Q 2: Can a dead person benefit from the charity paid by a living person for his sake?

A: A dead person benefits from the charity paid by a living person for his sake according to consensus of Ahl-ul-Sunnah wal-Jama`ah (those adhering to the Sunnah and the Muslim main body). Al-Bukhari and Muslim reported that `Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) (Part No. 9; Page No. 28) said: "A man came to Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) and said: 'O Allah's Messenger! My mother died suddenly without making a will. I think if (she could have the opportunity) to speak she would have made a charity. Will there be any reward for her if I give charity on her behalf?' He (the Prophet) said: 'Yes.'" Al-Bukhari reported that `Abdullah ibn `Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) said: The mother of Sa`d ibn `Ubadah (may Allah be pleased with him) died in his absence. He came to the Prophet (peace be upon him) and said: 'O Allah's Messenger! My mother died in my absence; will it be of any benefit for her if I give charity on her behalf?' The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'Yes.' Sa`d said: 'I make you a witness that I give my garden called Al Makhraf in charity on her behalf.'" There are also many other Hadiths that are reported concerning charity paid on behalf of the dead person and the reward that he is granted for that.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.