Du`a' after the Funeral Prayer

Q 12: Is it permissible to recite Surah Al-Fatihah and Surah Al-Ikhlas in the house of the deceased after three days of their death or is it a detestable Bid`ah (innovation in religion)?

A: We do not have any evidence from the Qur'an or Sunnah in support of the permissibility of reciting Surah Al-Fatihah and Surah Al-Ikhlas or the like in the house of the deceased after three days of their death. In addition, none of the Sahabah (Companions of the Prophet), Tabi`un (Followers, the generation after the Companions of the Prophet), or their followers was reported to have observed this act. The basic principle is to prevent this matter, as the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, Anyone who does an action which is not stated in this matter of ours (Islam) will have it rejected. Whoever claims that reciting Surah Al-Fatihah and Surah Al-Ikhlas is permissible should provide evidence. (Part No. 9; Page No. 35) May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.