The concept of (ایصال ثواب) refers to conveying the reward of one’s good deeds, such as reciting Qur’an, offering charity, fasting, or performing any virtuous act, and dedicating its reward to another person, especially the deceased. Muslims worldwide practice this act with the belief that their deeds can benefit their loved ones who have passed away. The foundation of this practice is rooted in ایصال ثواب کی احادیث, which highlight authentic narrations from the Prophetﷺ and scholarly consensus on its validity. This article explores the Hadith evidence, Fatwa discussions, and the Islamic rulings related to Eesal-e-Sawab.
Understanding Eesal-e-Sawab in Light of Hadith
The term ایصال ثواب کی احادیث includes various narrations where the Messenger of Allahﷺ either instructed or approved acts where the living could send rewards to the deceased. A few important examples include:
- Charity on Behalf of Parents
A man asked the Prophetﷺ: “My mother passed away suddenly, and she did not make a will. If I give charity on her behalf, will she receive a reward?” The Prophetﷺ replied: “Yes.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Sahih Muslim)
This Hadith is a clear proof that charity can reach the deceased. - Hajj on Behalf of the Deceased
Another narration mentions a woman asking the Prophetﷺ about performing Hajj for her deceased mother. The Prophetﷺ replied: “Yes, perform Hajj on her behalf.” (Sunan Abu Dawood)
This proves that acts of worship like Hajj can also be gifted to others. - Fasting on Behalf of the Deceased
In Sahih al-Bukhari, it is narrated that if a person dies and has missed obligatory fasts, their heirs may fast on their behalf. This indicates that worship can be performed to benefit the deceased.
These ایصال ثواب کی احادیث form the core evidence that rewards of good deeds may indeed be conveyed to others.
Scholarly Opinions on ایصال ثواب
Classical Islamic scholars from all major schools of thought (Hanafi, Shafi’i, Maliki, Hanbali) agree that Eesal-e-Sawab is valid, particularly in the form of:
- Charity (Sadaqah Jariyah)
- Qur’an recitation
- Supplications (Dua & Istighfar)
- Acts of worship like Hajj and fasting
Imam Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyyah states in his work Kitab al-Ruh that the deceased benefits from the prayers, charity, and good deeds of the living. Similarly, Imam al-Nawawi mentioned that reciting the Qur’an and making dua with the intention of conveying its reward is permissible and beneficial.
Fatwa QA on Eesal-e-Sawab
Question 1: Is Eesal-e-Sawab permissible in Islam?
Answer: Yes, based on multiple ایصال ثواب کی احادیث, it is permissible. The Prophetﷺ approved charity, fasting, and Hajj on behalf of the deceased. Islamic jurists confirm that rewards of good deeds can be conveyed to others by intention.
Question 2: Can Qur’an recitation be conveyed to the deceased?
Answer: According to Hanafi and Hanbali scholars, reciting the Qur’an and gifting its reward is permissible. Many scholars, including Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal, supported this view. Shafi’i scholars had some differences, but later jurists allowed it with the support of ایصال ثواب کی احادیث.
Question 3: Is there a difference between making dua and performing an act for the deceased?
Answer: Yes. Making dua is unanimously accepted, as Allah says in the Qur’an: “And those who came after them say: ‘Our Lord! Forgive us and our brothers who preceded us in faith.’” (Surah al-Hashr 59:10). Acts like charity, fasting, or Qur’an recitation require intention but are validated by ایصال ثواب کی احادیث.
Question 4: Does the deceased receive all types of rewards?
Answer: The majority opinion is that any good deed a Muslim performs with a sincere intention can be conveyed. However, certain jurists limited this to specific acts mentioned in the Hadith. The safer position is to focus on acts explicitly mentioned in ایصال ثواب کی احادیث, such as charity, Hajj, fasting, dua, and Qur’an recitation.
Practical Ways of Eesal-e-Sawab
Based on Hadith and Fatwa rulings, Muslims can practice Eesal-e-Sawab in the following ways:
- Reciting Qur’an – reading Surah Yasin, Surah al-Fatiha, or other Surahs and gifting their reward.
- Giving Charity – donating money, building wells, mosques, or sponsoring orphans in the name of the deceased.
- Making Dua – praying for forgiveness and mercy for the departed soul.
- Performing Hajj/Umrah – undertaking these acts on behalf of parents or relatives.
- Fasting – completing missed fasts for a deceased relative.
Each of these is supported directly or indirectly by ایصال ثواب کی احادیث.
Addressing Misconceptions
Some argue that Eesal-e-Sawab is an innovation (Bid’ah). However, this view contradicts authentic ایصال ثواب کی احادیث where the Prophetﷺ himself instructed companions to give charity, perform Hajj, or fast on behalf of their deceased. The consensus of scholars strengthens this practice.
Conclusion
The concept of Eesal-e-Sawab is deeply rooted in Islamic teachings and proven by authentic ایصال ثواب کی احادیث. It offers comfort to Muslims, allowing them to continue benefiting their loved ones even after death. Fatwa rulings from renowned scholars confirm that deeds such as charity, Qur’an recitation, fasting, and Hajj can be conveyed to the deceased. Therefore, Eesal-e-Sawab remains a noble act of love, remembrance, and ongoing charity in Islam.