Offering condolences to the close relatives of a deceased person

Q. What does Ta'ziyah mean? Could you give me some information on this subject matter?

R. Ta'ziyah means offering condolences to the close relatives of a deceased person.

Rasulullah (Sallallaahu A'laihi Wasallam) said:

"Whoever comforts someone who is sad, Allah will clothe him in garments of piety, and Allah will have compassion on his soul."

Hadhrat Imam Hassan Bin Ziyaad (Rahimahullah) says that Ta'ziyah should be done only once. It is not an act to be repeated.

The time during which Ta'ziyah is valid is three days from the day of death. After the expiration of these three days, it is Makruh to offer Ta'ziyah. However, if someone is absent during this period or the parent of the deceased is absent, Ta'ziyah may be done at any time after the three days have expired.

It is "aula" (best and of greater merit) to offer one's sympathies immediately after the burial, but not before the burial, although it is permissible to do so. However, if the parents of the deceased are extremely sad, then condolences may be offered before the burial. It is mustahab to offer condolences to all the members of the family of the deceased, except young women. Ta'ziyah is not to be offered to them. Only the mahaarim of young women can offer them Ta'ziyah.

It is mustahab while offering his condolences to say to the parents:

"May Allah forgive your Mayyit and forgive his sins and cover him with His compassion, and grant you patience in this difficult time and may He reward you on his (Mayyit) death."

[English version of "Offrir des condoléances aux parents proches d'une personne décédée" – Al Haadi – Vol. 1 No. 4]