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Speech ceremonies praising the dead

Question

We recite the Quran, offer its reward for the dead and supplicate for him/her, just as people gather on the third day (after the date of death) to read the whole Quran. Some Imaams describe this as a prohibited religious innovation that must be shunned. They therefore alter it into ceremonies where every person takes his turn to give a short talk where they exaggerate in the praise of the dead. What is your opinion on this?

Answer

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 was not the way of the righteous predecessors  may  Allaah  be  pleased  with  them to gather in such a manner. Had it been good, they would have been the first to do it since they were the best of mankind and keen on goodness. However, It should be noted that it is permissible to read the Quran and offer its reward to the dead – according to the preponderant opinion of scholars.

Also, the alternative suggested by these Imaams is also not permissible, for it is not in accordance with the actions of the Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ) his Companions  may  Allaah  be  pleased  with  them or their successors  may  Allaah  have  mercy  upon  them. Alternatively, it is permissible to supplicate for the dead person, give charity and perform pilgrimage or ‘Umrah (minor pilgrimage) on his or her behalf.

Allaah Knows best.

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