5 Acts which benefit a dead person according to Islam

A very common perception that exists among the people is that a person cannot benefit from the deeds of other people after his death. But our Holy Prophet (PBUH) has told that exceptions are there. According to Islam below mentioned deeds can benefit a dead person

Offering the Janaza Prayer of the Dead: One very important thing that can benefit a dead person is the offering of his funeral prayers. However, it is very important for us to at least learn how to pray Salat-al-Janaza.

Narrated Ibn ‘Abbas: I heard the Prophet (ﷺ) say: If any Muslim dies and forty men associate nothing with Allah stand over his bier. Allah will accept them as intercessors for him. – Sunan Abi Dawud 3170

Through charitable deeds he has done in his Life: Another important source through which the dead will be benefitted is the charitable deeds that he has done in his life.

It include things like the knowledge he has delivered to others in his life, a copy of Quran he has provided to others, if he has built any mosque or have put his share in the construction of mosque, any house or canal built for welfare purposes, and if he was engaged in any other charity work in his life and when he was in good health.

‘Abdullah bin Abu Qatadah narrated that his father said: “The Messenger of Allah said: ‘The best things that a man can leave behind are three: A righteous son who will pray for him, an ongoing charity whose reward will reach him, and knowledge which is acted upon after his death.'” –  Sunan Ibn Majah Vol. 1, Book 1, Hadith 242

Charity and supplications done by the Children of deceased: Children of the dead can be a source of benefit for their deceased parents as the work of charity done by them and supplications will benefit their parents.

Narrated `Aisha: A man said to the Prophet, “My mother died suddenly, and I think that if she could speak, she would have given in charity. May I give in charity on her behalf?” He said, “Yes! Give in charity on her behalf.” – Sahih al-Bukhari 2760

Fulfillment of Deceased Promises and Debts: One should be fulfilling the promises of deceased and if any debt is due or payable by them it should be paid.

Narrated Ibn `Abbas: A woman from the tribe of Juhaina came to the Prophet (ﷺ) and said, “My mother had vowed to perform Hajj, but she died before performing it. May I perform Hajj on my mother's behalf?” The Prophet (ﷺ) replied, “Perform Hajj on her behalf. Had there been a debt on your mother, would you have paid it or not? So, pay Allah's debt as He has more right to be paid.” – Sahih al-Bukhari 1852

Dua Made Upon Visiting Graveyards: The dua made upon visiting the graveyards will also be benefiting the dead people. Our Prophet (PBUH) used to do duas upon his visit to Baqi (Madinah graveyard).