Offering gifts to the deceased's relatives during the condolence visit
Machine translationRead the Arabic original
Fatwa number ( 19664 )
Q: It was our custom in northern Nigeria that during the condolence visit at the deceased's home, some people would give a gift of money to the deceased's family. Is this permissible? Should the money be considered part of the deceased's estate and divided among the heirs?
A: The money belongs to the living relatives to whom it was given.
As for the deceased, a gift to him is not valid except in the sense of giving charity on his behalf and dedicating the reward to him. However, the custom of offering gifts to the deceased's relatives during the condolence visit is a religious innovation with no basis, and it puts the people offering condolences in an awkward position. What is recommended is to prepare food for them, unless the deceased's family are poor, in which case it is recommended to give them charity to meet their needs or help them with them. And success is from Allah, and may Allah send prayers and blessings upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and his Companions!
Q: It was our custom in northern Nigeria that during the condolence visit at the deceased's home, some people would give a gift of money to the deceased's family. Is this permissible? Should the money be considered part of the deceased's estate and divided among the heirs?
A: The money belongs to the living relatives to whom it was given.
As for the deceased, a gift to him is not valid except in the sense of giving charity on his behalf and dedicating the reward to him. However, the custom of offering gifts to the deceased's relatives during the condolence visit is a religious innovation with no basis, and it puts the people offering condolences in an awkward position. What is recommended is to prepare food for them, unless the deceased's family are poor, in which case it is recommended to give them charity to meet their needs or help them with them. And success is from Allah, and may Allah send prayers and blessings upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and his Companions!
Source
www.alifta.gov.sa
The Arabic text is copied verbatim from the original source, without any edits.