The Ruling on Preparing Food for the Family of the Deceased

Question:
He asks: Is it permissible for the family of the deceased to prepare food for those who come to offer their condolences, or is it obligatory for the one offering condolences to bring them food?

Answer:
The Sunnah, as the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, is that they are occupied. So if the family of the deceased is in need of food because they are unable to cook due to the grief that has befallen them, then their relatives or neighbors prepare food for them to the extent of their need, as a form of consolation.
As for if the family of the deceased is not in need of food, then this is not prescribed.
And if the situation is the reverse, where the family of the deceased are the ones preparing food for people and for hospitality, and they gather people for days or more, and they set up tents and canopies, then this is not permissible. This is considered part of wailing; it is thought to be part of wailing. Jarir ibn Abdullah al-Bajali (may Allah be pleased with him) said: We used to consider gathering with the family of the deceased and preparing food to be part of wailing. We, meaning the Companions of the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him), did not exaggerate in matters. Offering condolences is prescribed, and preparing food for the family of the deceased out of their need is prescribed, but exaggerations and expansions are not permissible.