Reciting Qur'an at the Grave

Q: What is the ruling on reciting Qur’an at the grave, such as Sūrat Yā Sīn?

A: It is recommended for the visitor of the deceased to do what will benefit them and bring relief, such as placing a moist palm frond on the grave.

Based on various explanations, it is understood that this palm frond would make tasbīḥ so long as it remained fresh, and the punishment of the grave would be lightened by way of the barakah of that tasbīḥ.

This recommendation is then extended to dhikr (remembrance), tasbīḥ, and recitation of the Qur’an at the grave as a means of benefit for the deceased, and recitation is even more deserving of bringing about such benefit.

Among what has been specifically mentioned is reciting from Sūrat al-Baqarah, particularly its opening and closing verses, at the head of the deceased after burial.

It has also been reported that one may recite Sūrat al-Fātiḥah, al-Ikhlāṣ, and other portions of the Qur’an, and gift their reward to the people of the graves, as this reaches them.

Reciting Sūrat Yā Sīn has also been mentioned more generally. The Prophet ﷺ said:“Recite Yā Sīn over your deceased.”

Source: Kashshāf al-Qināʿ; Sharḥ Muntahā al-Irādāt; Maṭālib Ūlī al-Nuhā