In Aligarh, various customs and practices exist within society regarding the tradition of feeding people in memory of someone who has passed away. While some view it as a means to earn religious merit, others treat it as a formal ritual. To shed light on what Islamic teachings state about this practice, Chief Mufti of Uttar Pradesh Maulana Chaudhary Ifrahim Hussain provided a clear and detailed explanation from an Islamic perspective.
Is it permissible to feed people in the name of the deceased?
Providing details on the matter, Muslim cleric and Chief Mufti of Uttar Pradesh Maulana Chaudhary Ifrahim Hussain stated that intent and belief hold immense importance in Islam. If food is distributed in the name of a deceased person with the sole purpose of seeking divine pleasure and transferring the religious reward to the departed soul, such an action is considered permissible.
The Maulana explained that this food can be served to relatives, acquaintances, as well as the needy, the poor, orphans, and destitute individuals in society. Islam places great emphasis and virtue on feeding people, provided the underlying intention is purely to attain divine grace and benefit the deceased person.
Rejection of showmanship and fixed-date rituals
He also clarified that if the intention behind such acts is merely to show off or if it is turned into a rigid ritual, such as organizing religious events on the twentieth, thirtieth, fortieth, or any other fixed date, this approach is incorrect. Islam does not validate or recognize such customs. Maulana Chaudhary Ifrahim Hussain specifically labeled the tradition of sending food continuously for forty days as improper, stating that Islamic rulings deem it impermissible.
Taboos regarding placing food at graves
Similarly, placing food at the gravesite or believing that the deceased person actually consumes the food runs contrary to fundamental Islamic teachings. All such practices are classified as impermissible and forbidden. He emphasized that the correct path is one where intentions are pure, beliefs are steadfast, and every action is performed exclusively for divine approval.
