Fatwa #176465 March 2009United States of America
Reciting Quran by the deceased grave
Question
I am a new Muslim recently took Shahadah last Ramadan Al Hamdulilah and i was just reading a response you gave to a brother regarding reciting Quran in a graveyard for the decesead and i was wondering if it was permissable for me to do this for my decesead relatives even if they died kafirs? shukran jazakallah khayr
Answer
In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful
Assalaamu `alaykum waRahmatullahi Wabarakatuh
It is indeed heart-warming to know that you have embraced Islam, whilst on the other hand, it is sad that your relatives have passed away without Imaan. Guidance is the prerogative of Allah. He guides whoever he wishes to the straight path and allows others to go astray.
In the following verse of the Holy Qur’aan, the Prophet (salallahu alaihi wasallam) was prevented from seeking forgiveness for his beloved uncle who unfortunately passed away as a disbeliever.
ما كان للنبي والذين آمنوا أن يستغفروا للمشركين ولو كانوا أولي قربى من بعد ما تبين لهم أنهم أصحاب الجحيم (113 :9)
“It is not (proper)for the Prophet and those who believe, to ask Allah’s forgiveness for the Mushrikeen (polytheists, idolaters, pagans, disbelievers in the oneness of Allah) even though they be of kin, after it become clear to them that they are the dwellers of the fire”.
In the light of the above, it will not be permissible to recite Qur’aan and send the reward to relatives who have passed away as disbelievers.
And Allah knows best
Checked and Approved by:
Mufti Ebrahim Desai
Darul Iftaa