When we lose close ones, many individuals seek specific practices that hold great spiritual significance as solace. One of these favored practices is reciting the Quran. Hence, many Muslims recite the Quran for their dead parents as a means of honoring and remembering.
The Holy Quran holds a unique place of reverence and significance in the lives of believers. It is a timeless guide offering moral guidance, spiritual awareness, and solace during sorrow.
But some Muslims want to ascertain whether or not reading the Quran for their dead parents is beneficial.
In this article, we will discover the answer to the question, Can I Read Quran For My Dead Parents? And, what are the virtues and wisdom that unfold when one reads the Quran for their deceased parents?
Can You Read The Quran for The Dead?
Scholars hold varying opinions regarding whether the reward of reading the Quran can reach the deceased.
Sheikh Muhammad Al-Arefi says: Some scholars permit reading the Quran for the dead, saying it reaches the deceased like the reward of charity and Hajj. But, most scholars’ opinion is that reading the Quran does not benefit the deceased because there is no evidence of that. Besides, the prophet Muhammad (PBUH) did not do that for the Muslims who died during his lifetime.
But, it is possible to supplicate for the dead after completing the Quran, as the person who seals Quran has an answered duaa.
Sheikh Muhammad Salih al-Uthaymeen says that there are two opinions on this matter:
One of them: if a person comes to the grave of the dead and recites the Quran next to him, this does not benefit the dead; Because the listener benefits from hearing the Quran in the state of life.
The second one: If a person reads the Noble Quran to draw closer to God and assigns his reward to a dead Muslim brother or relative, it is permissible but not recommended to be done.
Instead, it is recommended to supplicate for the dead and seek forgiveness for him.
According to the four schools Imams,
Abu Hanifa school of thought:
“Abu Hanifa, Malik, and Ahmad, may God have mercy on them, disapprove of reciting at the graves as it is considered an innovation that is not mentioned in the Sunnah.”
Shafi’i school of thought:
Imam al-Shafi’i said that the reward for recitation does not reach the dead and reasoned that by the verse: “And that man shall have nothing but what he strives for.” (Surah At-Tur: Verse 22).
Maliki school of thought:
Sheikh Ibn Abi Jamra said: “Reciting at cemeteries is an innovation and not a Sunnah.” Sheikh Al-Dardir said: “He hated reading part of the Quran at death and after it on graves because it was not the work of the predecessors, but rather they would pray for forgiveness, mercy, and admonition.”
Hanbali school of thought:
Imam Ahmad said: “Reciting the Quran to the deceased on the grave or after his death is an innovation.” And he said: “It was not the custom of the predecessors, when they prayed voluntarily, fasted voluntarily, performed Hajj voluntarily, or read the Quran, to dedicate the reward for that to the dead Muslims.
Can I Read Quran For My Dead Parents?
Sheikh Muhammad Saleh al-Uthaymeen says: dedicating the reward of reading the Quran to the parents or other people is okay, but one should supplicate for them.
As our prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “When the son of Adam passes away, all his deeds are cut off, except for three things: ongoing charity, beneficial knowledge, or a righteous son who will make duaa for him.”
Hence, charity and duaa will benefit the deceased more than reading the Quran for him.
And the Sheikh continues his speech: a person should supplicate for his dead parents, brothers, sons, and daughters and do good deeds for himself. He will need them in the future because if a person dies, he wishes there would be one good deed in his book. For the prophet Muhammed, peace and blessings be upon him, said: No dead person dies except that regrets it if was benevolent, regrets not having increased, and if was abusive, he regrets not being guilted off.
Why Do We Read Surah Yaseen When Someone Dies?
In many Islamic cultures, it is a common practice to recite Surah Yaseen when someone dies or during their funeral.
Sheikh Assim Al Hakeem says:
There is no authenticity in reciting Surah Yassin for a dead person. And most Hadiths about that are not authentic.
But, there is a weak Hadith on the authority of Ahmad, Abu Dawud, and Ibn Majah, on the authority of Ma’qil bin Yasar, on the authority of the Prophet, may Allah’s prayers and peace be upon him, that he said: “Recite Surah Yaseen over your dead.”
That refers to those who are dying, not those who have died.
But, Why Do We Read Surah Yaseen When Someone Dies?
Muslims believe that reading Surah Yaseen when someone dies, provides spiritual support and eases the journey of the departed soul toward the hereafter. Besides, reciting Surah Yassin intercedes for the dead and helps seek Allah’s mercy, forgiveness, and blessings upon the deceased.
It’s important to note that the primary focus of funeral prayers and rituals is to seek Allah’s mercy, offer supplications, and honor the deceased through remembrance and prayers.
Surah Fatiha For The Dead
Reciting Surah Fatiha for the dead is a common practice among Muslims. They do that to seek mercy and forgiveness for the deceased. But like the rest of the Quran, its reward does not reach the dead.
Dr. Othman Al-Khamis says: There is no doubt that reciting Surah Al Fatihah for the dead is an innovation, and that is not correct, whether at the grave or outside it. Instead, we pray for the deceased for forgiveness, mercy, steadfastness, or any other supplication.
Do The Dead Know When We Pray For Them?
There is no evidence that the deceased feels those who visit him or hear their prayers for him.
Sheikh Othman Al-Khamis says: We do not know about life after death except what was said in the Sacred Book of Allah and the Sunnah of His Messenger. Hence, there is no evidence in the Quran or Hadith about the Messenger that the dead know when we visit or pray for him.
Sheikh Saleh Al-Fawzan says: The conditions of the dead are among the matters of the unseen and the Hereafter. It is not permitted for anyone to speak about them without correct evidence.
Besides, it has been reported: “When the dead is placed in his grave and finished burying him, and his companions have turned away from him, he hears the sound of their sandals, two angels come to him and sit him down and say to him: Who is your Lord? What is your religion? And who is your Prophet?”
That is what was reported that the dead hear the knocking of the sandals of the mourners if they turn away from it, so what the evidence proves, we prove it, and unless there is evidence, we stop it.
In conclusion, regarding the question: can I read Quran for my dead parents? The answer is that: No specific evidence in Islam according to the benefits of reading the Quran for the deceased.
However, you should make your intention devoted, make duaa, and give charity to the deceased, just as you can perform Hajj and Umrah for him. That will benefit the dead more than reading the Quran for him.
FAQs
Can I Give Sadaqah On Behalf Of My Dead Father?
Yes, it is permissible to give Sadaqah on behalf of a deceased person, including your father. You can donate to various charitable causes such as giving Mushafs to a mosque, teaching someone, or providing medical assistance in the name of your dead father. That is called sadaqah jariyah which can bring blessings to your father’s soul.
