Does the deceased hear the supplication of the living, and what does he see and feel from the moment of his death until his burial? Is visiting his grave beneficial to him, and is the legitimacy of supplicating for the deceased conditional upon him having been a performer of prayer?
The majority of scholars, including Sheikh Al-Islam, Ibn Kathir, and Al-Suyuti, agree that the deceased hears the words of their visitor. The experiences of the deceased, from the moment of death throes until burial, and what they see and feel, are matters of the unseen that may vary from person to person. Some may see angels, and when the soul of a believer ascends, it meets the souls of other believers who rejoice with it. After burial, angels come to question the deceased, who sees them, hears their words, and answers them. At this point, "Allah keeps firm those who believe, with the firm word, in worldly life and in the Hereafter." When the soul of a believer is seized, angels with white faces come to give good tidings, and their soul departs with ease. It is permissible, though not obligatory, to prompt the dying person with the word of monotheism (Shahada). Supplication benefits the deceased, and the greatest benefit of visiting graves is for the visitor, reminding them of the Hereafter and serving as a lesson. The deceased benefits from seeking forgiveness for them, giving charity on their behalf, and performing Hajj and Umrah on their behalf. The Prophet (peace be upon him) was asked about what remains of showing kindness to one's parents after their death, and he replied: "Praying for them, seeking forgiveness for them, and fulfilling their promises after their death."
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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