❖ Prescribed Words of Condolence and Ruling on Fātiḥah Khawānī ❖
Answer by: Fadhīlat al-Shaykh ʿAbd al-Wakīl Nāṣir حفظه الله
❖ Question:
What are the correct Islamic words to say when offering condolences after burial, and what is the ruling on reciting Fātiḥah (Fātiḥah Khawānī) in such gatherings?
❖ Sharʿī Words of Condolence:
When offering condolences, the following authentically reported words from the Prophet ﷺ are Sharʿī and recommended:
“إِنَّ لِلَّهِ مَا أَخَذَ وَلَهُ مَا أَعْطَى وَكُلٌّ عِنْدَهُ بِأَجَلٍ مُسَمًّى، فَلْتَصْبِرْ وَلْتَحْتَسِبْ“
[Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī: 1284]
Translation:
“Indeed, to Allah belongs what He takes, and to Him belongs what He gives. And everything with Him is for an appointed term. So be patient and hope for reward from Allah.”
❖ General Phrases for Condolence:
If one does not remember the prescribed Arabic duʿās, it is permissible to console the bereaved using appropriate and respectful phrases in one’s own language, such as:
✔ “It is Allah’s decision; please be patient.”
✔ “May Allah have mercy on the deceased.”
✔ “We are grieved by your loss. May Allah grant you patience.”
❖ Ruling on Fātiḥah Khawānī:
There is no authentic Sharʿī basis for reciting Surah al-Fātiḥah in gatherings — whether individually or collectively, before or after burial — as a ritual (Fātiḥah Khawānī).
✔ The preferred and Sharʿī approach is to make duʿāʾ and seek forgiveness for the deceased individually, without turning it into a ritualized or formal gathering.
❖ Advice:
✔ It is highly recommended to learn the authentic words of duʿāʾ and condolence so that a Muslim may use correct and Sharʿī expressions during moments of grief.
✔ Avoid innovated practices and adhere to prophetic guidance.
