Commemorating the dead
Fatwa No: 85065

Question

Is it permissible to have a complete recitation of the Qur'an on the death anniversary of the deceased since this practice is not written in the Qur'an?

Answer

Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the World; and may His blessings and peace be upon our Prophet Muhammad and upon all his Family and Companions.

Qur'an has been revealed to be recited, to be pondered on, and to enforce its commands in all times and places. Setting a specific time, place or form for the recitation of the Qur'an that is not proved in Sharia is an innovation. The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam) said: "If somebody tries to introduce into this faith that which is not a part of it is to be rejected and condemned" [Reported by Imams al-Bukhari and Muslim ].
Therefore, celebrating the anniversary of a person and reciting Qur'an and making Du'a at that occasion is among the innovations.
However, it is permissible for one to recite the Qur'an and offer its reward to a dead person without setting a specific day or time.
Allah knows best.

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