❖ Prescribed Words of Condolence and Ruling on Fātiḥah Khawānī ❖
Answer by: Fadhīlat al-Shaykh ʿAbd al-Wakīl Nāṣir حفظه الله
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?
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."
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.”
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.
✔ 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.
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.
