What Benefits the Deceased
☐ Mourning over the dead is allowed in Islam, but there is a great difference between what is allowed Islamically and the practice of some Muslims at the present time, based by different convictions, social customs, family traditions and incorrect understandings. https://ulumalazhar.com/40-days-after-death-in-islam/
☐There is no significance in the first forty days mentioned in the Quran and Hadith. However, the immediate family should mourn for three days. https://seekersguidance.org/answers/death/is-there-a-significance-to-the-forty-days-after-the-death-of-a-deceased/
☐Reading of ‘khatams’, reciting of ‘Quls’, on a specific day or year is not recommended, but reading the Qur’an on other occasions in a group and making a Du’a’ for the deceased is generally permitted. https://aboutislam.net/counseling/ask-the-scholar/miscellaneous-ask-the-scholar/commemorating-fortieth-day-death-permissible/
☐ Sadaqah Jariyah — ongoing charity (wells, giving water, buildingmosques, Qur’an printing).
☐ Lasting Benefit: Sincere private Dua, forgiveness (Istighfar), and continuous charity (Sadaqah Jariyah) remain the most effective benefits for the deceased.
☐Beneficial knowledge and education taught to others. https://nmfas.org.uk/benefitting-the-deceased/
☐ Righteous child making dua for deceased.
☐Perform Umrah and Hajj in their name (once you have performed it for yourself).
☐ Read the Quran on their behalf. https://www.britishfatwacouncil.org/sending-reward-to-the-deceased/
☐Visit the grave of the deceased. https://www.eastlondonmosque.org.uk/blog/remembering-death
☐Visit the deceased relatives (near and distant) and friends and talk good things about them.
☐ Continuing good deeds inspired by the person. https://gardenofblessings.co.uk/sadaqah-jariyah/
☐ Fulfilling uncompleted charitable promises.
☐Remember some of the bits of advice the departed may have shared with you and try to act them out.
Summary Table of Islamic Mourning Practices
| Practice | Description | Purpose |
| Ghusl & Burial | Washing, shrouding, and early burial | Prepare the soul for the afterlife |
| Salat al-Janazah | Funeral prayer without bowing | Seek forgiveness and mercy |
| Mourning Period | 3 days for family, 4 months, 10 days for widows | Time for emotional and spiritual healing |
| Community Care | Support with meals and help | Ease the family’s burden |
| Grief Expression | Quiet sorrow and patience | Maintain faith and dignity |
| Ongoing Remembrance | Qur’an, du’a, charity | Continue blessings for the deceased |