—is the intermediary between us and our Lord; it was he who conveyed to us our Lord’s words. Hence, anyone who attacks the intermediary that links us to the Messenger of Allah is, in reality, attacking the entire revealed Law—especially if his attack is directed at Abū Bakr and ʿUmar, for they are the best of all who have ever followed any messenger. Among the followers of Moses, Abraham, Jesus, or Muhammad, none surpass Abū Bakr and ʿUmar. Whoever maligns them possesses not a shred of faith in his heart—may Allah protect us. Likewise, whoever reviles the Companions or casts aspersions upon them is in fact assailing the religion of Allah. For this reason Allah says: “And those who came after them say, ‘Our Lord, forgive us and our brothers who preceded us in faith.’”

The author next cites the hadith of ʿĀʾishah—may Allah be pleased with her—in which a man said, “O Messenger of Allah, my mother died suddenly; had she been able to speak she would have given charity. May I give charity on her behalf?” He answered, “Yes.” This demonstrates the permissibility of giving charity on behalf of the deceased. Therefore, when you intend to give charity, you may designate it for your mother, your father, your brother, your sister, or any deceased Muslim, and it will benefit that person.

Concerning supplication for the deceased, Abū Hurayrah narrated: “When a human being dies…"