The Ruling on Participating in a Funeral Expenses Fund

Question:
A questioner says: We are a family that has established a fund to cover the costs of funeral ceremonies for our families. Is it permissible to participate in this fund?

Answer:
Participating in this fund is not permissible, and this is not permissible; this is an action that is not permissible. Condolences do not require setting aside funds, nor do they require days on which people gather for condolences. Condolences are conveyed by saying, “May Allah reward you with good, may Allah console you in your loss, and may Allah forgive your deceased,” and one offers condolences to the person in any place: in the mosque if he meets him there, in the store, on the street, or by calling him on the mobile phone or the telephone. By doing so, he receives the reward, and the Sunnah is established, praise be to Allah. Holding a ceremony and gathering, and designating three days for condolences, all of this is among the religious innovations (bid'ah) that have been introduced. Yes.