Author: Allama Abdullah bin Abdul Rahman Al-Jibreen (حفظہ اللہ)
Allah knows best!
Question:
What is the ruling on a brother giving charity on behalf of his deceased sibling? Will the reward of the charity reach the deceased?Answer:
Giving charity on behalf of the deceased is a Sunnah and is highly recommended. This ruling is not specific to siblings but applies to all close relatives or any Muslim who wishes to perform charity on behalf of the deceased. The following Hadiths provide evidence for this practice:Evidence from Authentic Hadiths
- Narration of Saad bin Ubadah (رضی اللہ عنہ):
Ibn Abbas (رضی اللہ عنہ) reported that Saad bin Ubadah (رضی اللہ عنہ) asked the Prophet (ﷺ):
"O Messenger of Allah, my mother has passed away, and I was not present. Will it benefit her if I give charity on her behalf?"
The Prophet (ﷺ) replied: "Yes."
(Sahih Bukhari, Book of Wills, Hadith 2756) - Narration of a Man Regarding His Mother:
A man said to the Prophet (ﷺ):
"O Messenger of Allah, my mother passed away suddenly, and I think that if she could speak, she would have given charity. Should I give charity on her behalf?"
The Prophet (ﷺ) replied: "Yes, give charity on her behalf."
(Sahih Bukhari, Book of Wills, Hadith 2760)
Key Points:
- Charity Reaches the Deceased:
Based on these authentic narrations, the reward of charity given on behalf of the deceased reaches them. There is no dispute among scholars regarding this. - Supplications for the Deceased:
Supplications made for the deceased, whether during the funeral prayer, after burial, during visits to the grave, or in absentia, also benefit the deceased. This is supported by general evidences in Islamic teachings. - Qurbani (Sacrificial Offering) for the Deceased:
Offering a sacrifice on behalf of the deceased, whether they had made a will or it is done voluntarily, carries immense reward for the deceased, as mentioned in Hadiths. If the intention of the sacrifice is made for the deceased, the reward will surely reach them. - Other Acts of Worship:
Acts such as Hajj and Umrah can also be performed on behalf of the deceased, as the Prophet (ﷺ) instructed:
"Perform Hajj and Umrah on behalf of your father."
(Sunan al-Tirmidhi, Book of Hajj, Chapter 87, Hadith 930; Sunan Abu Dawood, Book of Hajj, Chapter on Performing Hajj for Others, Hadith 1810)
Controversial Matters:
- Recitation of Qur'an, Dhikr, and Physical Acts of Worship:
Scholars have differed regarding the permissibility of gifting the reward of acts like Qur'an recitation, prayers, fasting, or other physical or verbal acts of worship to the deceased. Those who oppose it often cite the verse:
"And that there is not for man except that [good] for which he strives."
(Surah An-Najm, 39)
However, the majority of scholars permit it. They argue that the reward of such acts, if intended for the deceased, can reach them. The reasoning is that the one performing the act has done so sincerely for Allah's pleasure and gifted the reward to their loved one, which is valid in Islamic teachings.
Conclusion:
Charity, supplications, Hajj, Umrah, and similar deeds performed with the intention of benefiting the deceased are valid and beneficial. There is no obstacle to the reward of these acts reaching the deceased, whether they were done voluntarily or based on a will. Acts of worship are a means of earning reward for both the doer and the one on whose behalf the act was performed.Allah knows best!