Q: Please could you clearly and explicitly explain the reason for 3 days, 40 days (etc.) Khatam not being permissible.
Due to many families already being entrenched in these actions, what other permissible substitutes (preferably containing feeding, reading) you advise with can be carried out, fulfilling the same purpose which is to send esaale sawaab for the deceased?
A: This has no basis in the shariah.
The deed that counts most by Allah Ta`ala is the deed that is according to the sunnah and done with sincerity. So if it does not have the basis of the sunnah and it is done just out of consideration and respect for people then it does not have the basic requirement. So how can it be of any benefit to the deceased.
And Allah Ta’ala (الله تعالى) knows best.
Answered by:
Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)