It is natural to want to express condolences for the bereaved family by presenting a tangible gift of sympathy. With different rituals and customs that each religion may observe, it becomes difficult to know which gifts are appropriate and which could be considered inappropriate or offensive. What are the appropriate items to bring or send to express condolences according to Islamic traditions?
Here are several considerations when deciding what to bring or send to an Islamic family.
Food, Meals and Sympathy Baskets
The traditional mourning period to honor and remember a deceased Muslim is three days. Family and friends often pay condolence visits during this period of mourning. Food and food baskets are appropriate gifts, especially during the three day mourning period. The food provided should follow Islam’s diet restrictions. Checking with other family and friends to coordinate the food given would be a considerate step.
Find and Send a Condolence Gift
Select a sympathy gift that helps to comfort family and friends. You can trust eCondolence.com’s team of professionals to express your condolences appropriately. You will find the highest-quality products and items carefully selected by the eCondolence.com team that are appropriate to send family, friends, colleagues and others.
Baked Goods & Desserts
Fruit Baskets
Assorted Chocolates
Donations
Donations may be made to charitable organizations, individuals in need, or religious projects in memory of the deceased. When done with pure motives, the gift is considered a meritorious work that benefits both the deceased and the giver. Contacting an imam or other religious leader at the Mosque can provide answers about specific needs and recommendations.
Sympathy Cards and Notes
Consoling or comforting a Muslim who is grieving or in distress is considered a highly favored act of kindness. Handwritten expressions of sympathy or a purchased sympathy card are meaningful to the bereaved. Personal contact and shared thoughts, especially during the three-day mourning period, are welcomed signs of compassion and care. It is appropriate to express personal grief and understanding of the loss. Talking about the good deeds and nature of the deceased are also considerate expressions of sympathy.
Flowers
Islam emphasizes simplicity and moderation when it comes to things that adorn the body or the home. Although a small planter or vase of flowers would not be considered rude, gifts of flowers for the home are usually not made. Flowers for the grave site would also generally not be considered appropriate.
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