The Ruling on Eating at the Home of the Deceased

Question:
Among the questions that have come in, Honorable Shaykh, is eating at the home of the deceased during the days of condolence. May Allah reward you with good. What is its ruling?

Answer:
This is not permissible. What is prescribed is to prepare food for the family of the deceased, enough to suffice them, because they are occupied with their calamity. The Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) said: So they should prepare food for them according to their need. The condolence should not be for nights or days, no. Nor should gatherings be arranged for it, like saying, "The dinner is at your place, so-and-so, tonight," and "The dinner is at your place, so-and-so, tomorrow." These are burdens. .
It is not part of the gathering, laying out carpets in the houses, setting up chairs, and the like, as if they are holding a wedding. This is not permissible. This is not permissible. Offering condolences is easier than that: you offer condolences to your brother when you meet him at the cemetery, when you meet him at the store, when you meet him at the mosque, or you call him on the telephone or the mobile phone if he is away. This is sufficient, my brother, instead of gatherings, preparing food, and leaving work for three days. This is evil.
Setting up tents is more severe. This is more severe and costly, and it is an innovation. It is not part of condolence in any way. Yes.