What is the ruling on building a mourning hall when there is a dire need for it in the area and a large number of mourners that houses cannot accommodate?

Consolation can take place wherever a Muslim meets his brother. It was not known of the Prophet (peace be upon him) or his companions that they designated a specific place or time for condolences.

Jarir ibn Abdullah al-Bajali narrated: "We used to consider gathering at the deceased's family's house and making food after his burial as a form of wailing."

Therefore, it is not prescribed to build a hall for condolences. Whoever comes to offer condolences should console the deceased's family wherever he finds them and then depart.