Condolences are offered to the family of the dead for the purpose of alleviating their sadness, and to encourage them to be patient and accept the qadar of Allaah.
Encourage the bereaved to say•••
The Prophet (salallahu alayhi wa sallam) instructed Usamah to say to one of his daughters who lost a son:
"Tell her to say, "Iillaahi maa akhaza wa liIlahi moo a'taa wa kullu shay 'in indahu ajalin musomma" (To Allaah is what He took, and to Him is what He gave, and everything with Him has an appointed time') and tell her to be patient and ask rewards from Allah for her sacrifice." (AI-Bukhari).
Encourage the bereaved to have patience
The Prophet (salallahu alayhi wa sallam) said (as a word of encouragement) to a woman who lost her only child.
"I have been informed that you are sorrowful for your son. Have taqwa of Allaah, and be patient." (Haakim)
Cooking Food
When Ja'far ibn Abi Taalib (RA) died, the Prophet (salallahu alayhi wa sallam) ordered that food be cooked for his family:
"Make food for ja'far's family. because a matter has occurred diverting them (from normal life)." (Abu Dawud)
The food is for the bereaved and not for the guest.
Duration of Consolation
When Ja'far ibn AbuTalib (RA) died. the Prophet came to [a'far's family after three days of his death and said to them.
"Do not weep over my brother past this day. (Ahmad)
Reward for consoling the bereaved
The Prophet (salallahu 'alayhi wa sallam) said:
"Whoever consoles his brother in a affliction (that befell him). Allah will clothe him with a green suit with which he will be delighted on the Day of Resurrection." (Khaatib al-Baghdaadi)