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Is reciting Al-Fatihah collectively at a mourning gathering, after supplicating for the deceased, considered a Bidʻah Ḥasanah (good innovation), and what is its legal ruling if it is not?

1 min readAlso available in العربية

The origin of offering condolences is legislated, but the early generations of the Ummah did not specify a particular manner for it or dedicate a specific surah to be recited. Gathering at the house of the deceased for condolences is a reprehensible innovation (bid'ah dalalah). The rituals mentioned in the question have no basis in Islamic law and are an innovation, because the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Every innovation is misguidance." There is no such thing as a "good innovation" in religion; every innovation is misguidance. Whoever deems something good has legislated it. Imam Malik said that whoever introduces a "good innovation" has claimed that the Prophet betrayed the message, because the religion has been perfected.

Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026

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