Burning Incense Sticks at the Grave, the Adhan at the Grave, and the Third-Day Memorial Gathering

Question

In some places it is the common practice that, if someone dies, for three days incense sticks or lamps are lit at the grave and the adhan is recited, and on the third day, as a memorial gathering, a collective Qur’an recitation for the deceased and the recitation of the “Ayat-e Karima” are considered binding and necessary. Are these practices permissible according to the Sacred Law?

Answer

These practices are bid‘a and impermissible. But to convey reward [to the deceased] by reciting the Holy Qur’an, or performing prayer, or keeping a fast, or giving food, clothing, cash and the like to the poor — without fixing a date — and to hasten in this as much as possible, indeed to do it even before the burial, is commendable (mustahsan) and a means of reward.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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