Sahih Muslim 1631
Abu Huraira (Allah be pleased with him) reported Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) as saying: When a man dies, his acts come to an end, but three, recurring charity, or knowledge (by which people) benefit, or a pious son, who prays for him (for the deceased).
The meaning of Sahih Muslim 1631 is that when a person passes away, their worldly deeds come to an end, except for three things that continue to benefit them even after death. These three eternal legacies are:
- Recurring Charity: Any ongoing charity, such as regular donations or endowments, made in the name of the deceased person can continue to earn rewards for them in the Hereafter.
- Knowledge that benefits others: If the deceased person had contributed to spreading knowledge that is beneficial to people, such as religious teachings or beneficial skills, that knowledge continues to benefit others even after their death, and the rewards for that knowledge accrue to the deceased person.
- Prayers of a pious son: If the deceased person had a righteous and pious child who continues to pray for their forgiveness and well-being, those prayers are considered a source of ongoing benefit for the deceased person.
In summary, Sahih Muslim 1631 highlights the importance of leaving behind lasting legacies through recurring charity, beneficial knowledge, and prayers from righteous offspring, which continue to benefit a person even after their demise.
