Question
I heard a Sheikh say that reciting Al-Fatiha for the soul of the deceased is an innovation. What is the validity of his statement, and has any reputable scholars said this?
Answer
I say, and with God's success: Reciting Al-Fatiha for the deceased is a way of dedicating the reward of reciting the Quran to the dead, and it is permissible according to the Ahl al-Sunnah. Those who deviate from the methodology of Ahl al-Sunnah have disagreed on this matter, and their opinions should not be considered. And God knows best.