The Ruling on Traveling to Offer Condolences and Staying with the Family of the Deceased

Question:
Among the questions that have come to the program, Honorable Shaykh, is this questioner who says: What is the ruling on traveling to offer condolences and staying for a few days with the family of the deceased?

Answer:
There is no basis for this, and it is not permissible to travel for the sake of offering condolences. Rather, if you meet the bereaved, you offer your condolences to him in the mosque, on the road, or at his place of work. There are no special ceremonies, conditions, or gatherings for condolences, nor are there any sacrificial animals for them. The Sunnah is that one prepares food according to the needs of the family of the deceased and gives it to them, because they are preoccupied with their calamity and unable to prepare food for themselves. This is what is established from the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him). Yes.