The Custom of Fidya for the Deceased’s Missed Fasts and Prayers

Question

(1) A general custom prevails among us: when someone dies after reaching the age of maturity, half a maund and five seers of wheat (maund and seer being local units of weight: a maund ≈ 37 kg, a seer ≈ 0.93 kg) and one copy of the Holy Qur’an are given out as sadaqa. Whether the deceased was rich or poor and starving, the same practice is current for everyone. Baskets of wheat are placed on the head of a pauper and carried in front of the janaza (bier).

Answer

The procedure described is a bid‘a and impermissible; it is without basis — indeed, it is contrary to the principles of the Sacred Law. Isal al-thawab (conveying reward to the deceased) in itself — without making a particular date, day, form and the like binding — is commendable (mustahsan)

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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