Fatwa #267414 April 2001United Kingdom
What is the authenticity of practices e.g Qul when somebody dies?
Question
In subcontinent culture when somebody dies then all family members and friends are invited by dead persons spouse. A meal is served,Quran is read and it is believed that the sawab will go to the spirit of the dead person. I feel that sometimes this is a very costly exercise for the family of dead person but they do it as it is a well established practice. Kindly explain whether it is part of Islamic tradition or not, Halal/Haram.
Answer
Respected Brother-in-Islam%0D%0A%0D%0AAssalaamu Alaykum Wa Rahmatullaahi Wa Barakaatuhu%0D%0A%0D%0AAlmighty Allah Ta%E3la states in the Noble Qur%E3n, 'O` you who believe!! Obey%0D%0AAllah and His Rasul'.%0D%0A%0D%0AThe life of the Prophet (Sallallaahu %C1layhi Wasallam) is indeed the best%0D%0Aexample for us to follow. During the time of the Prophet (Sallallaahu %C1layhi%0D%0AWasallam) many of his family members, his wives, daughters, uncles and his%0D%0Aillustrious companions left the world whilst engaged in the most noble work%0D%0Aand effort of uplifting the religion of Islam. Despite the Prophet's deep%0D%0Alove for them, he did not (on any single occasion) commemorate the%0D%0Ainnovative custom of 7 days, 40 days, 100 days, etc.%0D%0A%0D%0AThe Hadith is clear, in that, the immediate family should mourn for three%0D%0Adays. There is no basis in the Shari%E1h to commemorate any Muslim's death at%0D%0Aintervals of 7 days, etc.%0D%0A%0D%0AIt is not exactly clear as to the source of celebrating forty days after%0D%0Adeath. We, as Muslims, follow the Noble Qur%E3n and the life model of our%0D%0Abeloved Rasul (Sallallaahu %C1layhi Wasallam).%0D%0A%0D%0Aand Allah Ta'ala Knows Best%0D%0A%0D%0AMufti Ebrahim Desai%0D%0AFATWA DEPT.