What is the ruling on celebrating the centennial or the fortieth day after the death of a scholar?

Celebrating the anniversary of the deceased, whether they be common people, scholars, kings, or presidents, is an innovation (muhdath) and a bid'ah (reprehensible innovation) that was not practiced by the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him), his Companions, or the righteous predecessors (Salaf as-Salih).

Manifestations of this innovation include: Holding extravagant feasts and celebrations after a death, calling them "the fortieth" or other names, with the intention of showing off and hypocrisy. Reciting the Quran at the grave or elsewhere for condolence, which was not part of the Prophet's guidance (Sunnah). Designating a specific time to publish scholars' books and write about their biographies, while holding celebratory speeches on this occasion. Visiting graves and placing flowers and reciting Al-Fatiha.

These practices are considered blameworthy innovations that squander wealth and lead to greater evils, some of which may even reach the level of polytheism (shirk). The true appreciation for scholars lies in benefiting from their knowledge, disseminating it, reading it, and explaining it, not in celebrating their anniversaries. The Salaf unanimously agreed that gathering for the family of the deceased and preparing food is a form of wailing (niyaha), and the Sunnah is for food to be prepared for the family of the deceased and sent to them.