Condolence (ta'ziya)

Ta'ziya — from 'azza, to console and strengthen — keeps its lexical meaning in the law: enjoining patience with the promise of reward, warning against the burden of impatience, supplicating forgiveness for the deceased and solace for the bereaved, as al-Shirbini put it. ¹

Jurists do not disagree that it is recommended for one struck by loss; reports of its merit are the basis. The bereaved are condoled — old and young, men and women — save the uncomprehending child and the young woman, whom only women and her mahrams console for fear of temptation. ^{1 2}

The majority set its term at three days, arguing from the widow's three-day ihdad, and disliked it afterwards since the bereaved heart usually settles by then and renewing condolence renews grief — unless one party was absent and came only later. It is best given after burial, the family being occupied with the preparation before it. ²

Jurists disliked sitting for condolence in the mosque; the Shafi'is and Hanbalis disliked the family's gathering in one place for people to come to them — an innovation that renews grief — while the Malikis preferred the house of the bereaved. ^{2 3}