Q: Assalamu’alaikum,
Hope to find you in good health,my question is can i keep a fast on the day of the death anniversary of my mother.If so then what prayers can i read on that day….as i am a new convert.Jizakallahkahir.
Time: Thursday January 13, 2011 at 1:19 pm
A: ?????? ?????? ????? ???? ???????

Likewise, I wish you and those around you the best of health as well. May you be blessed for your conversion, Ameen.

• Our Prophet (SAW) also lost people that were very beloved to him (saw) in his lifetime. Being followers of him (saw) we learn that he (saw) did not take part in some of the customs many Muslims currently take part in as it relates to death. Some forbidden customs relate to keeping fasts on specific days, feeding people for 40 days on behalf of the dead, etc.
• To morn the loss of a beloved for more than three days is contrary to religious teachings. We trust that life and death are both from Allah. We thus learn to accept situations even if it is may be difficult to do so. This to brings in rewards.
• One can ask Allah to forgive the one that has passed away while they had been in the state of Islam. For a believer that has passed away, one can perform nafl (supererogatory actions) which may be inclusive of giving charity (sadaqah), reciting Quran, etc. whilst asking Allah to give the deceased the benefits of these rewards.
• Although none of us can guarantee that the reward would reach the ones that have passed away, we trust that Inahsaallah Allah would accept the above actions for the deceased.

Allah Certainly Knows Best.