The Benefit to the Deceased from the Living Seeking Forgiveness for Them

Question

The deceased benefit from the living seeking forgiveness (istighfar) for them and from isal al-thawab. But what benefit is there in istighfar or isal al-thawab for minor, sinless children, when such a child is without sin and [destined for] Paradise? In the funeral prayer for such sinless children there is no lengthy istighfar. [If] istighfar [and] isal al-thawab are of no use for children, then there is no benefit either in visiting the graves of children.

Answer

Elevation in ranks occurs in any case, so what difficulty is there in isal al-thawab? There is, however, no need for istighfar.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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