´Asma’ bint ‘Umais said:` “When Ja’far was killed, the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) went to his family and said: ‘The family of Ja’far are busy with the matter of their deceased, so prepare food for them.’” (One of the narrators) Abdullah said: "That continued to be the Sunnah, until innovations were introduced, then it was abandoned."
Explanation & Benefits
Maulana Ataullah Sajid
Benefits and Issues:
(1)
Our esteemed researcher has declared the mentioned narration to be weak in its chain of transmission. Furthermore, he has written that the previous narration suffices in this regard. Most likely for this reason, other researchers have considered it to be hasan.
(2)
Food should be prepared for the family of the deceased and they should be fed.
(3)
This food should be of a moderate level—just as a person normally prepares food in his routine. In the same way, food should be prepared and sent to the family of the deceased. If one engages in extravagance, rivalry, or develops a sense of pride in this matter, then the original purpose is lost.
Source: Commentary on Sunan Ibn Mājah by Mawlānā ‘Atā’ullāh Sājid, Page: 1611