What is the ruling on traveling to offer condolences to a friend or relative?

The questioner : Please. Peace be upon you.

The Shaykh : And upon you be peace.

The questioner : A funeral took place for a relative of ours. We are in the city of Abha, and he passed away in Taif. Some people went to Taif to offer condolences; some returned on the same day, and others stayed for three days. I do not know if staying there is valid, or if a phone call would have been sufficient to offer condolences. What is your opinion, O Shaykh?

The Shaykh : Yes, my opinion is that no one should travel to offer condolences. Unless it is a very, very close relative, such as if his father, son, brother, or paternal uncle died. In that case, it might be said that there is no harm, if Allah wills.

The questioner : What is your opinion on staying for three days?

The Shaykh : Stay with me. As for merely being a companion, friend, or relative, I do not see traveling to offer condolences, because that was not known among the righteous Salaf, and they are the best example for us. As for staying for three days, it is even worse.

The questioner : Yes, Shaykh.

The Shaykh : There is no need to stay for three days to offer condolences. Did the Companions do this? They did not do this. The most that is there is that it was permitted for the grieving person to mourn for three days.

The questioner : Yes.

The Shaykh : He always sits to receive condolences. But unfortunately, people have made this a custom. It was not prohibited from the beginning. It has become something that is a must.

The presenter : Thank you, O Shaykh. May Allah reward you with good for all of us. May Allah bless you. O trust.