Observing voluntary Sawm on behalf of the deceased

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Q: We hope that Your Eminence will tell us the ruling on observing voluntary Sawm (Fast) on behalf of a deceased parent or relative.

A: Voluntary Sawm is not to be observed on behalf of a deceased, rather one can make Du`a' (supplication), give Sadaqah (voluntary charity), offer Ud-hiyah (sacrificial animal offered by non-pilgrims), or perform Hajj or `Umrah on their behalf. These matters are mentioned in Allah's Purified Shar` (Law), and they benefit the deceased if Allah (Exalted be He) accepts them. There is no evidence on observing voluntary Sawm or anything else - except what was mentioned above - on behalf of the deceased. Therefore, it is not permissible to observe it.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.