The recitation should not start abruptly. The commonly practiced method in Dawat-e-Islami is to begin with the praise of Allah and Salawat upon the Prophet ﷺ.
| Step | Action | Purpose | |------|--------|---------| | 1 | Make intention (niyyah) in heart: “I am sending reward to the deceased [name]” | Sincerity | | 2 | Recite Suratul Fatiha (once or 3 times) | Core of Fatiha | | 3 | Recite Aytal Kursi (once) | Protection | | 4 | Recite Qul Huwallahu Ahad (3 or 11 times) | Tawheed | | 5 | Recite Qul A’udhu bi Rabbil Falaq (once) | Seeking refuge | | 6 | Recite Qul A’udhu bi Rabbin Naas (once) | Seeking refuge | | 7 | Recite Salat al-Ibrahimiyya (Durood) once | Bless Prophet | | 8 | Raise hands and supplicate (dua) specifically for forgiveness of the deceased | Key element | | 9 | Say Al-Fatiha aloud collectively at the end | Announce completion | | 10 | Distribute food (optional but recommended) as charity on behalf of the deceased | Extra reward | fatiha ka tarika dawateislami
“The easiest method: Recite Surah Fatiha once, then Surah Ikhlas thrice, then say: ‘O Allah, send the reward to [name].’ That’s it. No need for elaborate ceremonies. If you can also give bread, meat, or money in charity, that’s better.” The recitation should not start abruptly
| Mistake | Dawat-e-Islami’s Correction | |---------|-----------------------------| | Performing Fatiha only on the 3rd, 10th, or 40th day after death | No fixed day in Shariah; do it anytime. | | Hiring a professional reciter (Qari) for money | Reward must come from the living’s own recitation or charity; paying someone voids sincerity. | | Eating food from the deceased’s family as a “Fatiha meal” without contributing | It is better for the family to feed others, not to expect food. | | Kissing the grave or touching it during Fatiha | Avoid; graves are for remembrance of death, not veneration. | No need for elaborate ceremonies