What can we do to benefit our departed Muslim brothers and sisters?

 Compiled and Edited By : Syed Muhammed Ismaeel.

What can we do to benefit our departed Muslim brothers and sisters?

Death – A grim reality

Death is inevitable. We all shall die one day. But, do we really know what it is? What should we do when our loved ones depart from this life, and what has our beloved prophet taught us regarding death?

There are many verses in the Holy Qur’aan, which mention death, and some of them are quoted below, with appropriate references:

 Allah Almighty says, “Every self will taste death. You will be paid your wages in full on the Day of Rising. Anyone who is distanced from the Fire and admitted to the Garden, has triumphed. The life of this world is only the enjoyment of delusion,” (3:185) [ Translation taken from: The Muslim Village ]

So, we all shall TASTE DEATH. This word indicates that death is not a complete destruction, such that nothing remains after a person dies. We don’t turn into “NOTHING” after our death. In Islam, we all know and believe in Life After Death. So, what has our religion taught us about the events that happen when a person dies? Let’s see.

To understand death easily, we can compare it to sleep. The prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) himself compared sleep with death, as narrated in Tabarani, Hadith Number 9061 [ Source: Islamic Archive ] Here is the translated version of this narration along with the Arabic text:

It is narrated from Hazrat Jabir Bin Abdullah (RA) that he said that the prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) was asked, “Do the people sleep in paradise?” He replied: “Sleep is the brother of Death, and the people of paradise do not sleep.”

عَنْ جَابِرِ بْنِ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ قَالَ : سُئِلَ نَبِيُّ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ ، فَقِيلَ : يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ ، أَيَنَامُ أَهْلُ الْجَنَّةِ ؟ فَقَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ : " النَّوْمُ أَخُو الْمَوْتِ ، وَأَهْلُ الْجَنَّةِ لَا يَنَامُونَ"

So, what happens when we sleep? Let’s say that your brother, Ahmad is sleeping. Now, if you are sitting next to him while he is dreaming about flying in the air, or swimming in a pool, or any such activity which involves motion and movement, you would remain unaware of his adventures. Right? Our souls are taken out of our bodies while we are asleep.

Allah has mentioned that in the Holy Qur’aan, in Surah Zumar, Aayah 42:

“Allah takes the souls at the time of their death, and those that do not die [He takes] during their sleep. Then He keeps those for which He has decreed death and releases the others for a specified term. Indeed, in that are signs for a people who give thought.” [ Source: Quran.ksu.edu.sa ]

So, when we sleep, there is a weak connection of our soul with our body, and it is returned to the body when we are about to wake up. But when we die, the connection of the soul with our body becomes almost negligible.

The prophet has taught us a supplication that we should make to Allah before going to sleep. It also reminds us that our souls are taken by Allah while we sleep, and are returned to us as we are about to wake up. It is as follows:

“Bismika Rabbee wada’tu janbi wa bika arfa’uhu wa in amsakta nafsi farhamhaa wa in arsaltahaa fahfazhaa bimaa tuhfaz bihi ‘ibaadika al-saaliheen (In Your name, my Lord, I lie down, and in Your name I rise. If You should take my soul then have mercy on it, and if You should return my soul then protect it as You protect Your righteous slaves).” When the Muslim wakes up, he should say, “Al-hamdu Lillaah alladhi ‘aafaani fi jasadi wa radda ‘alayya roohi wa adhina li bi dhikrihi (Praise be to Allaah Who has restored to me my health and returned my soul and has allowed me to remember Him).” (Reported by Al-Tirmizi, Hadith Number: 3323. He said, حديثٌ حَسَنٌ – which means that it has been narrated by more than one chain of narrators.)

What happens after we die?

There are many authentic narrations which state the condition and experiences of a dead person after death. Here is a narration from Sahih Al Bukhari:

عَن أنَس بن مالِك رضِي الله عنه أنَّه حَدَّثهم أن رَسول الله صَلى الله عليه وسَلم قال : إنَّ العَبد إِذا وُضِع في قَبره وتَوَلى عَنْه أصْحابُه – وإنه لَيَسْمَعُ قَرْعَ نِعَالِهم  – أتَاه مَلَكانِ، فَيُقعِدَانِه، فَيَقُولانِ : "مَا كُنتَ تقُولُ في هٰذا الرَّجل ؟ " (لِمُحَمَّدٍ صَلَّى الله عَليه وَسَلَّم) فأما المؤمن فيقول : "أشهد أنه عبد الله ورسوله."  إلخ. ~ الصحيح البُخارى: حديث 1308

 [ Al Bukhari, Hadith Number: 1308. Taken from Islamweb.net ]

Translation: It is narrated by Hazrat Anas Bin Malik (RA) that the prophet (PBUH) said: “When a person is placed in the grave, and his companions (Those who accompanied his funeral procession and his relatives) return (after the burial) – and surely he hears the sound of their shoes – two angels come to him, and make him sit, and say: “What do you say about this person?” (pointing to the holy Prophet PBUH). The believer says: “I bear witness that he is Allah’s slave and Messenger.” – … (the narration continues to describe the reward for the believer and the punishment of the disbeliever.)

From this narration and the ones on the same topic, we can easily understand that after death, a new life begins, which we can not detect via science and technology. We have yet to fully understand our dreams, let alone have any control over them! So, how can afterlife be described in scientific terms without the help of these types of authentic narrations by our beloved prophet PBUH?

The life after our death, and before the Qiyamah is called as the Barzakh. It simply means “Barrier”. There are different types of people going through this stage. There are some who are being rewarded for their good deeds, and some are not so lucky. Some people, who are very pious, like the prophets and the martyrs are rewarded with the strongest type of life, and their earthly bodies are also preserved well. There are narrations which mention that the bodies of the Huffaz (Those who have memorized the Holy Qur’aan) are also not decomposed in the soil. Allah has discouraged us from calling those who have been martyred in the way of Allah as dead. Instead, he has informed us that they are alive, and are being given sustenance by their lord.

Allah says in Surah Al-Baqarah, Verse 154:
 “وَلَا تَقُولُوا لِمَن يُقْتَلُ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ أَمْوَاتٌ ۚ بَلْ أَحْيَاءٌ وَلَٰكِن لَّا تَشْعُرُونَ”

Translation: And do not say about those who are killed in the way of Allah, "They are dead." Rather, they are alive, but you perceive [it] not. [ Taken from: Quran.ksu.edu.sa ]

Now, when we have understood that death is just a form of new existence and not complete annihilation, we may wonder if we can, in any way, help our deceased relatives and friends. If you are not aware of this already, you might understand the fact that the only currency in the hereafter, the afterlife, or life after death is the reward given to us by Allah for our good deeds in this world.

The proof for this is that there is a narration of our beloved prophet PBUH, which states that when a person dies, everything that he had in this world, like wealth and children, properties, etc., will be left behind, and only his actions (and their rewards or results) will accompany him to the grave. Here is the Hadith from Sahih Al-Bukhari:

حَدَّثَنَا عَبْدُ اللَّهِ بْنُ أَبِي بَكْرِ بْنِ عَمْرِو بْنِ حَزْمٍ سَمِعَ أَنَسَ بْنَ مَالِكٍ يَقُولُ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ: يَتْبَعُ الْمَيِّتَ ثَلَاثَةٌ، فَيَرْجِعُ اثْنَانِ وَيَبْقَى مَعَهُ وَاحِدٌ. يَتْبَعُهُ أَهْلُهُ وَمَالُهُ وَعَمَلُهُ، فَيَرْجِعُ أَهْلُهُ وَمَالُهُ وَيَبْقَى عَمَلُهُ. 
 ] فَتْحُ البَارِى على صَحِيح البُخَارِى [ Taken from: islamweb.net Hadith Number: 6149 –

Translation: Hazrat Abdullah Bin Abi Bakr Bin Amr Bin Hazm narrated to us that he had heard Hazrat Anas Bin Malik (RA) say that the prophet PBUH had said: “Three things follow the dead person to the grave; two of them return, and one stays with him. His family (and friends), his wealth (like slaves, vehicles, etc.), and his deeds follow him to the grave. His family and wealth return, and his deeds stay (with him).” [Translated by Syed Muhammed Ismaeel, the author.]

How can we help our deceased brothers and sisters?

As you already are aware that the dead people can no longer continue doing good deeds that result in them being rewarded, one may wonder if they can somehow benefit their deceased relatives and friends in some way. Well, there is a way. We can do good deeds, like giving charity, and praying for their well being in the afterlife. Since this is something that we cannot prove through logic and science alone, lets see what our beloved prophet has to say on this matter. Here is a narration from Sahih Al-Bukhari:

أَنْبَأَنَا ابْنُ عَبَّاسٍ أَنَّ سَعْدَ بْنَ عُبَادَةَ – رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ – (أَخَا بَنِي سَاعِدَةَ) تُوُفِّيَتْ أُمُّهُ وَهُوَ غَائِبٌ عَنْهَا، فَأَتَى النَّبِيَّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ فَقَالَ: يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ إِنَّ أُمِّي تُوُفِّيَتْ وَأَنَا غَائِبٌ عَنْهَا فَهَلْ يَنْفَعُهَا شَيْءٌ إِنْ تَصَدَّقْتُ بِهِ عَنْهَا؟ قَالَ: نَعَمْ. قَالَ: فَإِنِّي أُشْهِدُكَ أَنَّ حَائِطِيَ الْمِخْرَافَ صَدَقَةٌ عَلَيْهَا. ] فَتْحُ البَارِى على صَحِيح البُخَارِى [ Taken from: islamweb.net Hadith No.: 2611–

Translation: Hazrat Abdullah Bin Abbas has informed us that Hazrat Sa’d Bin Ubadah’s (RA), (a man from Bani Saidah) mother had died while he was away from her. So, he came to the prophet PBUH and asked: “O Messenger of Allah! My mother died while I was away from her, so, will it benefit her if I gave something in charity on her behalf?” The prophet replied, “Yes.” He (Hazrat Sa’d) said, “I would like you to bear witness that my orchard Mikhraaf is a charity on her behalf.” [Translated by Syed Muhammed Ismaeel, the author.]

From this narration, we understand that the reward we get for giving wealth in charity can be gifted to the dead people. Is it same for our worship? Can we perform an act of worship, like fasting, and gift the reward for the dead? Yes, we can. Here is a narration from Sahih Al-Bukhari, which clarifies this point:

عَنْ ابْنِ عَبَّاسٍ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمَا قَالَ: جَاءَ رَجُلٌ إِلَى النَّبِيِّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ فَقَالَ: يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ، إِنَّ أُمِّي مَاتَتْ وَعَلَيْهَا صَوْمُ شَهْرٍ. أَفَأَقْضِيهِ عَنْهَا؟ قَالَ: نَعَمْ. قَالَ "فَدَيْنُ اللَّهِ أَحَقُّ أَنْ يُقْضَى."

Translation: It is narrated by Hazrat Abdullah Bin Abbas (RA) that he said: A man came to the prophet PBUH, and asked him: “O Messenger of Allah! My mother has died, and she had a month of fasting obligatory on her. So, can I repay it for her?” He said: “Yes. Because Allah’s debt is more worthy of being repaid.”

This means that we can gift the rewards of our good deeds to the dead. The majority of the Ahl-e-Sunnah-wal-Jama’ah say that we can gift the rewards of our good deeds to both the living and the dead. Here is a Fatwa (religious edicts) regarding this topic. It is a short version:

” مَن صَام أو صَلَّی أو تَصَدَّق وَجعَل ثَوابه لِغَیرہ مِن الأمواتِ والأحیاءِ جَازَ، ویَصِلُ ثَوابُہَا إلیہِم عِندَ أهْلِ السُّنَّة وَالجماعَة.“  ~ الشامِي

Translation: The one who fasts or prays or gives in charity and gifts the reward to others, dead or alive, then it is permissible, and the rewards reach them according to the belief of Ahl-e-Sunnah-wal-Jama’ah. ~ Shami. [Taken from: darulifta-deoband.com]

So, we should pray for our deceased relatives and friends, and from time to time, send them gifts in the form of the rewards mentioned above. There is a narration which states that there are some lucky people who keep getting the rewards of their deeds long after their death. These people are the ones who have gained religious knowledge, and spread it among people, and as long as there are people benefiting from that knowledge, the dead person shall get the rewards. Similarly, any Sadaqah-e-Jaariyah (Perpetual Charity), like planting trees, writing a good book, construction of mosques, etc., also have lasting rewards. Here is a narration to support this, narrated by Sahih Muslim:

وَعَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ  -رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُ - قَالَ : قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ - صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ : " إِذَا مَاتَ الْإِنْسَانُ انْقَطَعَ عَنْهُ عَمَلُهُ إِلَّا مِنْ ثَلَاثَةِ أَشْيَاءَ : صَدَقَةٍ جَارِيَةٍ ، أَوْ عِلْمٍ يُنْتَفَعُ بِهِ ، أَوْ وَلَدٍ صَالِحٍ يَدْعُو لَهُ  ~ " . رَوَاهُ مُسْلِمٌ .

Translation: It is narrated by Hazrat Abu Hurairah (RA) that he said that the prophet PBUH had said: “When a person dies, his deeds come to an end, except from three things: Perpetual Charity, or Knowledge that is beneficial, or a pious child who prays for him. (for the deceased person)” Narrated by Muslim. [Taken from: Riyadh-As-Saliheen and Islamweb.net]

Visiting graves

Our prophet had stopped us from visiting graves, due to the possibility of unlawful and unwanted activities that could take place there. But, after a while, he gave permission to visit graves, because visiting them reminds us of our destination, the Afterlife, and makes us realise that we too shall die one day. This can help us in performing good deeds and abstaining from sins. Here is the narration regarding this:

عَنْ ابْنِ بُرَيْدَةَ عَنْ أَبِيهِ قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ: نَهَيْتُكُمْ عَنْ زِيَارَةِ الْقُبُورِ، فَزُورُوهَا. وَنَهَيْتُكُمْ عَنْ لُحُومِ الْأَضَاحِيِّ فَوْقَ ثَلَاثٍ، فَأَمْسِكُوا مَا بَدَا لَكُمْ …  الخ.  ~ رَواهُ مُسْلِم.

Translation: It is narrated by the son of Buraidah (RA) from his father (Buraidah) that he said that the prophet PBUH had said: “I had prohibited you from visiting graves, but now, go and visit them. And I had prohibited you from keeping the meat of the Qurbani (Sacrifice) for more than 3 days, so now you can store them for as long as you wish.” … (the hadith continues.) [Taken from: Islamweb.net] [Hadith 1623, Sahih Muslim]

Well, the main purpose of visiting graves is to remember that we shall die too, and get motivation to do good deeds to help us lead a better life in the hereafter. Here are some things that we should not do while visiting a grave:

۞    No wiping hands over the graves.

۞    No kissing or circumambulation around them.

۞    No sacrificing animals for the dead.

۞    No sitting on the grave or walking on top of them.

۞    No praying toward the graves.

۞    No breaking the bones of the dead.

۞    No placing pictures or flowers on top of the grave.

So, we should all follow the path shown to us by our beloved prophet PBUH, and keep improving ourselves.

our time here is so short,No one knows the duration of this journey

*I AM A BETTER PERSON AFTER READING THIS*

A young lady was sitting in a bus. At the next stop a loud and grumpy old lady came and sat by her. She squeezed into the seat and bumped the young lady with her numerous bags.

The person sitting on the other side of the young lady got upset, asked her why she did not speak up and say something.

The young lady responded with a smile:

*"It is not necessary to be rude or argue over something so insignificant, the journey together is so short."*

We need to realize that our time here is so short; that to darken it with quarrels, futile arguments, not forgiving others, discontentment and a fault finding attitude would be a waste of time and energy.

Did someone break your heart?
Be calm, *the journey is so short.*

Did someone betray, bully, cheat or humiliate you?
Be calm, forgive, *the journey is so short.*

No one knows the duration of this journey. No one knows when their stop will come. Our journey together is so short.

Let us cherish friends and family. Let us be respectful, kind and forgiving to each other. Let us be filled with gratitude and gladness.

If I have ever hurt you, I ask for your forgiveness. If you have ever hurt me, you already have my forgiveness.

After all, our journey together is so short.

🙏 *Stay Blessed 

What kind of things can be done that would benefit the dead muslim muslimah?

TWO GUIDES OF MY LIFE GONE , SAME MONTH & SAME YEAR.

I LOST MY FATHER , MY MENTOR, MY INSPIRATION SYED ISHTIAQUE AHMAD SAHEB ON 13.08.2016. AT GUWAHATI, ASSAM
&
I LOST MY SPIRITUAL GUIDE MOHD NASIM AFSAR SAHEB of Mumbai on  28.08.2016.

Death is inevitable. It is the one thing that we can be certain about in life. We are born to die. Every soul shall have a taste of death no matter who they are. This is confirmed for us many times in the Quran:

"Every soul shall have a taste of death: and only on the Day of Judgement shall you be paid your full recompense." (Quran 3:185)

• 
  

MY FATHER S GRAVE

MY BORBOBAA S GRAVE

MY YOUNGEST SISTER GRAVE

• The scholars agree that the dead person is benefited by the good things that he initiated in his lifetime. The prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) said: "When a son of Adam dies, his deeds cease to benefit him except three: a perpetual charity, a useful contribution to knowledge, and a good child who would pray for him." [Reported by Imam Muslim and the other six Imams]

• As far as the good acts by the living people that will benefit the dead person, they are as follows:

WHENEVER YOU REMEMBER YOUR DEPARTED PARENTS OR FAMILY MEMBERS...IMMEDIATELY SAY ...O ALLAH PLEASE FORGIVE THEM AND GIVE THEM JANNAH.

1. Supplicating and asking for Allah's forgiveness for the dead: Allah (S.W.T.) says what can be translated as, " And those who came after them saying: 'O our Lord, forgive us and our brothers who preceded us in good faith."' [surat Al-Hashr, (verse 10)] Also, this practice of praying for the dead is from the tradition of the prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.).

2. Charity: the mother of Sa'ad Ibn Obada (R.A.) died while he was away, so he came to the prophet (S.A.W.) and said:" O messenger of Allah, my mother has died while I was away, would it benefit her if I gave charity on her behalf? He (S.A.W.) said: "Yes." Sa'ad said: "I would like you to witness that my orchard - Al-Mikhraf - is a charity on her behalf." [Reported by Imam Al-Bukhari]

3. Fasting: A man came to the prophet (S.A.W.) and said:" O messenger of Allah, my mother died before she made up a month's time of fasting, can I make it up for her?" he (PBUH) said:" If your mother were in debt, would you have paid the debt for her?" he said: "Yes", he (S.A.W.) said: " A debt to Allah is more worthy of being paid." [Reported by Imams Bukhari and Muslim]

4. Hajj: A woman from Juhaynah (a tribe) came to the prophet (S.A.W.) and said: "My mother has made (Nathr) - (a promise to Allah) - to go to Hajj, but she died before she fulfilled her "Nathr". Can I perform Hajj on her behalf? He (S.A.W.) said: "Perform Hajj on her behalf. If your mother were in debt, would you not have paid it for her? Do it (all of you) because Allah is more worthy of being paid pack." [Reported by Imam Al-Bukhari]

5. Paying off the Deceased's Debts: The money to pay off the debt can come from the deceased's wealth, or any donations from family or friends. "Abu Qatada (R.A.) donated money to pay the debt of a deceased person, which was two Dinars, with the approval of the prophet (S.A.W.)." [Reported by Imam Al-Hakm and Al-Baihaqui]

6. Reciting Qur'an: There is a difference of opinion among the scholars regarding this practice since no explicit text has been gathered that says reading the Qur'an would benefit the dead with a reward. Hanafi and Hanbali schools of Fiqh say that the reward of reading Qur'an will reach the dead, because these scholars made an analogy about the other righteous deeds that have been mentioned by the prophet (S.A.W) like fasting or hajj on behalf of the dead. On the other hand, Maliki and Shaf'i schools of Fiqh say that the reward will not reach the dead, because Allah (S.W.T) says, what can be translated as, "And that man can have nothing but what he does (good or bad)." [surat Al-Najm,(verse 39)] And also the prophet (S.A.W) said: "When a person is dead, his deeds cease (are stopped) except from three: a continuous charity, a knowledge which mankind gets benefit and a righteous child who makes supplication for him." [Reported by Imam Muslim] Also, there is no text from the prophet that proves that reciting Qura'n will transfer into a reward for the dead.

"Every soul shall have a taste of death: and We test you by evil and by good, by way of trial. To Us must you return." (21:35)

"Every soul shall have a taste of death: In the end to Us shall you be brought back." (29:57)

and the Almighty says, “No self knows what it will earn tomorrow and no self knows in what land it will die.” (W31:33; H31:34)

The Almighty says, “When their specified time arrives, they cannot delay it for a single hour nor can they bring it forward,” (16:61)

and the Almighty says, “O you who believe! Do not let your wealth or children divert you from the remembrance of Allah. Whoever does that is lost. Give from what We have provided for you before death comes to one of you and he says, ‘O Lord, if only you would give me a little more time so that I can give sadaqa and be one of the righteous.’ Allah will not give anyone more time, once their time has come. Allah is aware of everything you do.” (63:9-11)

Ibn ‘Umar used to say, “In the evening, do not anticipate the morning, and in the morning do not anticipate the evening. Take from your health for your illness and from your life for your death.” [al-Bukhari]

Abu Huraira reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “Remember often the destroyer of pleasures,” by which he meant death.

Source: Sunan ibn Majah 4258, Grade: Sahih (authentic) according to Al-Albani

http://dailyhadith.abuaminaelias.com/2012/09/13/hadith-on-death-recommendation-to-frequently-remember-death-the-destroyer-of-pleasures/

Abu Hurayra reported the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, “Race to good actions as fast as you can. What are you waiting for except delayed poverty, oppressive wealth, debilitating illness, dottering senility, a swift death or the Dajjal? Or are you waiting for an unseen evil, or the Last Hour? The Last Hour will be most bitter and terrible.” [at-Tirmidhi]
https://muslimvillage.com/2016/07/26/52109/verses-and-hadiths-on-remembering-death/

Death is not total annihilation, but a different state of being.

When people sleep (and sleep is the “lesser death”), the soul is taken, but not completely, so the sleeper is still alive. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): “It is Allaah Who takes away the souls at the time of their death, and those that die not during their sleep, He keeps those (souls) for which He has ordained death and sends the rest for a term appointed. Verily, in this are signs for a people who think deeply.” [al-Zumar 39:42]

The Messenger of Allaah  (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) advised the Muslim, when he lies down to sleep, to say: “Bismika Rabbee wada’tu janbi wa bika arfa’uhu wa in amsakta nafsi farhamhaa wa in arsaltahaa fahfazhaa bimaa tuhfaz bihi ‘ibaadika al-saaliheen ( In Your name, my Lord, I lie down, and in Your name I rise. If You should take my soul then have mercy on it, and if You should return my soul then protect it as You protect Your righteous slaves).” When the Muslim wakes up, he should say, “Al-hamdu Lillaah alladhi ‘aafaani fi jasadi wa radda ‘alayya roohi wa adhina li bi dhikrihi (Praise be to Allaah Who has restored to me my health and returned my soul and has allowed me to remember Him ).” (Reported by al-Tirmidhi, 3323’ He said, a hasan hadeeth).

It is in Hadith - Narrated Anas bin Malik : Allah's Apostle ( صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم )  said, "When (Allah's - سبحانہ و تعا لی) slave is put in his grave and his companions return and he even hears their footsteps, two angels come to him and make him sit and ask questions. (Bukhari - Volume 2, Book 23, number 456).

Then he said to us: "Ask Allah (سبحانہ و تعا لی) for refuge from the torment of the grave", he repeated this command two or three times. Then he said O Allah (سبحانہ و تعا لی) I seek refuge in you from the torment of the grave (three times).

It is in Hadith, Prophet Mohammad (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم ) said ‘when you go to the graves of the dead, say ‘Assalamu alaikum ya ahlal quboor’ – meaning ‘peace be upon you O’ people of graves’. 

It is in Hadith narrated by Hazrat Abdullah Bin Abbas (رضئ اللہ تعالی عنہ) that the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم ) said, ‘whoever goes by the grave of a believer and offers salutation (says Assalamu alaikum) to him, the believer recognizes him and answers back the salutation’. 

(Gazali, Ihyau Ulumi’d-din, IV, Ziyaratu’l Qubur)

It is in Quran – ‘Those who die in the way of Allah ( سبحانہ و تعا لی) do not call them as dead. They are alive, but you do not understand it’. (Al-Baqara – 154). They live in the ‘life of comforts’ after death until resurrection.

It is in Hadith - Once  Prophet (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم ) was returning from a conflict (war) and he said, we are moving from the smaller Jihad to the bigger Jihad (Tazkia Nafs). (al-Radd al-Mukhtar - Kitab al-Jihad - Vol. 3 - P-237). 

All Awliya Allah and good Muslims who have fought with their Nufoos throughout their lives and died, insha-Allah will be covered under the above Quranic verse (as per above Prophet's -صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم   Hadith). 

It is in Hadith -   narrated by Buraidah (radiyallahu ta'ala anhu) that the dear Prophet (sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam) said: "I used to forbid you from visiting the graves (but now I give you permission), you should visit them" (Muslim, Mishkat p.154) 

It is in Hadith - Muhammad bin Nu'man (radiyallahu ta'ala anhu) narrates that Rasoolallah (sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam) said: "Whoever visits his parents' graves or visits one of their graves every Friday, then he will be forgiven and will be written as being one of the pious" (Mishkat p.154) 

http://www.islamicinformation.net/2008/05/souls-journey-after-death-in-islam.html

What kind of things can be done that would benefit the dead muslim muslimah?

After burial, the soul comes back to the dead person, and he can hear his companions' footsteps as they leave. (Bukhaariy) Umar once asked, "Are our minds returned to us, O Messenger of Allah?" The Prophet (may Allah raise his rank) confirmed that this will be so. (Ahmad)

Two blueish black angels Munkar and Nakiir come to the newly buried, sit him up, and ask him some questions. Note, however, that martyrs of the battlefield, prophets and children are spared the questioning of the angels.

The martyrs, the prophets, and some of the Muslim saints do not decompose at all. It was related that "the prophets are alive in their graves, praying," (Ibn Hajar) and the Quran states that the Martyrs are alive.

In addition to the above Ibn ^abbaas related that if a Muslim greets a buried muslim who used to know him in this life, then he will know who it is and return his greeting from the grave. (Ibn ^abdu-l-Barr)

All of the above hadits and many more show that death is not total annihilation, but a different state of being.

• The scholars agree that the dead person is benefited by the good things that he initiated in his lifetime. The prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) said: "When a son of Adam dies, his deeds cease to benefit him except three: a perpetual charity, a useful contribution to knowledge, and a good child who would pray for him." [Reported by Imam Muslim and the other six Imams]

• As far as the good acts by the living people that will benefit the dead person, they are as follows:

1. Supplicating and asking for Allah's forgiveness for the dead: Allah (S.W.T.) says what can be translated as, " And those who came after them saying: 'O our Lord, forgive us and our brothers who preceded us in good faith."' [surat Al-Hashr, (verse 10)] Also, this practice of praying for the dead is from the tradition of the prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.).

2. Charity: the mother of Sa'ad Ibn Obada (R.A.) died while he was away, so he came to the prophet (S.A.W.) and said:" O messenger of Allah, my mother has died while I was away, would it benefit her if I gave charity on her behalf? He (S.A.W.) said: "Yes." Sa'ad said: "I would like you to witness that my orchard - Al-Mikhraf - is a charity on her behalf." [Reported by Imam Al-Bukhari]

3. Fasting: A man came to the prophet (S.A.W.) and said:" O messenger of Allah, my mother died before she made up a month's time of fasting, can I make it up for her?" he (PBUH) said:" If your mother were in debt, would you have paid the debt for her?" he said: "Yes", he (S.A.W.) said: " A debt to Allah is more worthy of being paid." [Reported by Imams Bukhari and Muslim]

4. Hajj: A woman from Juhaynah (a tribe) came to the prophet (S.A.W.) and said: "My mother has made (Nathr) - (a promise to Allah) - to go to Hajj, but she died before she fulfilled her "Nathr". Can I perform Hajj on her behalf? He (S.A.W.) said: "Perform Hajj on her behalf. If your mother were in debt, would you not have paid it for her? Do it (all of you) because Allah is more worthy of being paid pack." [Reported by Imam Al-Bukhari]

5. Paying off the Deceased's Debts: The money to pay off the debt can come from the deceased's wealth, or any donations from family or friends. "Abu Qatada (R.A.) donated money to pay the debt of a deceased person, which was two Dinars, with the approval of the prophet (S.A.W.)." [Reported by Imam Al-Hakm and Al-Baihaqui]

6. Reciting Qur'an: There is a difference of opinion among the scholars regarding this practice since no explicit text has been gathered that says reading the Qur'an would benefit the dead with a reward. Hanafi and Hanbali schools of Fiqh say that the reward of reading Qur'an will reach the dead, because these scholars made an analogy about the other righteous deeds that have been mentioned by the prophet (S.A.W) like fasting or hajj on behalf of the dead. On the other hand, Maliki and Shaf'i schools of Fiqh say that the reward will not reach the dead, because Allah (S.W.T) says, what can be translated as, "And that man can have nothing but what he does (good or bad)." [surat Al-Najm,(verse 39)] And also the prophet (S.A.W) said: "When a person is dead, his deeds cease (are stopped) except from three: a continuous charity, a knowledge which mankind gets benefit and a righteous child who makes supplication for him." [Reported by Imam Muslim] Also, there is no text from the prophet that proves that reciting Qura'n will transfer into a reward for the dead.

What are the rules concerning the visitation of graves?

• Visiting the graves is desirable for both men and women. This will remind us of the reality of death. The prophet (S.A.W) said to the companions, "I had (previously) forbidden you to visit the graves, now (it is permissible for you, so) go and visit them, there is a lesson to learn from them, and do not say anything that will upset Allah." [Reported by Imams Al-Hakm, Al-Baihaqui, and Al-Bazzar] Women just like men may visit the graves, because of the orders of the prophet (S.A.W), which included them too. Also women will share with men the same wisdom that can be learned from visiting the graves. And also when Aishah (R.A.) asked the prophet (S.A.W) what she could say when she visits the graves, the prophet taught her what she should say, and did not prevent her from visiting the graves. He said to her, "Say, Aishah, “Peace be upon the believing men and women dwelling here. May Allah grant mercy to those who have preceded us and those who are to follow them certainly, Allah willing, we will join you”. [Reported by Imams Muslim and An-Nasa'i] The opinion for men as well as women to visit graves has been adopted by Imam Malik, some Hanafi scholars and even one report from Imam Ahmad. It is, however, important that the women must be dressed according to the Sharia’h rules and be accompanied by her Mahram.

• Whoever pays a visit to a grave; you should face the deceased, greet and supplicate for him/her as the prophet used to do while he visited graves.

Prohibited Acts While Visiting Graves

• No wiping hands over the graves

• No kissing or circumambulating around them

• No sacrificing animals for the dead

• No sitting on the grave or walking on top of them

• No praying toward the graves

• No breaking the bones of the dead

• No placing pictures or flowers on top of the grave

http://islam1.org/iar/imam/archives/2004/12/30/the_basic_rules_of_islamic_funerals.php

http://islam1.org/iar/imam/archives/2004/12/30/the_basic_rules_of_islamic_funerals.php

SHARE THIS AS IT IS SADAQA JAARIYAH

What is sadaqa jaariyah ?
Abu Hurairah reported, "The Prophet (saws) said, 'The righteous works that continue to benefit a believer after his death (or sadaqa jaariyah) include the knowledge that he taught and spread among others, a righteous son whom he leaves behind, or a copy of the Qur'an that he bequeaths to his inheritors, or a mosque that he builds, or a rest house that he builds for the wayfarers, or a well/pond of water that he digs for the benefit of others, helping a child for his/her education, helping orphan, donating to school/dispensary/hospital, or planting trees. He will continue to receive reward for all these even after his death.'

Related by Ibn Majah. Muslim, and Abu Dawood.

http://www.islamquote.com/2013/04/03/sadaqat-ul-jariyah/