Can You Gift Your Prayer or Quran Recitation to Others?

Question to Shaykh Ibn Baaz:

My mother is illiterate and cannot read or write. Is it permissible for me to read the Noble Qur’an and perform voluntary (nafl) prayers, then gift the reward of that to her? And if it is not permissible, what are the deeds whose reward I can gift to her? Jazakum Allahu Khayran.

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Shaykh Ibn Baaz Answer:

There is no Islamic evidence that permits gifting the reward of prayer or Qur’an recitation on behalf of someone else, whether they are alive or deceased. Acts of worship are based solely on what has been legislated (by revelation), and nothing from them is allowed unless there is clear evidence proving its permissibility.

However, it is legislated (permissible) for you to supplicate (make duʿāʾ) for her, give charity on her behalf, and perform Ḥajj or ʿUmrah on her behalf if she is elderly and unable to do so herself.¹

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Published in Ad-Daʿwah Magazine, Issue 1534, dated 2/11/1416 AH

(Majmūʿ Fatāwā wa-Maqālāt ash-Shaykh Ibn Bāz, 9/321)

Source

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Footnote:

¹ This is based on numerous authentic narrations where the Prophet ﷺ allowed giving charity, performing Hajj and Umrah, and making duʿāʾ on behalf of others — but not prayer or Qur’an recitation.

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