Q: I have about sixty audio tapes of Qur’an, Hadith, and Khutbahs (sermons). I also have some Islamic books. I hope that the reward of the foregoing reaches me in my burial place; should I donate them during my lifetime to some Masjids (mosques), give them as gifts to some friends, or determine in my will that they should be donated after my death? Which is more proper; to donate such tapes and books while I am still alive or to do so after my death bearing in mind that my children may benefit from them. May Allah reward you with the best.Besides, I appeal to whomever reads this letter to make Du`a' (supplication) for me in (Part No. 16; Page No. 28)  Al-Haram-ul-Makky (the Sacred Mosque in Makkah) if they are close to it and to send my salutations to the Messenger (peace be upon him) and to Abu Bakr and `Umar (may Allah be pleased with them both). This is Amanah (a trust)! May Allah's Peace, Mercy, and Blessings be upon you!

A: Firstly: All these are ways of goodness and benevolence. However, you have to seek the way which achieves the greatest interest and benefit for you and your children both during your lifetime and after your death. May Allah grant you success and rightness. Secondly: Regarding the following phrase that your question contained: "I appeal to whomever reads this letter to send my salutations to the Messenger 'peace be upon him' and to Abu Bakr and `Umar 'may Allah be pleased with them both'", we clarify to you that asking others to salute the Messenger (peace be upon him) or any dead person in your behalf is not Mashru` (Islamically acceptable). Rather, doing so is Bid`ah (innovation in religion) while the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: Every Bid`ah is a deviation and every deviation is in Hellfire. (Part No. 16; Page No. 29) Consequently, you should abandon such a practice and inform whoever indulges in it of its impermissibility. On the other hand, amongst the bounties of Allah is that He (Exalted be He) decreed that our salutation to our Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) reaches him wherever we may be. Proof for the foregoing is the authentic Hadith in which the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: Allah has angels roaming around if they find anyone greeting me they carry back these greetings to me. (Related by Imam Ahmad, Al-Nasa'y, and others). The Prophet (peace be upon him) also said: The best of your days is Friday. On that day pray to Allah to exalt my mention frequently, for your supplications are presented to me wherever you may be. And: (Part No. 16; Page No. 30)  Do not make my grave a place of celebration, and do not make your houses graves, but invoke blessings on me, for your blessings reach me wherever you may be. There are many Hadiths to the same effect. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.