A man said to the Prophet, "My mother died suddenly, and I think that if she could speak, she would have given in charity. May I give in charity on her behalf?" He said, "Yes! Give in charity on her behalf."
Hadith Text & Context
This narration from Sahih al-Bukhari (2760) addresses a crucial matter of posthumous charity. A companion's mother passed away unexpectedly without leaving a will, yet he believed she would have wished to donate in charity. He sought the Prophet's guidance on performing this righteous act on her behalf.
Legal Ruling & Significance
The Prophet's immediate affirmative response establishes the permissibility of giving charity on behalf of deceased Muslims. This ruling provides immense comfort to believers, allowing them to continue earning rewards for their departed loved ones.
Scholars derive from this that charitable acts, prayers, and fasting can benefit the deceased, as these are acts of worship that transfer reward (thawab) to the deceased's record of deeds.
Conditions & Scholarly Consensus
The majority of scholars, including the four Sunni schools, agree that charity on behalf of the deceased reaches them and benefits them in the hereafter. This is based on multiple Quranic verses and prophetic traditions.
The charity must be from the donor's own wealth, not from the deceased's estate unless specified in their will. The intention should be clear that the reward is dedicated to the specific deceased person.
Practical Application
This hadith encourages Muslims to regularly give charity on behalf of deceased relatives, especially parents. Common practices include feeding the poor, building wells, donating mosques, or sponsoring orphans in the name of the deceased.
The ruling exemplifies Islam's comprehensive mercy, extending opportunities for spiritual benefit even after death, and strengthening family bonds beyond worldly life.