Fatwa No : 3417
Hosting a Quran Khawani for the Purpose of Isal-e-Sawab

Hosting a Quran Khawani for the Purpose of Isal-e-Sawab

What is the Shar'i standard of having Qura'an Khawani for the sake of Eesal e Sawab?
Reply from Qur'an and Hadees

الجوابُ حامِدا ًو مُصلیِّا ً

Having a Qur’an Khwani (a collective gathering for the recitation of the Holy Qur'an) for the purpose of Isal-e-Sawab (transferring rewards) is undoubtedly correct and permissible as per Shari'ah, however, it is necessary to take certain matters into consideration. Firstly, the people participating in the Qur’an Khwani should only do so for the pleasure of Allah, not as a result of social pressure or fear of criticism in the case of absence. They must be sincere in their recitation and avoid showing off to those present in the gathering, as this may render the recitation void of reward. However, individual recitation of the Holy Qur'an is still preferred over hosting a Qur’an Khwani, since there is more sincerity (Ikhlas) in it.
Secondly, there should not be any form of recompense for the recitation at a Qur’an Khwani. This would render the recitation void of reward. If the reciters themselves do not attain rewards for their recitation, then how will they transfer rewards to the deceased? Furthermore, one should not think that it is necessary to recite the Qur'an on behalf of the deceased on specific days, such as the 3rd, 4th, 7th, 10th or 40th day after their death. It will also be permissible if the heirs of the decease use their wealth to feed the poor on behalf of the deceased (however, the wealth of the minor heirs should not be contributed towards this, otherwise it would not be permissible to consume the food). Hosting a Qur'an Khwani is not necessary. Nevertheless, would become an Bid'ah (innovation) if any of the said dates are considered to be essential for gathering to recite the Holy Qur'an, and one should not participate in such case.
And Allah knows best.