SAEDNEWS: In Islamic teachings, charity and good deeds performed on behalf of deceased loved ones hold profound spiritual significance. Such acts not only bring peace and comfort to the souls of the departed but also bring immense blessings to those who are still living.
According to SAEDNEWS,While the physical life may end with death, Islamic traditions and scriptures tell us that the soul continues its journey — and can still benefit from the good deeds of the living. Among the best forms of charity for the deceased are prayers for forgiveness, recitation of the Qur’an, organizing religious gatherings, and acts of kindness in memory of the departed.
Let’s explore why these acts matter, how they affect the deceased and the living, and what forms of charity are considered most effective and meaningful.
In Islam, asking forgiveness (Istighfar) and making Du’a (supplication) for the dead is one of the most meaningful ways to honor their memory. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) emphasized that acts of charity on behalf of the deceased are spiritually delivered to them.
One narration says:
"Every charity given on behalf of a deceased is delivered to them as a platter of light, brought to the grave by an angel who says: 'Peace be upon you, O people of the graves. This is a gift sent by your loved ones.' The soul then receives it and feels joy and ease in their resting place."
(Source: Traditional Islamic Hadith)
Charity for the dead has both spiritual and worldly effects. According to Islamic teachings, such acts can serve as a shield against calamities for the living. Many hadiths mention that God removes hardships from the life of those who give charity for their deceased family members.
Moreover, the record of deeds for the deceased is not sealed entirely after death. As per numerous narrations, their souls continue to receive rewards from ongoing acts of goodness done in their name — especially when it brings relief to others.
In one hadith, the Prophet (PBUH) said:
"Every Friday, the souls of believers visit the skies above their homes and call out: ‘O our families, children, and relatives, have mercy on us. Give charity, even a piece of bread or clothing, on our behalf so that God may clothe you in garments of Paradise.’"
(Source: Mustadrak al-Wasa’il, vol. 2, p. 484)
This highlights the strong link between the living and the deceased in Islam — a relationship that transcends physical death.
According to Qur’anic interpretations and the consensus of scholars, there is no one fixed method of charity. However, some of the most effective and recommended practices include:
Recitation of the Qur’an: Especially Surahs like Yasin, Rahman, Mulk, Al-Fatiha, and Al-Baqarah.
Sending Salawat (blessings) upon the Prophet (PBUH) and gifting the reward to the deceased.
Reciting Ayat al-Kursi on their behalf, which, according to hadith, brings light to the graves of the deceased and raises their spiritual status.
Prayer and fasting on their behalf.
Giving Sadaqah Jariyah — ongoing charity such as building a water well, funding education, or donating to a mosque.
There are numerous ways — both simple and elaborate — to perform acts of kindness in memory of the deceased. Some are inexpensive but deeply impactful.
Feeding birds or stray animals.
Buying from street vendors and praying for the deceased.
Donating Qur’ans or booklets of supplications.
Helping the elderly or volunteering in religious centers.
Funding an orphan’s education.
Assisting in marriage arrangements for the underprivileged.
Providing medical aid or paying off someone’s debt.
Sponsoring prisoners’ release.
These acts bring ongoing reward (Sadaqah Jariyah), and according to Islamic belief, they bring light and relief to the souls in Barzakh (the intermediate realm before the Day of Judgment).
One of the most culturally rooted forms of charity is food distribution. People often cook traditional meals such as:
Sholeh Zard (saffron rice pudding)
Halwa
Ash Reshteh (Persian noodle soup)
Rice and stew dishes
Distributing food among the needy amplifies the blessings. A particularly impactful way is to pay for "charity bread" at local bakeries, where warm bread is distributed to those in need.
Alternatively, you can donate money to charity organizations that provide meals (Iftars or daily meals) for the poor in honor of the deceased.
While distributing food is praiseworthy, certain acts of charity leave a long-lasting impact and continue generating rewards for years to come.
Some examples include:
Installing a water cooler or drinking fountain in a public place.
Sponsoring a student’s education.
Donating useful books or religious material with the name of the deceased.
Imam Sadiq (AS) said:
"Just as the living feel joy when they receive gifts, the souls of the dead feel happiness when they are remembered through prayers and charity."
Distributing small prayer booklets as memorial gifts is a time-honored tradition in many Muslim cultures. These booklets often include:
Surah Yasin
Surah Rahman
Ziyarat Ashura
Du’a Tawassul or other recommended supplications
Printing a photo or a short biography of the deceased at the front or back of the booklet adds a personal touch.
When well-designed and legible, these booklets often become cherished keepsakes that continue to benefit the soul of the deceased whenever someone recites from them.
