Question
What is the ruling on reciting Fatiha for the deceased?
Answer by Fadilat al-Shaykh Abdul Wakeel Nasir (may Allah preserve him)
According to Shaykh Abdul Wakeel Nasir (may Allah preserve him):
The practice of saying “Fatiha parh dein” (recite the Fatiha):
- Social custom:
In our society, saying “Fatiha parh dein” has become a common phrase, but it has no connection with knowledge or the people of knowledge. - Innovated background:
It is possible that this phrase is linked to the practice of innovator scholars or shaykhs, but there is no basis for it in the Shariah.
The Shariah practice for the deceased:
- Seeking forgiveness for the deceased:
In the Shariah, only seeking forgiveness for the deceased and supplicating for them is Sunnah, but not in a collective form. - Words of condolence:
When news of someone’s death is received, the following words should be said as condolence:“اِنَّ لِلَّهِ مَا أَخَذَ وَلَهُ مَا أَعْطَى وَكُلُّ شَيْءٍ عِنْدَهُ بِأَجَلٍ مُسَمًّى، فَلْتَصْبِرْ وَلْتَحْتَسِبْ”
“Indeed, to Allah belongs what He takes and what He gives, and everything with Him has a specified term. So be patient and seek reward.”
Reference: (Sahih al-Bukhari: 7377)
The issue of collective supplication:
- Supplication before or after the funeral:
Collective supplication, before or after the funeral, is not established from the Shariah. - Supplication at the grave:
However, supplicating at the grave for the deceased to remain firm is permissible, whether it is done individually or collectively.
Conclusion:
Collectively “reciting Fatiha” for the deceased, or the use of this phrase, is not established in the Shariah. One should act upon the prescribed supplications and seeking of forgiveness.
