Is it permissible to give charity on behalf of a deceased person?

Assalamu’alaikum Sobat Halal-Mu

Giving alms to those in need is not only an act of virtue, but also a noble value reflected in Islamic teachings.

It is explained in the Qur’an Surah An Nisa verse 36, where Allah commands His people to worship Him without associating Him with anything. In addition, the verse also emphasizes the importance of doing good to parents, relatives, orphans, and the poor.

In a hadith narrated by Sahl, the Prophet further corroborates this teaching by saying, “I will be with those who take care of orphans in Paradise.” He gave a visual cue by holding up his index and middle fingers, illustrating the importance of the social role of helping orphans.

Giving alms is not only seen as a good deed, but also as a form of investment to obtain blessings from Allah for the hereafter. In this context, Islam not only teaches providing material assistance, but also emphasizes the importance of providing care and compassion to those in need.

However, ethical issues arise regarding the continuation of good deeds on behalf of people who have passed away. In Fatwa Tarjih, it is revealed that giving alms or charity on behalf of a deceased person does not flow rewards and does not become charity for the deceased person. The verse in the Qur’an (QS. An-Najm: 39) also emphasizes the principle that humans only get what they have worked for.

The Tarjih Fatwa Team seems to highlight that good deeds, including alms, must come from the initiative and efforts of the living person. In other words, the reward of giving charity on behalf of the deceased cannot be attributed to them, because it did not arise from their own efforts.

Source: Majalah Suara Muhammadiyah, edisi 19, TH ke-108, 1-15 Oktober 2023

https://muhammadiyah.or.id/2023/12/bersedekah-atas-nama-orang-yang-sudah-meninggal-bolehkah