Feeding People at the Deceased’s Home after Burial

Question:

How is it to feed the common people and mourners at the home of the deceased after burial?

Country: South Africa

Answer:

Wa alaykum salam wa rahmatuLlahi wa barakatuHu,

The source of the food could be either:

1)      From the estate, while apportioned for another (like a minor, creditor, or absentee), it is unlawful; moreover, whoever spends from it is liable. (‘Umdat al-Mufti wa al-Mustafti v. 3, p. 181) However, when from the estate, without being apportioned to another and with consent from all entitled to it, then such is a disliked innovation.  (Tuhfat al-Muhtaj v.1, p. 437)

This is an innovation as it is opposite to the established sunnah. The Prophet Muhammad said, “Cook for the family of Ja’far, they have been struck by something that keeps them busy.” (Musnad Ahmad #1751; al-Mawsu’at al-Hadithiyyah p. 280)

2)      Not from the estate, it is permissible; but it is disliked to eat at a house where the family is not cooking due to mourning. If the family is not cooking on account of other reasons, then it is not disliked to eat there, with the condition that the food is not from the estate. (Tuhfat al-Muhtaj v. 1, p. 437)

And Allah knows best.

Answered by: Ml. Tariq Muhammad