He—may Allah have mercy on him—was asked:

“What do the esteemed jurists and imams of religion—may Allah Most High guide them to what pleases Him—say concerning Quran recitation for the deceased: does its reward reach him or not? What about payment for this, food provided by the deceased’s family for those entitled to it, and related matters? Of recitation at the grave and charity on behalf of the deceased, which is the prescribed practice that we have been commanded to observe?

“What about a mosque situated among graves, and praying in it, when it is not known whether the mosque was built before the graves or the graves were there before it? It has three revenue allotments and four hundred asddmwn dating from Roman times; this belongs not to him but to the mosque. The sermon is delivered there every Friday, and prayers are also held there at certain times. Each year it has a gathering attended by many men and women, who bring their votive offerings with them. May the imam take anything from these for the needs of the mosque in the town? Give us your ruling—may Allah have mercy on you and reward you.”

He replied:

“All praise is due to Allah, Lord of all worlds. As for charity on behalf of the deceased, he benefits from it by the agreement of the Muslims. Authentic hadiths to this effect have been reported from the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him).

“One example is Saʿd’s statement:

‘O Messenger of Allah, my mother died suddenly, and I believe that, had she been able to speak, she would have given charity. Will it benefit her if I give charity on her behalf?