Khatams and partaking of meals at the home of the deceased

Q: Could you please explain the permissibility/impermissibility of khatams after death. E.g if one goes to the house of someone who passed away, there are often Qur'ans there, is it ok to read to contribute to the khatam? If someone passes away in your home, can you provide Qur'ans for visitors to read with the aim of finishing maximum khatams? Is it permissible to tell people to read certain paras in there own time with the aim of finishing a khatam? If ones goes to the home of a deceased and meals are provided, is it permissible to eat? Is it permissible to send food to the home of the deceased for the people of the home and visitors?

A: It is best that the khatam be done in your own time and space. There is no basis for coming to the house of the deceased and reciting there. Are we creating an impression that the deceased is still in this house or are we reciting to please the family of the deceased. What is the intention?

This is also a baseless custom. Death is a time for reflection and taking lesson, not an occasion for celebrating and rejoicing.

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

 

Answered by:

Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)