❖ Introduction
The concept of Iṣāl al-Thawāb—transferring the reward of good deeds to the deceased—is rooted in Islamic teachings. However, it must be understood in the light of authentic evidences from the Qur’an and Hadith. According to the verse:
لَهَا مَا كَسَبَتْ وَعَلَيْهَا مَا اكْتَسَبَتْ
— Al-Baqarah: 286
“Each soul will have [the reward of] what it has earned, and it will bear [the burden of] what it has done.”
This verse establishes a general rule: a person reaps what he sows. However, certain exceptions supported by authentic Hadiths prove that some actions performed by others can benefit the deceased, particularly if they stem from the deceased’s legacy, such as righteous children, knowledge left behind, or ongoing charity.
◈ Key Hadith on Ongoing Rewards
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
“When a person dies, all his deeds come to an end except for three: a continuous charity (ṣadaqah jāriyah), beneficial knowledge, or a righteous child who prays for him.”
— Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 4223
This Hadith is a foundation for understanding the legitimate channels through which the deceased continues to earn rewards even after death.
❖ Recommended and Sunnah-based Acts of Iṣāl al-Thawāb
Here are the authentic and permissible deeds which benefit the deceased:
➊ Ṣadaqah Jāriyah (Ongoing Charity)
• Building wells, masājid, guest shelters, or contributing to facilities used by the public.
• An excellent form is providing water, as the Prophet ﷺ stated.
— Ṣaḥīḥ al-Nasā’ī 3425
➋ Beneficial Knowledge
• Teaching or spreading beneficial Islamic knowledge.
• Publishing Islamic literature or supporting institutions of learning.
➌ Righteous Children’s Duʿā’
• Continuous duʿā’ and istighfār made by pious offspring are a powerful source of benefit.
— Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 4223
❖ Specific Examples from Authentic Hadiths
✦ Fulfilling the Deceased’s Charitable Intentions
A man asked the Prophet ﷺ about giving charity on behalf of his suddenly deceased mother, believing she would have done so if she had spoken:
“Yes, give charity on her behalf.”
— Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 2760
✦ Fulfilling the Deceased’s Vows
Sʿad ibn ʿUbādah (رضي الله عنه) asked about fulfilling his mother’s vow after her death:
“Fulfill it on her behalf.”
— Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 2761
✦ Performing Ḥajj or Fasting on Their Behalf
If the deceased had vowed to perform ḥajj or owed fasting, the living may perform these on their behalf:
✔ “Yes, perform ḥajj for her. If your mother had a debt, wouldn’t you pay it? The debt owed to Allah deserves to be paid more.”
— Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 1852
✔ “Whoever dies and had obligatory fasts, his guardian should fast on his behalf.”
— Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 1952
❖ Honoring Deceased Parents After Death
The Prophet ﷺ advised:
“Pray for them, seek forgiveness for them, fulfill their vows, honor their friends, and maintain family ties.”
— Sunan Ibn Mājah 3664
Such deeds are not only permissible but strongly recommended, as they reflect loyalty and goodness to one’s parents even after their departure.
❖ Invalid or Unfounded Practices to Avoid
Not all commonly practiced deeds for the deceased are sanctioned by Sharīʿah. The following must be avoided:
❌ Qur’an recitation gatherings for reward transfer
— No proof from authentic Hadith
❌ Offering food (niyāz) at graves
❌ Placing incense, rose petals, or lighting candles on graves
❌ Any ritual or custom not supported by the Qur’an and Sunnah
As per Tafsīr Ibn Kathīr, there is no evidence supporting the recitation of Qur’an as a method of reward transfer to the deceased.
❖ Even the Poor Can Participate in Iṣāl al-Thawāb
Those who are financially unable to give charity can still perform duʿā’ for their deceased loved ones. This is among the simplest yet most powerful means of benefiting them.
“O Allah, forgive them, elevate their status, lighten their grave, and enter them into Your mercy.”
Let not financial constraints hold you back from gifting your loved ones eternal rewards—your tongue and sincerity are enough.
❖ Summary of Sunnah-Based Acts Benefiting the Deceased
① Ṣadaqah jāriyah (wells, masjids, etc.)
② Spreading or teaching beneficial knowledge
③ Righteous children’s duʿā’ and good deeds
④ Fulfilling vows, fasts, or ḥajj on behalf of the deceased
⑤ General acts of kindness done in their name
⑥ Duʿā’ for forgiveness and mercy, especially during ṣalāt al-janāzah
❖ Final Reminder
Iṣāl al-Thawāb should be grounded in clear and authentic teachings. Introducing cultural practices in the name of reward transfer may result in sin rather than benefit.
May Allah ﷻ enable us to follow the Sunnah and offer our deceased the true means of benefit and forgiveness. Āmīn.
