Food prepared by the bereaved family

A: In cases of death, the ruling is that food should be prepared by people other than the family of the deceased because the calamity that has befallen them (Part No. 9; Page No. 151) makes them too preoccupied to make food for themselves. It is related by Abu Dawud in his Sunan on the authority of `Abdullah ibn Ja`far (may Allah be pleased with him) that he said: When the news of the death of Ja`far ibn Abu Talib (may Allah be pleased with him) came, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: Make food for the family of Ja`far Because there has come to them that which will preoccupy them. As for setting up pavilions and tents for mourners to gather and serving food for them, this is not the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace be upon him). All goodness is to be found in following the teachings of the Prophet, his guidance and Sunnah. Allah (Exalted be He) says: Indeed in the Messenger of Allâh (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) you have a good example to follow for him who hopes for (the Meeting with) Allâh and the Last Day, and remembers Allâh much. He (Exalted be He) says: Say (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم to mankind): "If you (really) love Allâh then follow me (i.e. accept Islâmic Monotheism, follow the Qur’ân and the Sunnah), Allâh will love you and forgive you your sins. And Allâh is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful." It is related by Imam Ahmad with a good Sanad (chain of narrators) on the authority of Jarir ibn `Abdullah Al-Bajaly who said: We used to consider gathering with the family of the deceased and making food for them after the burial to be a kind of wailing. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.