What is the ruling on placing three small, water-soaked balls behind the deceased's back in the laḥd (niche in the grave), while saying "From it We created you" (Qur'an 20:55) when placing the first ball behind the neck, "And into it We will return you" (Qur'an 20:55) when placing the second behind the back, and "And from it We will bring you forth once again" (Qur'an 20:55) when placing the third behind the legs?

There is no religious evidence for the permissibility of placing balls with the deceased in the grave. This is one of the innovations that must be avoided. However, it is sunnah (definition) for those present at the burial to throw dust over the deceased three times. As for the saying: "From it We created you, and into it We will return you, and from it We will bring you forth once again," no authentic hadith (definition) from the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, has been reported concerning it.