlas 3 times by way of example is not itself a sunnah method of sending rewards, but based on the hadith (authentic) that the Prophet (saw) has equated the reciting of Surah Ikhlas 3 times to complete the Quran, the scholars deduce the benefit of this for the deceased as though a whole Quran is read for him.

Reference:

Al-Maqalaat Al-Kawthariyyah – maqalah ‘an al-tawassul

Al-Ruh pg 5

Only Allah knows best

Written by Mufti Nabil Khan

Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah

Darul Ifta Birmingham