Q: I heard some learners at Al-Haram-ul-Madany (the Sacred Mosque in Madinah) saying that hiring a person to recite Qur'an on behalf of a dead person is not Mashru` (Islamically acceptable). Since this practice is prevalent in our country as well as other countries, please give me a Fatwa regarding this matter as the proofs indicate, and tell me what should be done with the money that was willed by the deceased to be spent on reciting the Qur'an on his behalf?

(Part No. 9; Page No. 38)  A: Hiring a person to recite Qur'an on behalf of a dead person following the will of the latter is a Bid`ah (innovation in religion) which is neither permissible nor valid. This is because the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: He who did any act for which there is no sanction from our behalf, that is to be rejected , and he (peace be upon him) said: Anyone who introduces anything into this matter of ours (Islam) that is not part of it will have it rejected. On the other hand, money that was willed by the deceased to be spent on reciting the Qur'an on his behalf should be spent on other forms of beneficence such as giving Sadaqah (voluntary charity) to the poor offspring of the deceased to fulfill their needs, or to those who need support amongst the learners of Qur'an and knowledge of the Shari`ah (Islamic law) for they are worthy to be supported with this money. It may also be spent through other means of charity.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.