Can the reward of good deeds performed or Qur'an recited be dedicated to a deceased person?

It is permissible to dedicate the reward of acts of worship and good deeds to someone else. A person may dedicate the reward of reciting the Qur’an, completing a khatm, or performing a good deed to another individual. Whether the recipient is alive or deceased, it is hoped that they will benefit from this reward. For it is reported that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) recited Surah al-Fatiha for the deceased and recommended doing so (Ibn Majah, Jana'iz, 22 [1495, 1496]), and that Abdullah ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) considered it commendable to recite from Surah al-Baqarah for the souls of the dead (Bayhaqi, as-Sunan al-Kubra, 4/93 [7068]). Although dedicating the reward of a deed performed by someone else does not fulfill the obligatory acts of worship that a person must perform themselves, it may be a means for increasing their good deeds and raising their rank.

When a man from the Banu Salama tribe asked whether he could do any good for his parents after their death, the Prophet (peace be upon him) replied: “Yes: praying for mercy for them, seeking forgiveness for them, fulfilling their bequests, maintaining ties with their relatives, and honoring their friends.” (Abu Dawud, Adab, 128 [5142]; Ibn Majah, Adab, 2 [3664])

When a companion stated that his mother had died suddenly and that he believed she would have advised giving charity if she could have spoken, and asked whether giving charity on her behalf would benefit her, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Yes, it will reach her. Give charity on her behalf.” (Bukhari, Wasaya, 19 [2760]; Muslim, Zakat, 51 [1004])

Source: T.C. Diyanet İşleri Başkanlığı, Din İşleri Yüksek Kurulu