The Ruling on Traveling for the Purpose of Condolences

Question:
May Allah reward you, Honorable Shaykh. This questioner asks: What is the ruling on traveling for the purpose of offering condolences?

Answer:
No, this is not prescribed. In fact, there is a concern regarding condolences themselves, because people have exaggerated in them and introduced things that are not part of the Prophetic tradition, such as shackles, burdens, and the suspension of work. They cause people to lose money on feasts. All of this is unnecessary. Condolences are simply a light matter: you merely pray for your brother in his affliction and pray for the deceased, anywhere, without a gathering, without preparing food, without slaughtering animals, and without specific days. All of this has no basis.
If Muslims were to rest from this, they would be relieved of a great deal: the shackles and burdens, the suspension of work, and sitting for three days. The family is exhausted serving the visitors, those who come and go, and they burden people by holding feasts, with each person having a day and large feasts. All of this is not permissible.
Condolences are a supplication. You pray for him by mobile phone or telephone if you meet him anywhere. The religion is ease, and praise be to Allah.