Quran with the intention of benefiting the deceased

Question: Is it permissible to recite the Quran to benefit the deceased, including recitation as a group?

Praise be to Allah

Summary:
Reciting the Quran to transfer reward to the deceased is a matter of scholarly debate. The majority of scholars agree that direct acts of worship, such as Quran recitation, were not practiced by the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) or his companions for the deceased, and thus, it is not a prescribed Sunnah. Group recitations specifically for the deceased are also not supported by authentic sources.

Detailed Answer:
In Islam, it is encouraged to make dua and give sadaqah on behalf of the deceased, as these practices are mentioned explicitly by the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). In one Hadith, a man asked, “O Messenger of Allah, my mother has died suddenly and did not leave a will. I think if she had spoken, she would have given in charity. Will she have a reward if I give in charity on her behalf?” The Prophet replied, “Yes.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 1388; Sahih Muslim, Hadith 1004).

However, there is no authentic Hadith that supports reciting the Quran to benefit the deceased or to gather in groups for this purpose. Scholars such as Imam Malik and Imam Ahmad have stated that acts of worship intended for personal spiritual benefit should not be transferred to the deceased unless explicitly prescribed by the Sunnah. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) taught that charity, dua, and beneficial knowledge are the deeds that can benefit a deceased person, as stated in “When a man dies, his deeds come to an end except for three: ongoing charity, beneficial knowledge, or a righteous child who prays for him.” (Sahih Muslim, Hadith 1631)

Therefore, while making dua and giving charity are encouraged, organized recitations solely for the deceased are considered an innovation (Bid’ah) and are not part of the Sunnah.

And Allah Knows Best