Condolences (Ta'ziyah)

**Definition:** Consoling the bereaved, strengthening them to bear the calamity with patience. **Recommended Words:** - Use Prophetic phrases if known - Otherwise, kind words that don't contradict Shariah - "To Allah belongs what He took, to Him what He gave. Everything has an appointed term. Be patient and seek reward." **Innovations to Avoid:** 1. Gathering for condolences with chairs, lights, and reciters 2. Family of deceased preparing food for visitors 3. Repeating condolences multiple times (once is the Sunnah) **Hadith:** "We considered gathering at the deceased's home and preparing food after burial to be from wailing." **Sunnah:** Neighbors and relatives make food FOR the family: "Make food for the family of Ja'far, for something has come to occupy them." **Permissible Crying:** - Natural weeping and sadness is allowed - The Prophet ﷺ wept for his son Ibrahim - "The eye weeps, the heart grieves, but we say only what pleases our Lord." **Forbidden:** - Wailing (niyahah) - Slapping cheeks - Tearing clothes - Cries of Jahiliyyah ("Woe is me!") **Hadith:** "He is not from us who slaps cheeks, tears clothes, and calls with the call of Jahiliyyah."