Reading the Qur.aan over the deceased and placing it on their stomach
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Question: What is the ruling regarding the reading of the Qur.aan over the deceased and placing the Qur.aan on their stomach? Also, are there specific days for paying condolences such as three days? I anticipate, from your excellency, a response and may Allaah reward you with (all that is) good.

Response: There is no sound basis for reading the Qur.aan over the deceased nor over the grave, this is not legialated, rather it is an innovation. Likewise, placing the Qur.aan on their stomach has no basis and is not legislated. Instead, the people of knowledge have mentioned placing metal or anything heavy on their stomach after death so that it (the stomach) does not swell up. As for paying condolences, then there are no specific days and Allaah is the Expounder of success.

Shaykh Ibn 'Uthaymeen
al-Bid'u wal-Muhdathaat wa maa laa Asla lahu - Page 370;
Fataawa Islaamiyyah - Volume 2, Page 50