We have heard that there should be a sacrificial animal offered on behalf of the deceased between the Fajr and ‘Eed Prayers. Is this true?

All perfect praise be to Allaah, the Lord of the worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, is His Slave and Messenger.

It is an established principle among scholars that the way Muslims worship is only to be taken from the Quran and Sunnah. In other words, Allaah The Almighty is only to be worshipped in the manner that He has outlined in the Quran and Sunnah.

It has not been proven that the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, or any of his Companions offered a sacrificial animal on behalf of the dead person between the Fajr and ‘Eed Prayers and there is no proof in the Sharee‘ah that supports it. Therefore, it is merely a religious innovation and is thus, impermissible. In a Hadeeth on the authority of ‘Aa’ishah the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, mentioned that whoever invents an act of worship has not been stipulated in the Sharee‘ah, it will not be accepted from him. [Muslim] Hence, any matter related to religion that is not part of the guidance of the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, is unacceptable.

Allaah Knows best.