Supplicating for your Parents is Best

Question :

Is it permitted for me to give charity on behalf of my mother? And will the reward for it reach my mother?

Answer:

Yes, one can give charity on behalf of one's deceased parents, and yes, that reward reaches them. The proof of this is what is reported in Sahih Al-Bukhari that a man came to the Prophet and said, "My mother died unexpectedly and 1 think that if she had lived longer she would have given some charity. May I give charity on her behalf?" He replied yes. Similarly, the Prophet ﷺ allowed Sa'd bin 'Ubadah to donate his date-palm trees in Al-Madinah on behalf of his mother, who had died.

But it is important to know that supplicating for one's parents is better while intending the reward of one's righteous deeds for one's self. This is because this was the practice of our pious predecessors and it is what is demonstrated by the saying of the Prophet ﷺ :
"When somebody dies, his actions come to an end, except for three: charity, the effects of which perpetuate; knowledge (left behind) that is benefited from; and a righteous son who supplicates for him."

There is no fault to find, though, in someone if he does some righteous deeds, intending the reward to go to his father or mother, if they are deceased.

Source:
Ibn 'Uthaimin
Fatawa Islamiyah, Vol. 7 Pages 348-349

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