Ruling on Reciting Surah Al-Fatiha for the Deceased
❖ Question:
What is the ruling regarding the act of reciting Surah Al-Fatiha for someone who has passed away?
❖ Answer by Shaykh Abdul Wakeel Nasir ḥafiẓahullāh
✔ Social Custom:
In our society, the phrase “Recite Fatiha” has become a common expression. However, it does not stem from knowledge or the people of knowledge.
✔ Innovation-Based Origin:
This expression may be linked to the practices of scholars or Shaykhs involved in innovations (bid‘ah), but there is no basis for it in the Sharī‘ah.
① Seeking Forgiveness (Istighfār) for the Deceased:
According to the Sharī‘ah, seeking forgiveness (istighfār) and making du‘āʾ for the deceased is a recommended practice. However, this should not be done in a collective (congregational) manner.
② Words of Consolation (Ta‘ziyah):
Upon receiving news of someone's death, the following words of consolation should be recited:
“إِنَّ لِلَّهِ مَا أَخَذَ وَلَهُ مَا أَعْطَى وَكُلُّ شَيْءٍ عِنْدَهُ بِأَجَلٍ مُسَمًّى، فَلْتَصْبِرْ وَلْتَحْتَسِبْ”
“Indeed, to Allah belongs what He takes and to Him belongs what He gives, and everything has an appointed term with Him, so be patient and seek reward.”
(Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī: 7377)
✔ Before or After the Funeral Prayer:
Making a collective du‘āʾ, whether before or after the funeral prayer, is not established in the Sharī‘ah.
✔ Supplication at the Grave:
However, making du‘āʾ at the grave for the deceased's steadfastness is permissible, whether done individually or collectively.
The act of reciting Surah Al-Fatiha collectively for the deceased or using the phrase “Recite Fatiha” has no basis in Sharī‘ah.
One should adhere to the prescribed du‘āʾs and acts of istighfār for the deceased.
❖ Question:
What is the ruling regarding the act of reciting Surah Al-Fatiha for someone who has passed away?
❖ Answer by Shaykh Abdul Wakeel Nasir ḥafiẓahullāh
◈ The Phrase: “Recite Fatiha”
✔ Social Custom:
In our society, the phrase “Recite Fatiha” has become a common expression. However, it does not stem from knowledge or the people of knowledge.
✔ Innovation-Based Origin:
This expression may be linked to the practices of scholars or Shaykhs involved in innovations (bid‘ah), but there is no basis for it in the Sharī‘ah.
◈ The Legislated Acts for the Deceased
① Seeking Forgiveness (Istighfār) for the Deceased:
According to the Sharī‘ah, seeking forgiveness (istighfār) and making du‘āʾ for the deceased is a recommended practice. However, this should not be done in a collective (congregational) manner.
② Words of Consolation (Ta‘ziyah):
Upon receiving news of someone's death, the following words of consolation should be recited:
“إِنَّ لِلَّهِ مَا أَخَذَ وَلَهُ مَا أَعْطَى وَكُلُّ شَيْءٍ عِنْدَهُ بِأَجَلٍ مُسَمًّى، فَلْتَصْبِرْ وَلْتَحْتَسِبْ”
“Indeed, to Allah belongs what He takes and to Him belongs what He gives, and everything has an appointed term with Him, so be patient and seek reward.”
(Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī: 7377)
◈ The Issue of Collective Du‘āʾ
✔ Before or After the Funeral Prayer:
Making a collective du‘āʾ, whether before or after the funeral prayer, is not established in the Sharī‘ah.
✔ Supplication at the Grave:
However, making du‘āʾ at the grave for the deceased's steadfastness is permissible, whether done individually or collectively.
✿ Conclusion:
The act of reciting Surah Al-Fatiha collectively for the deceased or using the phrase “Recite Fatiha” has no basis in Sharī‘ah.One should adhere to the prescribed du‘āʾs and acts of istighfār for the deceased.
