He says that in the villages where we live, when one of them dies, the relatives, friends, and acquaintances of the deceased gather to accompany him to his burial, console his family, and provide material assistance sufficient for the family to hire a cook to prepare food for those accompanying the funeral and those offering condolences.
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The questioner : He says that in the villages where we live, when one of them dies, the relatives, friends, and acquaintances of the deceased gather to accompany him to his burial, console his family, and provide material assistance sufficient for the family to hire a cook to prepare food for those accompanying the funeral and those offering condolences. The period sometimes lasts from three to seven days. In their belief, such an act strengthens the bond between them and tightens the ties of love. In their belief, this food is a charity accepted by the spirit of the deceased, from which the rich and the poor, the young and the old, the woman and the needy eat. It is also the case that the deceased, or his brother, or his father, previously gave to these people who are now giving to his family similar gifts. Is this practice correct? And is it permissible for a Muslim to eat from such food and attend such a gathering?
The Shaykh : This practice is not correct. However, when we say this practice, we mean the collection of donations for the charities and the mourning gatherings mentioned. That is not correct. As for the gathering of friends and relatives to accompany the deceased and go out for his funeral, there is nothing wrong with that, and it is a recommended practice (sunnah), because accompanying the deceased is undoubtedly a recommended practice (sunnah), especially if one has a right to him through kinship, friendship, teaching, or otherwise.
The questioner : Yes.
The Shaykh : As for these mourning gatherings that last three days, or seven days, or forty days, they are religious innovations (bid'ah) from which the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) prohibited and warned his community. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) did not do this, nor did his Companions (may Allah be pleased with them), nor did the righteous predecessors (Salaf), who are more eager for good than we are. What we advise our brothers in these lands, where such things as the questioner mentioned are done, is that they should spare themselves the fatigue, hardship, and spending of money, or even the destruction of money, in these matters which have no place in the Shari'ah.
The questioner : Yes.
The Shaykh : If any of the deceased's relatives wishes to benefit him, let him give charity on his behalf, in a manner that is hidden, and not in the public way that these people do.
The questioner : Yes.
The Shaykh : And Allah is the One who grants success.
The questioner : Also, the rest of his question.
The Shaykh : This practice is not correct. However, when we say this practice, we mean the collection of donations for the charities and the mourning gatherings mentioned. That is not correct. As for the gathering of friends and relatives to accompany the deceased and go out for his funeral, there is nothing wrong with that, and it is a recommended practice (sunnah), because accompanying the deceased is undoubtedly a recommended practice (sunnah), especially if one has a right to him through kinship, friendship, teaching, or otherwise.
The questioner : Yes.
The Shaykh : As for these mourning gatherings that last three days, or seven days, or forty days, they are religious innovations (bid'ah) from which the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) prohibited and warned his community. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) did not do this, nor did his Companions (may Allah be pleased with them), nor did the righteous predecessors (Salaf), who are more eager for good than we are. What we advise our brothers in these lands, where such things as the questioner mentioned are done, is that they should spare themselves the fatigue, hardship, and spending of money, or even the destruction of money, in these matters which have no place in the Shari'ah.
The questioner : Yes.
The Shaykh : If any of the deceased's relatives wishes to benefit him, let him give charity on his behalf, in a manner that is hidden, and not in the public way that these people do.
The questioner : Yes.
The Shaykh : And Allah is the One who grants success.
The questioner : Also, the rest of his question.