When a person dies, some people say about him or her: 'So and so on whom mercy is bestowed died'

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Q 3: When a person dies, some people say about them: "So and so on whom mercy is bestowed died", "So and so who is forgiven [by Allah] died", and other similar phrases. Is this permissible? What is the ruling on this matter?

A: We should say on the deceased Muslim: "may Allah be merciful to them; and may Allah forgive them" as a way of supplication for them. Asking Allah to aid them is lawful. It should not be said: "So and so, on whom mercy is bestowed ..." or "So and so, who is forgiven [by Allah] ...", as such expressions indicate the speaker's being certain of bestowing mercy and forgiveness on the dead. Nobody is certain to have been granted mercy or forgiveness unless there is a proof from the Qur'an and Sunnah (whatever is reported from the Prophet).May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.