Do the dead hear our supplications during Witr, prostration, or when visiting graves? What are the Qur’anic and Sunnah references that indicate their hearing of supplications? Do the souls of the dead visit the living in dreams? And what are the deeds beloved to the dead in their graves?

The issue of the dead hearing is among the unseen matters into which one should not delve except with a legal proof. The preponderant view is that the deceased hears the words of his visitor, and some hadiths have indicated that the deceased recognizes who greets him and returns the greeting. Likewise, the souls of the living and the dead meet in dreams, where they converse and recognize each other.

As for the beloved deeds for the dead, there is no specific text regarding them. However, the Lawgiver encouraged giving charity on their behalf, and supplicating and seeking forgiveness for them, as mentioned in the authentic Sunnah (definition), and that the reward of charity and supplication reaches them. Some scholars have stipulated that any act of worship a Muslim performs and dedicates its reward to a deceased Muslim benefits them.