Hilat al-isqat (the rite of “discharging” the sins of the deceased)

Question

When people take the deceased to the janaza ground, before the janaza they take a copy of the Holy Qur’an and, handing it from one to another, pass it around (tawaf); after that some money is given to the respected Mulla. These acts are done with the intention of isqat (discharging) of sins, and this is regarded as a hila (legal device). Is this matter of isqat established from any hadith of the Prophet ﷺ, or from any Companion, or from any of the mujtahid imams, or not? Explain with proof and be rewarded.

Answer

This method of isqat of sins has no basis; it is bid‘a and impermissible. If the respected Mulla is poor and deserving, then giving him charity and conveying the reward to the deceased is correct. Likewise, giving food to other poor people, or giving [them] cash, or clothing, or any other thing with the intention of isal al-thawab (gifting reward) is commendable (mustahsan).

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

Preview. The full text opens with JavaScript enabled.