Death Anniversaries

Miss_Mohabbat · August 3, 2005, 12:51pm

What exaclty do they mean in Islam?

Are there certain things people should do at a death anniversary? Or should they be ignored?

Sadiyah · August 3, 2005, 2:02pm

Re: Death Anniversaries

Isn't the concept of death anniversaries alien to Islam? I thought we're mainly supposed to make duaa for the deceased and that has to be done all year round and not on a specific day.

The_Hunk · August 3, 2005, 2:09pm

Re: Death Anniversaries

There's no significance to it. If you want to pray for your loved ones on this day because you miss them particularly, that's fine, but it shouldn't be made into a ritual.

(Allah knows best)

Miss_Mohabbat · August 3, 2005, 5:08pm

Re: Death Anniversaries

Does it say anywhere specific in the Quran or Hadith's about the "rituals" of death anniversaries?

MesmeriZeD · August 5, 2005, 2:24pm

Re: Death Anniversaries

Praying for the dead is allowed in Islam, so praying for the dead on their death anniversaries does not invalidate the praying

funguy · August 5, 2005, 2:31pm

Re: Death Anniversaries

^ are u sure?

here is an excerpt;

35:18 (explanation) And no person, being already burdened with his own doings, will be made to carry the burden of another. And if a laden one calls for help with his load, none may carry part of it even if he is a close relative. Hence, you can warn only those who understand their Lord's Law of Requital knowing that even their actions done in secrecy have consequences. So, such people follow the Divine Commands closely. Whoever grows in virtue does so for the good of his "Self". And the destination of all is to Allah.

In my humble opinion these gatherings of "Khattams" revolve around the concept of "ISAL-E-SAWAB" i.e. conveying reward to a dead body . In other words this concept accepts that a human being ,after death , not only remains in touch with this world but can also receive the reward of virtues of others to lessen burden of his/her own wrong doings.(A non Qur'a'nic concept)

MesmeriZeD · August 5, 2005, 3:09pm

Re: Death Anniversaries

so u r saying we shouldnt pray for the dead? how does making a dua for the dead become unacceptable. Noone is asking to carry the burden or make the dead persons sins to ur sins. but only to pray for his forgiveness

Sadiyah · August 5, 2005, 3:23pm

Re: Death Anniversaries

Here’s an excerpt:

According to the saheeh ahaadeeth, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) explained the things that will benefit the Muslim after he dies. He (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “When a man dies, all his good deeds come to a halt, apart from three: ongoing charity (sadaqah jaariyah); beneficial knowledge; or a righteous child who will pray for him.” (Narrated by Muslim in his Saheeh). A man asked the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), “O Messenger of Allaah, is there anything that I can do to continue honouring my parents after they die?” He (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Yes: pray for them, ask for forgiveness for them, fulfil their last wishes (wasiyah or will), honour their friends and uphold the ties of kinship which you would not have were it not for them.” The last wishes (wasiyah or will) expressed by the person before he or she died should be fulfilled so long as they are in accordance with sharee’ah. Other ways of honouring one’s parents is to give in charity on their behalf, to make du’aa’ for them and to perform Hajj and ‘Umrah on their behalf. And Allaah is the Source of strength.

http://63.175.194.25/index.php?ln=eng&ds=qa&lv=browse&QR=9979&dgn=4

Miss_Mohabbat · August 5, 2005, 3:28pm

Re: Death Anniversaries

Thank You Sadiyah, what you posted was exactly what I was after, I just didnt word my question correctly.

ahmadjee · August 5, 2005, 3:36pm

Re: Death Anniversaries

MM, there is no tradition in Islam about khatum, while there are many traditions that talk about the importance of going to the grave of the deceased loved one and praying to Allah for their forgiveness and our own.

gupguppy · August 5, 2005, 3:38pm

Re: Death Anniversaries

the hadith posted earlier is about how the benefit from a person’s own deeds might continue after his/her death… hence it says “all his good deeds come to a halt, apart from three”… but it doesn’t preclude anyone else from supplicating for the deceased so long as it is in a manner approved by the sharia… it is an area of difference as i mentioned here:

http://www.paklinks.com/gs/showthread.php?t=187419

Miss_Mohabbat · August 5, 2005, 3:49pm

Re: Death Anniversaries

Im more confused than I was to begin with. My family have always done khattams for deceased family members...always. I guess Allah knows best.

funguy · August 5, 2005, 4:08pm

Re: Death Anniversaries

If you only seek the answers you are looking for or feel comfortable with or your family already does, then why ask?

Code_Red · August 5, 2005, 4:24pm

Re: Death Anniversaries

Do charity, in their name and do lots of good work thinking about them…

Think of Imran khan, he does the good work in his mother’s name, people who get treated free of cost give him lots of blessing and they pray for him and his mother

Either they will get some reward or else you will definitely get it.

Its a win win situation :k:

Miss_Mohabbat · August 5, 2005, 4:36pm

Re: Death Anniversaries

I guess I wanted to know why I pray for my mum on her death anniversary. Not necessarily if it is right or wrong. I mean, in one sense I already knew, but it’s nice to know what other people think sometimes. It was just a question, no offence intended.

funguy · August 5, 2005, 4:44pm

Re: Death Anniversaries

I am sorry to hear that.

I think all the prayers help the people and family left behind rather than the deceased. But that’s my take.

Inna Lilla-he wa inna ilaihe raajaioon

Miss_Mohabbat · August 5, 2005, 5:16pm

Re: Death Anniversaries

OK, so given your take on this matter, when someone asks you to pray for someone, say a friend or a family member who are ill or whathaveyou, do you not pray as you think you are praying for yourself? I don't understand.