The Recitation of Al-Fatihah on Graves
Question: Is it permissible to recite Al-Fatihah, or any other parts of the Qur'an for a dead upon visiting his grave? And will this benefit him?
Answer:
It has been authentically reported that the Prophet used to visit graves, and pray for the dead with supplications which he taught his Companions, and they learned them from him. Of such supplications:
"As-Salamu Alaikum, O people of this place, believers and Muslims, and we will if Allah wills follow you. We ask Allah safety for ourselves and yourselves".
It has never been authentically reported that the Prophet recited a chapter from the Qur'an, or Verses, for dead people; although he used to frequent their graves. Were this to be legitimate, he would have done it and instructed his Companions to do it, out of desire for the reward and mercy to his Ummah, and out of fulfilling the duty of conveying the message to the Ummah. Allah describes him saying:
Surely, a Messenger has come to you from among yourselves, grievous to him is that you should fall into trouble; and he is desirous of your welfare; and compassionate and merciful to the believers.
Since he did not do that when there was a reason for him to do so, then it is a proof that this practice is illegitimate. His Companions, may Allah be pleased with them, realized that, and followed his suite. They were content by supplicating for dead people when they visited their graves. It has never been authentically reported that they recited Qur'anic chapters for dead people. Hence, reciting the Qur'an is an innovation. It has been authentically reported that he said:
He who innovates in our affair a ritual which does not belong to it, it shall be rejected.
Source:
Fatawa Islamiyah, Vol. 1 Pages 61-62
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