Speech ceremonies praising the dead

28-2-2011 | IslamWeb

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?

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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 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 his Companions or their successors . 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.