A man said to Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) , "My mother died, will it benefit her if I give in charity on her behalf?" The Prophet (ﷺ) replied in the affirmative. The man said, "I have a garden and I make you a witness that I give it in charity on her behalf."
Hadith Text and Context
This narration from Sahih al-Bukhari (2770) in the Book of Wills and Testaments (Wasaayaa) establishes the permissibility and virtue of performing charitable acts on behalf of the deceased.
Scholarly Commentary
The affirmative response of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) confirms that righteous deeds, particularly charity (sadaqah), benefit the deceased in their afterlife. This is based on the principle of spiritual connection (nisbah) and divine grace.
The garden mentioned represents substantial wealth, indicating that both small and significant charitable acts are acceptable. The man's request for the Prophet to witness the donation demonstrates the importance of proper documentation in Islamic transactions.
Legal Rulings Derived
This hadith forms the foundation for the Islamic ruling that charity, prayer, fasting, and Hajj performed on behalf of the deceased reach them and benefit their spiritual state.
Scholars emphasize that the reward reaches the deceased while the original performer also receives reward for their good intention and action.
Spiritual Significance
This teaching illustrates Islam's comprehensive view of the Muslim community encompassing both the living and the dead, connected through continuous acts of righteousness.
It demonstrates Allah's infinite mercy that allows the living to benefit their departed loved ones through ongoing charity and supplication.