In many parts of Yoruba land, it is common to organize congregational prayers (Fidau) on specific days after someone’s death—3 days, 8 days, 40 days, or even anniversaries, depending on the age of the deceased.
However, as widespread as this practice is, it is nothing but bid’ah (an innovation), and Islam does not permit it.
Allah has perfected this religion, and there is no room for adding or modifying acts of worship. If a practice was good, the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) and his companions would have done it. But there is no evidence that they ever gathered for special prayers on specific days after a person’s death.
When a matter is unclear, we should follow the guidance of scholars who rely on the Qur'an and Sunnah, not blindly follow cultural traditions.
The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) strongly warned against innovations in Islam:
"Whoever introduces into this matter of ours (Islam) something that is not part of it, it will be rejected." (Sahih al-Bukhari and Muslim)
If Fidau was part of Islam, the Prophet and his companions would have done it. But instead, they taught us what actually benefits the dead.
What Truly Benefits the Deceased?
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
"When a person dies, his deeds come to an end except for three: continuous charity (Sadaqah Jariyah), beneficial knowledge, or a righteous child who prays for him." *
(Sahih Muslim)
Nowhere in this hadith is there mention of gathering people for a Fidau prayer. Instead, the best thing we can do for our deceased loved ones is:
1. Give Sadaqah Jariyah (continuous charity) on their behalf.
2. Spread beneficial knowledge in their name.
3. Make sincere dua for them as their children or loved ones.
Let’s be honest—many so-called Alfas exploit families through these gatherings. They turn Fidau into a money-making event, and perhaps that’s why a popular musician used the word "Ganu si". Families spend money on food, drinks, and unnecessary expenses, believing they are honoring the deceased, when in reality, they are following a practice with no basis in Islam.
Instead of organizing Fidau gatherings, let us:
- Pray privately and sincerely for the deceased.
- Encourage their family to engage in Sadaqah Jariyah.
- Avoid falling into the trap of cultural practices that contradict Islam.
May Allah guide us all to follow His true teachings and protect us from innovations in religion. Ameen.
Abu Afs Lukgaf
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