[Q 388] Time limit for offering condolences according to Shariah

QUESTION:

What is the time limit for offering condolences according to Shariah, and is it permissible to offer condolences after three days?

ANSWER:

According to Shariah, the time prescribed for offering condolences is three days. Offering condolences after three days is considered Makruh Tanzeehi (slightly disliked), as the purpose of condolences is to console the bereaved, alleviate their grief, and encourage patience. Offering condolences after three days may renew their sorrow, which contradicts the intended purpose.

However, there are exceptions where offering condolences after three days is permitted:

1. If the person offering condolences was not present during the days of bereavement.

2. If the person was present but unaware of the death.

3. If the bereaved person was not available during the prescribed period.

In these situations, it is permissible to offer condolences even after three days.

تعزیت کا وقت موت سے لے کر تین دن تک ہے اور اس کے بعد مکروہ ِتنزیہی ہے۔چنانچہ طحطاوی علی المراقی میں ہے:’’ووقتھا من حین یموت الی ثلاثہ ایام واولھا افضل وتکرہ بعدھالانھا تجدد الحزن وھو خلاف المقصود منھالان المقصود منھا ذکر ما یسلی صاحب المیت ویخفف حزنہ ویحضہ علی الصبر‘‘
(حاشیۃ الطحطاوی علی المراقی،ص618،مطبوعہ کراچی)
جن اعذار کی وجہ سےتین دن کے بعد بھی تعزیت کرنےکی اجازت ہے،ان کے متعلق ردالمحتار مع الدر میں ہے:’’(وتکرہ بعدھا)و الظاھر انھا تنزیھیۃ(الا لغائب)ای الا ان یکون المعزِی والمعزی غائبا فلا باس بھا جوھرۃ ،قلت:والظاھر ان الحاضر الذی لم یعلم بمنزلۃ الغائب‘
(ردالمحتار مع الدر،ج3،ص177، مطوعہ پشاور)

Answered by: Usman Madani
Verified by: Mufti Sajid Attari
Translated by: Shaheer Attari