What is the ruling on offering condolences?

Offering condolences means sharing in the grief of the deceased’s relatives by saying comforting and consoling words to them. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said regarding visiting someone who has suffered a calamity: “Whoever visits a person afflicted by a calamity and says ‘may it pass,’ will receive a reward equal to that given to the afflicted person.” (Tirmidhi, Jana'iz, 71 [1073]) Likewise, he encouraged offering condolences to the relatives of the deceased, saying: “Whoever offers condolences to a woman who has lost her child will be clothed in a garment in Paradise.” (Tirmidhi, Jana'iz, 74 [1076])

In order not to renew the grief of the deceased’s relatives, condolences should not be delayed beyond three days. (Ibn Hajar, Fath, 3/146) The person offering condolences should wish patience and strength to the relatives of the deceased and pray for goodness for the deceased. (Nasa'i, Jana'iz, 120 [2088])

Source: T.C. Diyanet İşleri Başkanlığı, Din İşleri Yüksek Kurulu