Is offering condolences obligatory, and for whom? Is it permissible to blame or be angry with people for not offering condolences to the family of the deceased? Are gatherings on the first week, the fortieth day, and similar occasions permissible, or should they be avoided? Is it commendable to attend these gatherings to avoid angering the family of the deceased, or is it more appropriate to refrain from them to avoid falling into innovation (bid'ah)?
Offering condolences is recommended, not obligatory, and there is no blame upon one who refrains from it. It should take place within three days of the calamity. It is disliked thereafter, unless one of the two consolers was absent. What some people do, such as holding sittings for condolences on Thursday or on the fortieth day, and similar occasions, is an innovation.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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