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The Recitaition of Al-Fatiha on Graves
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Question:
Is it permissible to recite Al-FAtihah, or any other parts of the Qur'an for a dead upon visiting his grave? And will this benefit him?
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Answer:
It has been authentically reported that the Prophet (sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam) used to visit graves, and pray for the dead with supplications which he taught his Companions, and they learned them from him. Of such supplications: As-Salamu Alaikum, O people of this place, believers and Muslims, and we will if Allaah wills follow you. We ask Allaah safety for ourselves and yourselves. [1] It has never been authentically reported that the Prophet (sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam) recited a chapter from the Qur'an, or Verses, for dead people; although he used to frequently visit their graves. Were this to be legitimate, he would have done it and instructed his Companions to do it, out of desire for the reward and mercy to his Ummah, and out of fulfilling the duty on conveying the message to the Ummah. Allaah describes him saying: Surely, a Messenger has come to you from among yourselves, grevious to him is that you should fall into trouble; and he is desirous of your welfare; and compassionate and merciful to the believers [2] Since he did not do that when there was a reason for him to do so, then it is proof that this practice is illegitimate. His Companions, may Allaah be pleased with them, realized that, and followed his suite. They were content by supplicating for dead people when they visited their graves. It has never been authentically reported that they recited Qur'anic chapters for dead people. Hence, reciting the Qur'an is an innovation. It has been authentically reported that he said: He who innovates into our affair a ritual which does not belong to it, it shall be rejected [3]
[1] Muslim no. 975 [2]At-Tawbah 9:128 [3] Al-Bukhari no. 2697 and Muslim no. 1718
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Permanent Committee for Research and Verdicts
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Fatawa Islamiyah Vol. 1 Page 61
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Other subjects of interest:
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