The mother of Sa`d bin 'Ubada died in his absence. He said, "O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)! My mother died in my absence; will it be of any benefit for her if I give Sadaqa on her behalf?" The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Yes," Sa`d said, "I make you a witness that I gave my garden called Al Makhraf in charity on her behalf."
Wills and Testaments (Wasaayaa)
Sahih al-Bukhari 2756
Hadith Commentary
This narration establishes the permissibility and virtue of performing charitable deeds on behalf of deceased Muslims. Sa'd bin 'Ubada's inquiry demonstrates the concern of righteous children for their parents' spiritual welfare in the afterlife.
The Prophet's affirmative response confirms that the reward of voluntary charity (sadaqa) reaches the deceased and benefits them in their graves. This is based on the principle of spiritual connection (nisba) between living believers and their departed loved ones.
Sa'd's immediate donation of his valuable garden called Al-Makhraf shows the Companions' swift implementation of prophetic guidance and their generosity in seeking Allah's pleasure for their deceased relatives.
Scholars derive from this that all forms of righteous deeds - including prayer, fasting, Hajj, and Quran recitation - can benefit the deceased when performed on their behalf, as they all constitute forms of spiritual charity.
Legal Rulings Derived
Charitable acts performed by living Muslims benefit deceased believers in their graves
Children may specifically dedicate rewards of their deeds to their deceased parents
The deceased receive the full reward while the living donor's reward remains undiminished
Taking witnesses for charitable donations is recommended to ensure proper documentation