Ruling on Holding Condolence Ceremonies

Q: Condolence ceremonies are held where people gather outside the deceased's home. Some electric lights (similar to those used at weddings) are placed, and the family of the deceased lines up. Those who wish to offer condolences pass by them one after another, placing each of their hands on the chest of each family member and saying to them: "May Allah magnify your reward." Is this agreement and this action in accordance with the Sunnah? If it does not conform to the Sunnah, what is the Sunnah in this matter? Please inform us, may Allah reward you with good.

A: This practice is not in accordance with the Sunnah, and we do not know of any basis for it in the pure Shari'ah. Rather, the Sunnah is to offer condolences to the bereaved without a specific form or a specific gathering like this one. It is prescribed for every Muslim to console his brother after the soul has departed, whether in the house, on the road, in the mosque, or in the cemetery, whether the condolence is before the prayer or after it. If he meets him, it is prescribed for him to shake his hand and make a suitable supplication for him, such as: "May Allah magnify your reward, improve your consolation, and compensate you for your loss."
If the deceased is a Muslim, he should pray for him for forgiveness and mercy. Likewise, women console one another, and a man consoles a woman and a woman consoles a man, but without seclusion or handshaking if the woman is not a mahram to him. May Allah guide all Muslims to understand His religion and to remain steadfast upon it; He is the best of those asked.