Takhrīj al-Ḥadīth – Fatāwā

✍🏻 Answer: Supplicating for the dead (Muslim) is beneficial, but there is no evidence for the du'ā' mentioned above (called Fātiḥah), (that is read as a) the specific three-day ritual. This matter has no evidence in the ḥadīth or in the madhhabs (schools of thought) of the imāms. May Allāh be pleased with them all.

Translator's note: 'Fātiḥah' or 'Fātiḥah khwānī', refers to the custom of the Muslims of the Indian Subcontinent where, after a person dies, they prepare food for the deceased (departed) soul, gather together, and recite Sūratul-Fātiḥah and some additional du'ā's over the food. Some of them believe that the rewards of the Sūratul-Fātiḥah and the additional du'ā's recited, goes to the dead. Some also believe that the soul of the deceased person, is pleased with the food being prepared and recited upon in such a way. Some even believe that the deceased soul comes back to eat from the food on the 3rd, 10th and/or 40th day. These beliefs may vary from region to region, but the basic idea is to recite Sūratul-Fātiḥah and some additional du'ā's and transfer the rewards to the dead. And Allāh knows best.