What is the ruling on participating in a cooperative family association that aims to solve problems among family members and other families, lend to the needy, assist in paying blood money (diyat) and compensations, and distribute zakat to family members, while also preparing food for guests after the burial of a deceased family member? Is this association considered cooperation in righteousness and piety? Do you advise participating in it if it becomes clear that preparing food for the family of the deceased is forbidden and advice to abandon it is not accepted? What are the ways for family members to unite if this association is impermissible?

Tribal and familial bonds and cooperation in righteousness and piety are legislated, based on the Almighty's saying: (And cooperate in righteousness and piety) Al-Ma'idah/2. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, praised the Ash'aris for their cooperation. Cooperative funds that collect subscriptions from their members to spend on those in need resemble the actions of the Ash'aris, and they are legislated as long as their purpose is not profit and gain, but rather cooperation.

Among the prohibitions that must be avoided are: pre-Islamic tribalism, falling into forbidden acts, aiding the oppressor, and investing money in prohibited projects.

As for preparing food at funerals, the legislated practice is for the relatives of the deceased's family and their neighbors to prepare it for the deceased's family. It is disliked for the deceased's family to prepare food for the mourners, unless there is a need, such as the arrival of travelers, and it should be only as much as needed without extravagance.

The money collected in these funds is not subject to zakat because it does not have a specific owner. It is incumbent upon people of knowledge and rectitude to participate in these bonds to advise and guide them.