Among the Innovations of Condolence

Question:
We ask about a widespread phenomenon in many Muslim lands, which is: what the family of the deceased does after the burial is completed for their deceased, where they set up a tent or any other structure, and the family gathers in it after it is lit in one of the open areas or streets, to receive the condolers and consume coffee, tea, and other things, in addition to bringing a reciter to recite the Qur'an for a fee, and if that is not available, they use a recording device to listen to the Qur'an, and on the third day a food feast is held for everyone. What is your guidance, Your Eminence? And is it permissible to participate in it? A. M. - Makkah.

Answer:
Holding condolences in this manner is a religious innovation (bid'ah) that is not permissible to do, nor is it permissible to participate in it; for it is established from Jarir ibn Abdullah al-Bajali (may Allah be pleased with him) that he said: "We used to consider gathering for the family of the deceased and preparing food after his burial to be part of wailing (niyaha)." It was narrated by Imam Ahmad with a sound chain. The Sunnah is only that food be prepared for the family of the deceased by their relatives and neighbors; for it is established from the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) that he said to his family when the news of the death of Ja'far ibn Abi Talib (may Allah be pleased with him) came: It was narrated by Imam Ahmad and the people of the Sunan with a sound chain. We ask Allah to guide the Muslims to what brings them salvation and safety in their religion and worldly affairs, for He is the All-Hearing, the Near.