The Ruling on Praying and Fasting and such like on behalf of the Dead

Question:

Is it correct to pray, fast and recite the Qur'an on behalf of the dead?

Answer:

Yes, it is correct for a person to pray, fast, give charity, recite the Qur'an, utter remembrance of Allah, and perform other such deeds by which one draws closer to Allah on behalf of the dead, on condition that he (the dead person) is a Muslim. However, if he is a disbeliever, it is not permissible for a person to do anything on his behalf. For example, when a person dies and he was not in the habit of praying, it is not permitted for his family to ask forgiveness for him or to offer any righteous deeds on his behalf. Having said this, this kind of charity is not recommended, it is simply permissible and it is better to supplicate Allah for him, according to the words of the Prophet :
"When the son of Adam dies, all of his deeds are cut off except three: Continuing charity, beneficial knowledge or a righteous son who supplicates for him.

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