Ruling on condolences

Q 3: What is the ruling on offering condolences to those who have lost a loved one? What is the evidence on the obligation of offering condolences on the same day? Is it permissible to slaughter animals brought by the people on that day? Please clarify in detail how condolences should be offered.

A: Offering condolences is a Sunnah (reported from the Prophet). It was narrated that the Prophet (peace be upon him) urged people to do so (Part No. 9; Page No. 131) in his statement, If a believer consoles their brothers for a calamity that inflicted them, Allah will clothe them in a garment of honor on the Day of Judgment. Narrated by Ibn Majah . Offering condolences is not done by slaughtering cows, sheep or camels; rather by expressing kind, supportive, and calming words reminding them to be content with the Divine Decree, seeking reward and fearing punishment.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.