Showing kindness to the Family of the Deceased by giving them Clothing and Money instead of preparing Food for them
Question :
Is it permissible to do deeds of goodness and kindness to the family of the deceased by (giving them) clothing, money and other things, so that this wealth and kindness may take the place of the food that is in accordance with the Prophet's statement:
"Prepare some food for the family of Ja'far."
Is this permissible or not?
Answer:
Giving clothes or money to the family of the deceased may take the place of preparing food for them. This is due to the Prophet's statement at the end of the Hadith:
"Verily there has come to them that which will preoccupy them."
This is clear in that food was ordered to be prepared for the family of the deceased only because they were preoccupied with their misfortune and unable to prepare food for themselves. However, showing kindness by giving clothes or money to whoever needs that of the deceased's family is good in itself, and the Islamic law encourages it in general whenever there is a necessity for it. It makes no difference whether it is for the family of the deceased or other than them. Thus, whoever does that to remove a hardship or relieve a distress, then verily he has done something good.
Source:
The Permanent Committee
Fatawa Islamiyah, Vol. 3 Pages 100-101