Charitable Gifts on behalf of the Deceased

Question:

What is the reward a deceased would receive when charitable donations are given on his behalf? Would such donations be added to his record of good deeds?

Answer:

Giving charitable donations on behalf of a deceased is legitimate, whether the donation is in money or kind, or by supplication in his favor. Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him, said that the Prophet said:
When a son of Adam dies, his deeds seize to continue except for three things; charity with continuous effect, beneficial knowledge, or a pious son who supplicates in his favor.

The general meaning of this Hadith signifies that the reward of charity does reach the deceased. The Prophet did not specify whether such charity was stated in the will of deceased or not. Therefore, this Hadith applies to both cases. While the word 'son' in the Hadith is not specific, for their are many authentic traditions that signify the legitimacy of supplication in favor of dead people. Just as the funeral prayer and supplication for them is legitimate while visiting graves. Hence , it does not make a difference whether the charitable donation is given by a close or a distant relative of the deceased.

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