He has another question, asking: What is the ruling on reciting al-Fatihah while raising the hands when consoling a relative of the deceased? And if that is not permissible, what should be said when consoling?

The questioner : He has another question, asking: What is the ruling on reciting al-Fatihah while raising the hands when consoling a relative of the deceased? And if that is not permissible, what should be said when consoling?

The Shaykh : Reciting al-Fatihah while raising the hands when consoling is a religious innovation (bid'ah). The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) did not console his Companions in this way. Rather, the meaning of consoling is strengthening, that is, strengthening the bereaved person to bear the calamity. So by whatever words you console your companion, the intended purpose is achieved. The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) consoled one of his daughters, where he said to the messenger she sent to him: Words like these are among the best for consoling. One should order the bereaved person to be patient and to seek reward from Allah (Mighty and Majestic), and to make it clear to him that everything belongs to Allah (Glorified and Exalted is He); He has what He has taken and He has what He has left, and everything with Him is by a specified, determined term that does not come earlier or later. So sadness, complaining, and the like of things that contradict the Shari'ah do not change the divine decree nor remove the calamity. It is obligatory for the person to be patient and seek reward. The best way to console a person is with the words with which the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) consoled his daughter.