While the life span of a Muslim is short, and deeds and actions stop after death, a Muslim may continue to earn rewards for certain things even after his death.

Certain good deeds, such like: perpetual charity, useful knowledge, a good child that prays for him, a Mosque that he built, teaching Quran to another person, a house he built for public use, a water fountain or a river that he rented and made it free for people, or a charity that he gave during his life while he was in good health; all are rewardable even after death.

In this respect the Prophet (P.B.U.H) said : "After the death of a person his actions stop, except three things that he leaves behind : First continuos charity, Second a knowledge from which some benefit may be obtained, Third a virtuous son who makes Dua’ (Pray, supplicate) on his behalf " (Muslim).

Charity will benefit the deceased, as the following Hadiths show : " A man came to the Prophet (P.B.U.H) and asked him : " My father died leaving wealth but no will, would he be pardoned if a charity is given on his behalf ?", the Prophet (P.B.U.H) answered:"Yes" (Muslim).

Another Hadith : " A man came to the Prophet (P.B.U.H) and asked him :" My mother has died without making up for a missed days of fasting in the month of Ramadan, can I fast for her ? " , the Prophet (P.B.U.H) said to him : " Would you pay her debt if she owed someone ? ". The man said : " Yes", then the Prophet (P.B.U.H) said : " Then Allah is more deserving of payment in settlement of his debt" "( Bukhari & Muslim).

Ibn Abbas reported that : " A woman came to the Prophet (P.B.U.H) and said :" My mother had vowed to perform Hajj ( Pilgrimage), but she died before she could fulfill her vow, should I do it on her behalf ? " , the Prophet (P.B.U.H) said to him :" Yes perform Hajj on her behalf. Would you not pay the debt of your mother if she had owed someone ?, fulfill it. Allah is more deserving of receiving payment for what is due to Allah" " ( Bukhari & Muslim).

1) Charity; Continuos Charity;

2) Knowledge left by the deceased from which some benefit may be obtained;