Al-Ifta confirmed that charity on behalf of the deceased is permissible and recommended, and it may be distributed at graves or in any place where the poor and needy gather, provided proper etiquette and health measures are observed. This includes not raising the voice and maintaining cleanliness when distributing food or drink. The ruling applies to all times and circumstances, not restricted to a specific place or occasion.
It is established in Sharia that charity benefits the deceased, as confirmed by authentic hadiths where the Prophet ﷺ permitted giving charity for parents and others who have passed away. Scholars unanimously agree on its permissibility and that the reward reaches the deceased.
Claims that distributing charity at graves is an innovation (bid’ah) are incorrect, as the Prophet ﷺ did not forbid such acts, and not all new acts are prohibited. Scholars divide bid’ah into five categories: obligatory, recommended, prohibited, disliked, and permissible. Acts of goodness such as giving charity for the deceased are considered recommended and permissible, benefiting both the deceased and the doer.
Thus, distributing charity at graves is permissible, beneficial for the deceased, and recommended, provided that proper etiquette and health guidelines are followed, making it a virtuous act accepted in Sharia.
