The ruling on placing canopies in the cemetery

Question:
He says: Shaykh, regarding the sermons at the graves, they have become widespread in our time. I would like guidance from Shaykh Salih on this matter, especially the distribution of cold water to the attendees, and the placement of some canopies for sitting and offering condolences.

Answer:
And the placement of some canopies for condolences. A decision was issued by the Council of Senior Scholars to remove them, and fatwas were issued by the Permanent Committee to remove these canopies from the cemeteries. Condolences do not require a canopy. If you meet your grieving brother, you offer him condolences on the way, or in his mosque, or in his home, or in his office, or you speak to him on the mobile phone or the telephone and offer him condolences. My brother, what is the need for this excessive effort in condolences? Condolences are not obligatory; they are only recommended. They do not require placing canopies, or organizing and preparing, or anything similar to that.