Generally it is said that there are only three things that benefit the deceased after death:
- Sadakaqatul Jaariyah (ongoing charity), for example an educational institute, a scholar, or anything still beneficial to the community
- Beneficial knowledge: having taught someone something beneficial
- A righteous child praying for them: a child that continuously prays for their parent for forgiveness
Other beneficial activities include:
- Covering the debts of a deceased person
- Making charity on their behalf
- Sacrificing an animal and distributing the food to the poor on behalf of the deceased
- Honouring the last wishes of the deceased (for example their will, especially any waqf or special wishes)
