Imam Abu Dawood (d. 275H) (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that Aas son of Wael had made a will to free 100 slaves on his behalf (after his death). His son Hisham freed 50 slaves, his other son (Amr ibn Aas) wanted to free 50 slaves but said, “First let me ask the Prophet of Allah (Allah’s blessings and peace be upon him)”. So he went to the Prophet (Allah’s blessings and peace be upon him) and asked, “Oh Prophet of Allah! (Allah’s blessings and peace be upon him) my father had made a will to free 100 slaves and my brother has freed 50 shall I free the other 50?” The Holy Prophet (Allah’s blessings and peace be upon him) replied, If he (Aas bin Wael) had been Muslim then if you would free them or do charity or perform pilgrimage it would reach him.”

Imam Abu Dawood (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that Saad son of Ubaddah (may Allah be pleased with him) went on holy wars (gazwaa’t) with the Holy Prophet (Allah’s blessings and peace be upon him) and when he returned to Madina, his mother had passed away. He (Saad) asked the Prophet of Allah (Allah’s blessings and peace be upon him), ‘Umm e Saad’ (my mother) has died. Which charity [sadqa] is better for her?” The Holy Prophet (Allah’s blessings and peace be upon him) replied, “Water!” Saad (may Allah be pleased with him) dug a well and said this well is for Saad’s mother (that is, may its reward go to Saad’s mother). (Mishkat)

Imam Muslim (d. 261H) narrates from Ayesha (may Allah be well pleased with her): She said that a man came and said “Oh Prophet of Allah! (Allah’s blessings and peace be upon him) My mother has suddenly passed away and she has made no will. I suppose that if she would have got a chance to talk, she would have given charity (sadaqah) – so if I give charity on her behalf, would its reward reach her spirit (Ruh)?” The Holy Prophet (Allah’s blessings and peace be upon him) replied, “Yes it will reach her!” Imam Nawawi (d. 676) in his explanation of Saheeh Muslim (Sharh Muslim) says this narration (hadith) proves that if charity is given on behalf of the dead, its reward reaches them. Scholars have consensus on this.

Imam Nassai (d. 303) narrates from (Abdulah) son of Abbas (may Allah be well pleased with them both): He said – a woman asked the Holy Prophet (Allah’s blessings and peace be upon him), “My father has passed away and he did not perform pilgrimage (hajj).” The Holy Prophet (Allah’s blessings and peace be upon him) replied, “Perform pilgrimage for your father (i.e., on his behalf)

Imam Tibrani (d. 360) and Darul Qatnni (d. 385) narrates that the Prophet of Allah (Allah’s blessings and peace be upon him) said, “Whoever passes by the grave and recites “Qul ho Wallah-ho Ahad…” (Al-Ikhlas Chapter 112)” (and conveys the reward to the dead), the grantor (of such reward) will get the reward equal to the number of the buried persons.

All these hadith mentioned above are in proof of having a Quran Khawani (reciting Quran). Also remember that benediction [dua’] is accepted when the Quran is completed and so several people recite the Quran in times of calamity and depression and at the end make benediction for peace.

May Allah save us from the devil and his evil traps. May Allah grant us paradise in the neighborhood of our beloved Prophet (Allah’s blessings and peace be upon him), Ameen!