Doing 40 days shini with money left behind by one's deceased mother

Q:

1. My beloved mother passed away and she left some money for her 40 days shini where we feed the poor. Can we use her money to do this although she has kids? Does her money need to be involved in this shini?

2. If we cannot afford it, then can we use her money?

A: There is no basis for this custom. You do not have to do it nor will it be permissible to use her money for doing this practice of 40 days. However, if she made a bequest to feed the poor then you may feed the poor from one third of her estate without specification of time. You can do it any time. There is no virtue in delaying it for 40 days.

And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best.

 

Answered by:

Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)

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