The ruling on setting up tents for condolences

Question:
The questioner, Abu Ibrahīm, says: I hope the Shaykh, may Allah reward him with good, will address the matter of the proliferation of tents and condolence venues, specifically the tents (saradqat) they set up for condolences, where they serve coffee and tea and receive the condolers for three days. We seek the ruling on this, may you be rewarded.

Answer:
This is a bid'ah (religious innovation) and is not permissible. One of the Companions said, "We used to consider gathering at the deceased's home and preparing food to be part of wailing (niyāḥah)." This is not permissible: setting up tents, abandoning one's work, and sitting for condolences—none of this is permissible. Expressing condolences is prescribed, but it can be done anywhere you encounter the bereaved person, whether in the shop, in the mosque, or in the street. You express your condolences by saying, "May Allah improve your consolation, may Allah strengthen you in your affliction, and may Allah forgive your deceased," if the deceased was a Muslim. This is sufficient, and it dispenses with these excessive efforts. Yes.