Is there a specific time limit for condolences?
Machine translationRead the Arabic original
The questioner also says: Our custom is that the period of condolences extends to more than three days, given the distance we mentioned and the fact that some of us do not learn of the deceased's passing until three days or more later. It may even last seven days. What is the ruling on this as well?
The answer: There is no fixed limit for condolences, neither three days nor more. One may not learn of the death until after four or five days. The point is that there is no fixed limit. The one offering condolences has no limit. If he offers them after three, four, or five days, once the news reaches him, there is no harm. The three-day limit is for the mourning period (i'dad) of the close female relatives of the deceased. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said:Sunan Ibn Majah 2085Sahih (Darussalam).
Therefore, the mourning period (i'dad) for the close female relatives of the deceased is not permissible to exceed three days. As for visiting to offer condolences, there is no limit of three days. Nor is there a limit for their neighbors or relatives preparing food for them. If some of their neighbors prepare food for them after three days, because they are still occupied with the calamity, there is no harm. As far as we know in the Shari'ah, there is no limit. Yes.
The answer: There is no fixed limit for condolences, neither three days nor more. One may not learn of the death until after four or five days. The point is that there is no fixed limit. The one offering condolences has no limit. If he offers them after three, four, or five days, once the news reaches him, there is no harm. The three-day limit is for the mourning period (i'dad) of the close female relatives of the deceased. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
It is not permissible for a woman to mourn for any deceased person for more than three days, except for her husband.
لا تحد المرأة على ميت فوق ثلاث، إلا على زوجTherefore, the mourning period (i'dad) for the close female relatives of the deceased is not permissible to exceed three days. As for visiting to offer condolences, there is no limit of three days. Nor is there a limit for their neighbors or relatives preparing food for them. If some of their neighbors prepare food for them after three days, because they are still occupied with the calamity, there is no harm. As far as we know in the Shari'ah, there is no limit. Yes.
Source
binbaz.org.sa
The Arabic text is copied verbatim from the original source, without any edits.
