What is the ruling of Sharia on the following:
1-The family of the deceased sets up luxurious condolence tents and other needed arrangements to receive condolences.
2-Holding a lunch banquet for family and relatives on day of E`id.
3-Setting up condolence tents during the last week of Ramadan and bearing enormous costs paid for from banks or the property of the minor heirs.
4-This has become a source of showing off and a cause for severing kinship ties since many condolence tents are being set up.
Answer:
All perfect praise be to Allah the Lord of The Worlds. May His peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Mohammad and upon all his family and companions.
Funeral expenses and debts of the deceased must be paid from his/her estate. However, it isn`t permissible to cover other expenses, such as condolence arrangements, from the estate except with the permission of all the heirs. If some of the latter are minors, then it isn`t permissible to take any portion from their shares and even their approval isn`t considerable in Sharia.
As for holding banquets and setting up luxurious condolence tents, in addition to other related expenses, it isn`t permissible to pay for these from the wealth of the minor heirs. Moreover, scenes of extravagance and luxury during the condolence period aren`t recommended as this doesn't befit this sad incident.
As for giving charity on behalf of the deceased, this is permissible and there is no evidence prohibiting a certain type of charity. However, it is from the Sunnah that food is prepared to the family of the deceased for there came upon them an incident which has engaged them.
However, it is permissible to prepare food for the people who come to offer condolences provided that it isn`t paid for from the wealth of the heirs and that it doesn`t involve lavishness and squandering.
Finally, in order for a deed to be accepted by Allah, it must be sincerely intended to please Him. And Allah the Almighty knows best.