Ardahan officials move to end costly funeral meal traditions

Authorities in Ardahan have launched an initiative to end the tradition of providing large-scale meals at funeral homes during condolence periods. The movement aims to alleviate the economic burden on grieving families who often resort to bank loans or borrowing from relatives to fund these gatherings.

During a meeting led by Provincial Mufti Adem Karadeniz, attended by the City Council President, Bar Association President, and local community leaders, Karadeniz stated that there is no religious obligation to provide meals on specific days such as the first, third, seventh, or fortieth day after a death. He described the practice of families incurring significant debt for such meals as ‘makruh’ (disliked) and contrary to the Sunnah.

Karadeniz cited prophetic tradition, noting that instead of the grieving family preparing food, neighbors and relatives should instead bring food to the bereaved to support them. He further cautioned that using funds belonging to orphans or unwilling heirs to pay for funeral meals is not permissible under Islamic law.