The condolence box, its zakah, and gathering for condolences

Question:
Honorable Shaykh, some families set up a box for the expenses of condolences. What is the ruling on this? And is zakah due on it if it reaches one year or more?

Answer:
This is an action that is not permissible. It is not permissible to gather for condolences, and it is not permissible to slaughter animals for condolences. All of this is not permissible. For condolences, it is sufficient that you say, “May Allah console you, forgive, and improve your consolation, and forgive your deceased,” if you meet him or call him. There is no need to gather for condolences or slaughter animals. This is from the practices of the pre-Islamic age of ignorance and from the religious innovations (bid'ah) that have been introduced. One of the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) said, “We used to consider gathering at the home of the deceased and preparing food to be part of wailing.” Yes.