Eesalus Sawab
Eesalus-Sawb[1] is not only for the deceased but also for the living – and is established from the Sunnah.
We should, therefore, also convey the rewards of our optional deeds to the entire Ummah of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam), including those who are living.
Moreover, when the rights of a Muslim have been unintentionally violated, it would be a sign of sincerity that besides asking for forgiveness, the person conveys the reward of some good deed as ‘Eesalus-Sawab’ to the person who was wronged.
For example: If the person was party to Ghibah (backbiting) and did not prevent it, then besides asking Allah Ta’ala to forgive, the person could read the ‘Quls’[2] or give something in Sadaqah (charity) and send the reward as Eesaalus Sawab to the person whose right was violated.
If the person comes to know of what was said regarding him (or her), then the person’s forgiveness should also be sought.
Of course, this does not mean that we violate people’s rights, using this as atonement and compensation. A Muslim is careful not to cause hurt or injury to others.
[1] Eesalus Sawab: to convey the reward of a good action or charitable deed to another person, alive or deceased.
[2] The recitation of Surah Al-Ikhlas, Surah Al-Falaq and Surah An-Nas begins with the word ‘Qul’. These are the last 3 Surahs of the Qur’an Sharif.