Observe the Hadeeth mentioned under number2 and 28 - it specifically
mentions the deceased leaving behind a copy of the Holy Qur'an. It is
very clear that when the heir will read from it, the reward will be
passed on to the deceased.!!!
We have also cited the practice of the Sahaba who used to gather at
thehouse of Syedna Anas, and that should suffice as proof.
As regards having 30 or so persons reading the Holy Qur'an separately,
it would not have been possible at the time of theHoly Prophet or the
Sahaba immediately after him since the Holy Qur'an was not compiled,
nor was it printed. The first compilation was hand written, and then
only a few manuscripts were copied for preservation. The number of
companions who had memorized the entire Qur'an were just a few. Also
most of the early companions knew the Qur'an only in small parts,and
that too not in the order we have it printed today. It would have thus
been very difficult for them to coordinate reciting the entire Holy
Qur'an in one sitting. The practice followed now is amatter of
convenience and in no way can be termed against Sunnah.
It is also a very convenient way for the poor Muslims (who cannot
afford charity, Hajj or sacrifice etc) to convey reward to their near
ones,by reciting alone, or by arranging such recitation in mosques,
homes etc.
We do not find any proof within Islamic Sources that forbid the
holding of the Qur'an Khwanee on the 3rd, 10th or 40th day. Nor is it
compulsory to doit on these very days. After all, this is a Mustahab
Act, not a compulsory act (which usually has a time limit). From the
prayers for the dead mentioned in the Qur'an and Hadeeth, thereis no
time limit. The Holy Prophets, and the Sahaba prayed for all Muslims,
no matter when they had died. The Holy Qur'an also commands us
likewise forour parents. However, these are scheduled for the
following reasons:
1. It is easier to remember. If not planned or programmed, it will
never be held. Look, the Holy Qur'an commands usto offer prayer, but
does not command us to put up notices within our mosques declaring the
congregation timings, or to announce the Azaan onloud speakers - but
we dothat although Muslims areaware of the 5 daily prayers.
2. The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) used to
regularly visit the graves of the martyrs of Uhud regularly once every
week. He also exhorted others to visit Uhud, and greet the martyrs.
(See Hadeeth above). It is also mentioned that he offered charity on
their behalf. The actions of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be
upon him) (i.e. visiting every week) are a very good example for us.
3. The 3rd day probably signifies the end of the permitted mourning
period (except for widows). It is also the lastday for people to pay
condolences. So the last thing to do before the mourning ends would
be, of course, to pray for the departed soul.
4. The 10th day means that a week has passed byafter the mourning
period. It is therefore chosen as a grim reminder.
5. The number 40 occurs in the Qur'an and Hadeethin many places. It is
an important number to indicate change from one state to another.
According to some Hadeeth, the fetus in the womb of a mother changes
from one state toanother every forty days. Holy Prophet Musa (peace be
upon him) was asked by Allah to spend forty nights at mount Sinai
(al-Baqarah 2:51). Bani Israil were kept wandering in the wilderness
of Sinai for forty years (al-Ma'idah 5:26). Holy Prophet Muhammad
(peace and blessings be upon him) was bestowed with revelation from
the Holy Qur'an at the age of forty. If 40 Muslims attend a funeral
and pray for the deceased's salvation, theirintercession will be
accepted by Allah. And there are many other important events in
history associated with the number 40. The 40th day also means that a
month has passed by since the last grim reminder.
6. The annual day speaks for itself. Another year haspassed -even for
the person who is alive.
Please note a person may be saddened by the loss ofsomeone near for
his entire life - there is nothing forbidden in it - but he may not
"mourn" the loss after 3 days (except in case of widows).
We must also remember that:
1. These are occasions of solemnity, and not ostentation or show.
2. The purpose should be seeking Allah';s pleasure, of conveying
reward to the departed soul, and praying for their salvation.
3. These occasions should serve as reminders of our own deaths and the
after life.
4. Giving charity to the needy & deserving, along with such
recitations, on behalf of the deceased is commendable.
5. The conveyance of reward not only benefits the deceased but also
has immense reward for the doers of the good, and they remind them of
the hereafter.:->
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