Is feeding birds in cemeteries on Fridays, with the intention for the deceased, a correct act whose reward reaches the deceased?
If a Muslim wishes to benefit their deceased relatives, they may give charity on their behalf and intend for the reward of the charity to reach them. This is based on the narrated by Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her, that a man asked the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him: "My mother died suddenly, and I think that if she had been able to speak, she would have given charity. Will she have a reward if I give charity on her behalf?" He said: "Yes." Feeding birds and animals is considered a form of charity, as narrated by Anas ibn Malik, may Allah be pleased with him, that the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "There is no Muslim who plants a tree or sows a seed from which a bird, human, or animal eats, but it will be considered a charity for him." However, the best and most rewarding form of charity is giving to the poor and needy. As for dedicating Friday specifically for visiting graves, this is an innovation with no basis. The prescribed practice is to visit graves at any convenient time, based on the Prophet's sayings, peace and blessings be upon him: "Whoever introduces into this matter of ours that which is not part of it, it will be rejected," and "Whoever performs a deed that is not in accordance with our matter, it will be rejected." It must be known that benefiting the deceased is not limited to feeding birds or giving financial charity; the best and most beneficial thing that reaches the deceased is supplication for them.
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