Is it permissible for the family of the deceased to designate a day and place to receive condolences while serving tea, and what are the conditions for offering condolences?

Consoling the family of the deceased is commendable, but sitting for it at home is considered makruh (disliked) by the Hanbalis and Shafi'is, permissible by the Malikis, and khilaaf al-awla (contrary to what is better) by the Hanafis. As for what people have accustomed themselves to, such as gathering and preparing food and drink for the mourners, it is among the newly invented innovations (bid'ah muhdathah).

There is nothing specific prescribed for offering condolences; rather, one says what is appropriate for the deceased's situation, such as saying: "May Allah magnify your reward, improve your solace, and forgive your deceased" for a Muslim concerning another Muslim.

Most scholars hold the view that condolences are for three days, and anything beyond that is makruh, except in cases where the one being consoled or the one offering condolences was absent.