The Ruling on Offering Condolences and the Feasts of the Deceased’s Family

Question:
This questioner says: Honorable Shaykh, it has become widespread among people in some areas during the period of condolence that they prepare a dinner and lunch in the deceased’s home, citing the hadith of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) when Ja‘far ibn Abi Talib was martyred. They note that this practice continues for three days. We seek clarification on the ruling regarding offering condolences.

Answer:
This is an innovation introduced by people, and it burdens them with expense and hardship. They should abandon this practice and suffice with two things. The first is to offer condolences to the bereaved when you meet him, whether in the street, the mosque, the office, or the shop, or to contact him by means of communication and offer your condolences by saying, “May Allah improve your consolation, may Allah heal your affliction, and may Allah forgive your deceased.” This is one matter. The second is what the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) guided to, which is to prepare food according to the need of the deceased’s family, according to the need of the household, and deliver it to them, because they are preoccupied with the affliction. They do not cook, nor do they set up tents, canopies, or the like. All of this is closer to grief and despair than to offering condolences, and it is an innovation. This practice is not permissible. Yes.