The ruling on attending a mourning gathering to offer condolences

Question:
We have a custom where people gather for condolences after the burial of the deceased, known as the ma'tam (mourning gathering). Is it permissible to go to this place to offer condolences without sitting down or eating, but rather leaving immediately after the condolences? And is there a difference in the ruling between the one who rebukes them and the one who does not?

Answer:
These mourning gatherings are a bid'ah (religious innovation) and wailing, and it is not permissible to hold them. It is also not permissible to eat the food prepared for them or the animals slaughtered for them, because it is a sinful act. However, the one who goes to advise them and explain to them that this is haram (forbidden) and not permissible, that is enjoining good and forbidding evil, and calling to Allah. As for the one who goes, remains silent, eats and drinks, and does not explain, it is not permissible for him, because he would be affirming the evil.