Condolences

It is a religious, moral, and social duty of Mu’mineen to offer condolences to the bereaved family. As per Islamic Shari’ah, however, it is discouraged to sit for a meal with the family in the immediate days following the burial.

Instead, we should practice the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) and send food to the family for three days. The Prophet began this practice of sending meals to the bereaved family of Hazrat Hamza after his martyrdom in the battle of Badr.

Bereaved Family

It is recommended that the family of the deceased recite chapters of the Holy Qur’an, pray salaat, offer Sadaqa (charity), and remember him/her with du’as and Istighfar. According to the hadith, Sadaqa given for the deceased brings light and comfort to the soul. It also gives great thawab (reward) to the person giving it on his or her behalf and will benefit that person greatly on the Day of Judgement.

It is also a tradition that the family organizes the recitation of Qur’an and Majlis of Imam Husayn for the Ithale Thawab of the departed soul soon after the burial has taken place. This is an opportunity for the relatives and Mu’mineen who may not have been able to attend the funeral to convey their last respects and du’as for the deceased.