Answer
Short Answer: Is My Deceased Grandfather Okay? The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, “When a man dies, his deeds come to an end except for three things: Sadaqah Jariyah (ceaseless charity); a knowledge which is beneficial, or a virtuous descendant who prays for him (for the deceased).” [Muslim]. With the Will of Allah, and you can join one another again and enjoy each other’s company for eternity. So, just make sure to follow the right path and increase in faith and righteousness, and then you’ll be guaranteed the reunion with your beloved predecessors, with the will of Allah.
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Walaykum Asalam waRahmat Allah Dear Sister,
Sorry to hear about the passing of your grandfather. I ask Allah Almighty to descend upon your heart peace, serenity and coolness during this time.
Remembering Allah’s Beauty, Mercy & Graciousness
First of all, I know that this experience might be difficult for you. But I also know and want to remind us all that our Beautiful Allah is The Most Merciful, Most Forgiving, and Most Affectionate One.
“And He is the Forgiving, the Affectionate” (Quran 85: 14)
It goes without saying that you miss your grandfather, but there is no better companion for any righteous slave than Allah Himself.
Remember this hadith about our noble Prophet’s last moments. Narrated `Aisha:
When the Prophet (ﷺ) fell ill in his fatal illness, he started saying, “With the highest companion.” [Sahih Al Bukhari]
Indeed, there is no better companion for us than The Highest Companion, Allah Almighty.
I ask Allah, The Near, The Forgiving, The Source of Peace to descend peace upon you and your family’s heart and to treat your grandfather with His Infinite Affection and Forgiveness.
I ask Allah to overlook his mistakes and multiply his good deeds
I ask Allah to grant him peace and security… and to join him with His most beloved slaves.
Indeed, we belong to Allah and to Him we will return… and alhamduliAllah that to Him we will return because there is no one better than Allah to return to.
How can I know the rewards reach him? Is My Deceased Grandfather Okay?
Certainly, we know because our Messenger told us so, and there is no one more truthful than Allah and His Messenger. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, “When a man dies, his deeds come to an end except for three things: Sadaqah Jariyah (ceaseless charity); a knowledge which is beneficial, or a virtuous descendant who prays for him (for the deceased).” [Muslim].
So your prayers and supplications reach him and benefit him, with the Will of Allah.
It is also encouraged to do sadaqah jariya (a continuous charity for him) as per the hadith.
Will he remember me in Jannah?
Yes, with the Will of Allah, and you can join one another again and enjoy each other’s company for eternity.
Allah says in the Noble Quran:
“And those who believed and whose descendants followed them in faith – We will join with them their descendants, and We will not deprive them of anything of their deeds. Every person, for what he earned, is retained.” (Quran 52: 2)
And He says:
“Gardens of perpetual residence; they will enter them with whoever were righteous among their fathers, their spouses and their descendants. And the angels will enter upon them from every gate, [saying], “Peace be upon you for what you patiently endured. And excellent is the final home.” (Quran 13: 23-24)
So, just make sure to follow the right path and increase in faith and righteousness, and then you’ll be guaranteed the reunion with your beloved predecessors, with the will of Allah.
What can I proactively do now?
First of all, ask Allah, The Controller of hearts, to make your heart firm so you won’t weaken or lose hope. You can make the following dua of the Prophet.
Shahr bin Haushab reported: I asked Umm Salamah (May Allah be pleased with her), “O Mother of the Believers! Which supplication did the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) make frequently when he was in your house?” She said:
“He (ﷺ) supplicated frequently: ‘Ya muqallibal-qulubi, thabbit qalbi ‘ala dinika (O Controller of the hearts make my heart steadfast in Your religion).” [At- Tirmidhi].
Ask forgiveness for your grandfather frequently from Allah Almighty. Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with them, narrated that:
Allah’s Messenger said: “A man will be raised in status in Paradise and will say: ‘Where did this come from?’ And it will be said:’From your son’s praying for forgiveness for you.'” [Sunan Ibn Majah]
Ceaseless charity
Give sadaqah (charity) on behalf of your grandfather. ‘Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported:
A man said to the Prophet (ﷺ): “My mother has died suddenly. I think that if she were able to talk (alive) she would have given in Sadaqah (charity). So, if I give Sadaqah now on her behalf, will she get the reward?” The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, “Yes (she will be rewarded for that).” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
One of the good ways for ceaseless charity is to contribute in providing people with water to drink.
Narrated Sa’d ibn Ubadah: Sa’d asked:
Messenger of Allah, Umm Sa’d has died; what form of sadaqah is best? He replied: “Water (is best).” He dug a well and said: It is for Umm Sa’d. [Sunan Abi Dawud]
Missing Days of Ramadan and Unperformed Hajj
In case your grandfather has missing days of Ramadan fast – for any reason- or if he has not performed Hajj, you can do so on his behalf.
Abdullah b. Buraida (Allah be pleased with him) reported on the authority of his father: When we were sitting with the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), a woman came to him and said:
I had gifted to my mother a maid-servant, and now she (the mother) has died. Thereupon he (the Holy Prophet) said: There is a definite reward for you and she (the maid-servant) has been returned to you as an inheritance. She (that woman) again said: Fasts of a month (of Ramadan) are due upon her; should I observe them on her behalf? He (the Holy Prophet) said: Observe fasts on her behalf. She (again) said: She did not perform Hajj, should I perform it on her behalf? He (the Holy Prophet) said: Perform Hajj on her behalf. [Sahih Muslim]
I hope this helps, and I ask Allah to reunite you with your beloved grandfather in a state where you are pleased with Allah and He is pleased with you. Ameen.
And Allah knows best.
I hope this helps.
Salam and please keep in touch.
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