Narrated Abu Hurayra reported that the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him
and grant him peace, said, "When a person dies, all action is cut off for
him with the exception of three things:
sadaqa which continues, knowledge
which benefits, or a righteous child who makes supplication for him."
Ibn Sirin said, "We were with Abu Hurayra one night and he said, 'O Allah,
forgive Abu Hurayra and his mother and whoever asks for forgiveness for both
of them.'" Muhammad said, "We used to ask for forgiveness for them so that
we would be included in Abu Hurayra's supplication."
Ibn 'Abbas reported that a man said, "Messenger of Allah, my mother died
without a will. Will it help her if I give sadaqa on her behalf?"
"Yes," he replied.
Abu Hurayra said, "The dead person can be raised a degree after his death.
He said, 'My Lord, how is this?' He was told, 'Your child can ask for forgiveness
for you.'"
