Three deeds that continue to benefit after death
Sahih Muslimย 1631
Abu Huraira (Allah be pleased with him) reported Allahโs Messenger (๏ทบ) as saying: When a man dies, his acts come to an end, but three, recurring charity, or knowledge (by which people) benefit, or a pious son, who prays for him (for the deceased).
- Quranic references that support the message of Sahih Muslim 1631 about leaving behind a lasting legacy of good deeds, beneficial knowledge, and pious children:
1. Quranic Verses on Pious Offspring
๐Surah As-Saffat (37:100)
“My Lord, grant me [a child] from among the righteous.”
๐น This was the dua of Prophet Ibrahim (AS), asking Allah to bless him with a pious child who would continue his legacy of righteousness.
๐Surah Al-Furqan (25:74)
“And those who say, ‘Our Lord, grant us from among our wives and offspring comfort to our eyes and make us an example for the righteous.'”
๐น This verse highlights the importance of righteous children, as they bring peace and continue the faith of their parents.
๐Surah Maryam (19:5-6)
“And indeed, I fear [what will happen] after me, and my wife has been barren, so grant me from Yourself an heir who will inherit from me and inherit from the family of Yaqub. And make him, my Lord, pleasing [to You].”
๐น This was the prayer of Prophet Zakariya (AS) for a child who would continue spreading beneficial knowledge and righteous deeds.
2. Quranic Verses on Continuing Good Deeds (Sadaqah Jariyah & Knowledge)
๐Surah Al-Baqarah (2:261)
“The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like a seed of grain that sprouts seven ears, in every ear a hundred grains. And Allah multiplies [His reward] for whom He wills.”
๐น This verse explains how charity continues to grow and benefit both the giver and the receiver even after death.
๐Surah Al-Kahf (18:46)
“Wealth and children are [but] adornment of the worldly life. But the enduring good deeds are better to your Lord for reward and better for [one’s] hope.”
๐น This shows that good deeds and righteous children are more valuable than worldly wealth because they provide eternal benefits.
๐Surah Al-Mujadila (58:11)
“Allah will raise those who have believed among you and those who were given knowledge, by degrees.”
๐น This supports the importance of beneficial knowledge, as Allah grants higher ranks to those who spread wisdom.
How Can Dua Benefit a Deceased Person If Their Deeds Have Ended?
The hadith (Sahih Muslim 1631) states that when a person dies, their deeds come to an end, except for three things:
1๏ธโฃ Sadaqah Jariyah (Ongoing Charity)
2๏ธโฃ Beneficial Knowledge
3๏ธโฃ A Pious Child Who Prays for Them
This raises an important question: If a person’s deeds end at death, how can dua (supplication) still benefit them?
1. Understanding “Deeds Ending” in the Hadith
๐Surah An-Najm (53:39)
“And that man will have nothing except what he strives for.”
๐น This verse emphasizes personal responsibility, that a person earns their reward or punishment based on their own efforts.
๐น However, this does not mean that external sources of benefit (like dua or charity on behalf of the deceased) are invalid. Instead, it highlights that a person must have laid the foundation for such benefits in their lifetime (e.g., raising a pious child who prays for them or leaving behind beneficial knowledge).
2. Quranic Evidence That Dua Benefits the Dead
๐Surah Ibrahim (14:41)
“Our Lord, forgive me and my parents and the believers the Day the account is established.”
๐น This verse shows Prophets making dua for their deceased parents, proving that supplication benefits the dead.
๐Surah Al-Hashr (59:10)
“Our Lord, forgive us and our brothers who preceded us in faith and do not put in our hearts [any] resentment toward those who have believed.”
๐น This confirms that dua for previous generations of believers is accepted.
๐Surah Nuh (71:28)
“My Lord, forgive me and my parents and whoever enters my house as a believer, and the believing men and believing women.”
๐น Prophet Nuh (AS) prayed for forgiveness of all believers, living and dead, further proving that dua can benefit them.
4. Hadith on the Power of Dua for the Deceased
๐Sahih Muslim 1630
“When a person dies, the prayer of a righteous child for their parent is among the things that benefit them.”
๐Sahih al-Bukhari 1361
“A man asked: O Messenger of Allah, my mother died suddenly and did not leave a will, but I think if she had spoken, she would have given charity. Can I give charity on her behalf? The Prophet (๏ทบ) said: Yes, give charity on her behalf.”
๐น This proves that not only dua but also actions like charity can benefit the deceased.