Tasbih, tahlil and the like for the deceased for a fee

Question

Question: (1) When someone dies, after the burial religious scholars, mullas, hafizes and others are gathered, given cash, and made to recite tasbih (“Subhan Allah”), tahlil (“La ilaha illa Allah”) and the like around the grave for four days, more or less, and this reward is gifted to the deceased — what is the ruling on this? That is, should this money be paid from the estate of the deceased without dividing the estate, or not? Is it permissible to gather specifically around the grave and recite, or not?

Answer

(1) Taking and giving a fee for tasbih and tahlil is impermissible; in this case there is no reward — rather, there is sin. If the deceased made a bequest for this, the bequest is void (batil). If some of the heirs are minors, then giving this fee from the estate without dividing it is absolutely impermissible; those who give it will be liable for compensation (daman)

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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