There is an unanimity of opinion that commemorating the seventh day or fortieth day or death anniversaries, and holding Qur’anic recitations on such occasions is a reprehensible innovation to be shunned. However, reading the Qur’an on other occasions in a group and making a du`a’ for the deceased is not all considered reprehensible, according to many scholars. One can read the Qur’an whether individually or in a group on behalf of one’s deceased parents or relatives. But one must not do this by setting a fixed date such as the seventh day, the fortieth day or the death anniversaries, etc. for by setting aside such dates for specific rituals we incur the sin of making innovations in religion. You can read: Acts that Benefit the Dead
Elaborating on the issue of reading the Qur’an in a group on behalf of the deceased, Sheikh Ahmad Kutty, a senior lecturer and an Islamic scholar at the Islamic Institute of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, states:
“This is an issue on which scholarly opinion is divided. While there is an unanimity of opinion that commemorating the seventh day or fortieth day or death anniversaries, and holding Qur’anic recitations on such occasions is a reprehensible innovation to be shunned, reading the Qur’an on other occasions in a group and making a du`a’ for the deceased is not all considered reprehensible, according to many scholars. Some of them not only consider it as permissible but even as a good practice.
It should, however, be pointed out that paying people to recite the Qur’an is considered undesirable. There is no harm if people on their own volunteer to read the Qur’an and offer a supplication donating the rewards for the deceased.”
Focusing on commemorating the fortieth day or death anniversaries and holding Qur’anic recitations, the late Sheikh Hassanein Makhluf, former Mufti of Egypt, states the following:
“Holding such forms of gathering known as Al-Arba`in (i.e. the 40 days anniversary), where the relatives of the dead gather together to read the Qur’an and make du`a is an innovation or bid`ah. Such form of gathering has no backing from the Prophetic Sunnah and the act of the Prophet’s Companions (may Allah be pleased with them all) as well as their righteous successors. The practice was not known until recent times. It is a new innovated act that really do more harm than good because it involves reopening the wound, reviving the sadness, and such thing has no legal backing.
Concerning the issue of offering condolences, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) is reported to have said: “Condolences should be offered once only.” (i.e. they should not be
repeated more than once).
Hence, we advise our dear Muslim brothers and sisters to avoid holding such gatherings known as Al-Arba`in which brings no gain or reward to the deceased. In short, this bad custom has no religious backing in Islam. Allah Almighty says: “…And whatsoever the Messenger giveth you, take it. And whatsoever he forbiddeth, abstain (from it). And keep your duty to Allah. Lo! Allah is stern in reprisal.” (Al-Hashr: 7)”
Shedding more light on the issue in point, Sheikh M. S. Al-Munajjid, a prominent Saudi Muslim lecturer and author, adds: “What happens in some Muslim countries – where the friends and relatives of the deceased gather after 40 days to read the Qur’an, make du`a’ for him and remember him – is undoubtedly a reprehensible bid`ah, for which no authority has been revealed by Allah.
It is not permissible to take part in or attend such gatherings. We have to speak out against such practices. The Muslim should pray for his brother at all times, not only for three days after his death, or forty days or one year later, etc. May Allah help us to follow the Sunnah, and may He bless our Prophet Muhammad.”
In this context, the prominent Muslim scholar, Mufti Ibrahim Desai states: “Almighty Allah states in the Qur’an, “O you who believe! Obey Allah and His Messenger…” (Al-Anfal: 20) The life of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) is indeed the best example for us to follow. During the time of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) many of his family members, his wives, daughters, uncles and his illustrious Companions left the world. Despite the Prophet’s deep love for them, he did not (on any single occasion) commemorate the innovative custom of having a special
function 7 days, 40 days, 100 days, etc, after their death.
The Hadith is clear, in that, the immediate family should mourn for three days. There is no basis in the Shari`ah to commemorate any Muslim’s death at intervals of 7 days, etc.
It is not exactly clear as to the source of observing special functions forty days after death. We, as Muslims, follow the Glorious Qur’an and the life model of our beloved Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him).”