Manners of Condolence

1. Condolence has been prescribed to console the dead person’s family, relieve their sorrows and alleviate their distress. Allah’s Messenger said: “A believer who condoles with his brother on a bereavement will be dressed by Allah in the robes of honor and glory on the Day of Resurrection”

2. There is no specific formula for condolence. However, Imam Shafi’i recommended the expression: “May Allah magnify your reward, give you solace and forgive your deceased one.”

3. It is desirable to prepare food for the family of the deceased as is clear from the following Hadith: “Make food for Ja’afar’s family as they are distracted by the event.”