Sayyidi wa sanadi Shaykh Mohammad Taqi Usmani (Allah preserve him) said,

‘As per the Prophetic saying (hadith) Hakim al-Umma Shaykh Ashraf Ali Thanawi (Allah have mercy on him) considers that making supplications (dua) for the deceased are more superior and beneficial then doing esal e thawab (forwarding the reward of good actions).’

Waaz: surah wash Shamah ki tafeer May 2009

The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said:

“When a man dies, his acts come to an end, but three, recurring charity, or knowledge (by which people) benefit, or a pious son, who prays for him (for the deceased).”

[Sahih Muslim]