Question:

As-Salamu ‘Alaikum,

1. Is it permitted to recite the Holy Qur’an over the deceased?

2. What about making loud congregational dhikr such as la ilaha ill ‘Llah?

3. Is it allowed to write on the shroud?

4. Is it allowed to place anything in the shroud such as taweez or personal items.

5. Is it permitted to hold gatherings to recite all or some of the Holy Qur’an for the deceased shortly after burial?

6. What about serving food to guests in the home of the deceased?

Answer:

1. Presenting the reward of recitation of the Qur’an to a dead person is permissible whether the dead is a relative or not. This is the opinion of the majority of Muslim scholars.

2. It is permissible for those accompanying the Janaazah to read La ilaha illallah softly. Reciting Durood, Naath, the Kalima, Tasbeeh or Tahleel, loudly or silently while carrying or walking in front of the janaazah is permissible and beneficial to the deceased and those present. One should abstain from speaking of WORLDLY affairs or laughing and joking.

3. The shrouding garments and fabrics should be plain and unadorned with no indication of the deceased person’s material wealth in life.

4. Choosing to use less fabric for the shroud and avoiding placing things such as taweez or personal items, metal or plastic zippers and buttons is preferable to not reduce to soil.

5.  It is permitted to hold gatherings to recite from the Holy Qur’an for the soul of the deceased shortly after burial.

6. If guests come to the family of the deceased during the mourning period, there is nothing wrong with making food for them for the sake of hospitality, and there is nothing wrong with the household inviting whoever they want to eat with them from the food that has been given to them.

And Allah (swt) knows best.

Dr. Senad Agic, Imam
SABAH – Chicago
9920 Grand Ave
Franklin Park, IL 60131