Holding a Condolence Gathering

Fatwa by: Former Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia, Sheikh Ibn Baz (رحمه الله)

Question:

What is the ruling on holding a condolence gathering and reciting the Quran three days after the burial of the deceased?

Answer:

Gathering at the home of the deceased for eating, drinking, or reciting the Quran is an innovation (bid'ah). Similarly, organizing a specific prayer gathering for the deceased by their family members is also considered an innovation. When visiting the home of the deceased, the purpose should be to offer condolences, pray for the deceased, and console the family.

Holding special condolence gatherings (ma'tam), arranging prayer assemblies, or organizing Quran recitation sessions are not practices endorsed by Shariah. If these actions had any basis in Islam, our pious predecessors (Salaf al-Salih) would have practiced them. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) never conducted such activities. For example, when Ja'far bin Abi Talib, Abdullah bin Rawaha, and Zaid bin Haritha (رضي الله عنهم) were martyred in the Battle of Mu'tah and the Prophet (ﷺ) was informed of their deaths through revelation, he shared the news with the companions, prayed for them, and expressed his contentment with their sacrifice. However, he did not gather people, arrange a feast, or hold a mourning assembly, despite these individuals being among the most esteemed companions.

When Abu Bakr al-Siddiq (رضي الله عنه) passed away, although he was the most superior of all the companions, no mourning was conducted for him. Similarly, when Umar bin Khattab (رضي الله عنه) was martyred, no gatherings for mourning or Quran recitation were organized. Later, when Uthman and Ali (رضي الله عنهما) were martyred, no such gatherings or assemblies were held for them either.

It is recommended for the relatives or neighbors of the deceased to prepare food and send it to the grieving family, as established from the Prophet (ﷺ). When the news of Ja'far's (رضي الله عنه) death reached the Prophet (ﷺ), he instructed:

"Prepare food for the family of Ja'far, for indeed, a matter has come to them that will preoccupy them."

(Narrated by Tirmidhi in the Book of Funerals)

The family of the deceased is already grieving, and sending them food at such a time is a commendable act. However, forcing them to prepare food for others and hold large gatherings contradicts the Sunnah and is considered a bid'ah (innovation). Jareer bin Abdullah al-Bajali (رضي الله عنه) said:

"We used to consider gathering at the house of the deceased and preparing food after the burial to be part of wailing."

(Narrated by Ibn Majah)

Wailing and loud lamentation are prohibited in Islam and can lead to the deceased being punished in the grave. Therefore, it is important to avoid such practices, although shedding tears is not problematic.

And Allah knows best.
 
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