The Ruling on a Condolence Meeting

Question

Is it permissible or not to hold merely a condolence meeting on the death of some leader or religious guide? Likewise, is it permissible or not, on the death of some leader or guide, to gather people for isal al-thawab and to hold a khatm of the Qur’an (a complete recitation) and a condolence meeting — both things in one gathering? The ways of gathering people vary: in some places an announcement is made in the newspaper, in others at a central place or in the mosque and the like.

Answer

Offering condolence to the relatives of the deceased on the death of a Muslim — that is, urging them to patience and the like — is established by the sunna. If there is no opportunity to go there in person to offer condolence, then offering condolence by letter as well is transmitted from the righteous predecessors.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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