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Fatwa CenterReciting Al-Fatihah for condolence to the deceased's family
Question
1. What should an advertisement be like according to Islam? Is there any difference in its type and application?
2. Is it permissible to say Tuwufiya (passed away with respect) for non- Muslims as some TV channels or individuals say when non-Muslims die?
3. Were the Surahs of the Qur'an revealed to prophet Mohammed (Salla Allahu Alaihi Wa sallam) one after the other? If not, how were the Aayaat (verses) of each Surah collected?
4. What is the evidence for reciting Surah Al-Fatihah when entering the home of a recently deceased person for condolence to the family, or for its recitation after finishing the Tasbeeh (prayer)? If so, what is the purpose for that?
Answer
Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds; and may His blessings and peace be upon our Prophet Muhammad and upon all his Family and Companions.
It is possible for an advertisement to be according to Islamic teachings if it is free from naked women and/or music, and if it does not incite or promote something forbidden in Shariah, like alcohol (all kinds of alcoholic drinks), gambling, slaughtering for other than Allah, throwing arrows for seeking luck or decision, Bank interest, and the like. Such a lawful advertisement should be in accordance with all the Shariah requirements.
2. There is no harm to say 'Tuwufiya' for non-Muslims Allah says: "It is Allah who takes away the souls at the time of death (yatawafa) and those that die not during their sleep. He keeps those (souls) for which He has ordained death and sends the rest for a term appointed. Verily, in this are signs for a people who think deeply. "(Az-Zumar 39:42) the meaning is that Allah is ending the lives of humans in this world, and there is no difference whether the souls mentioned are for Muslims or for non-Muslims.
3. The Qur'an was revealed to the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam) according to incidents in the lives of the Muslims The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam) was explaining to the people why it was revealed (on which incidents), and Jibreel used to review the Qur'an with the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam) each Ramadan and clarify to him the order in which it was to be compiled. In the year in which Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam) passed away, Jibreel reviewed the Qur'an with him twice, as reported by Bukhari and Muslim.
4. Nothing is reported about the legitimacy of reciting Al-Fatihah or any other Surah when entering the house of a deceased person, or after finishing the prayer of Tasbeeh.
However, some texts were reported that the dead person benefits from the reward intended for him.
It is reported in Sunan Abu Dawud that a man asked the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam) "O, Prophet of Allah, my mother passed away, if I give Sadaqat (alms) and intend the reward for her will that benefit her?" The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam) replied: "yes".
The questioner asked again: "My mother died when she had to fast for a whole month, can I fast and intend the reward for her?" the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam) replied: "yes".
So, by analogy to the above Ahadith some scholars said that it is permissible to intend the reward of reciting the Qur'an for a dead person.
Allah knows best.
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