Fatwa No : 6597
The method of sitting for paying condolence as mentioned is not correct,

The method of sitting for paying condolence as mentioned is not correct,

Assalamu Alaikum After the burial of the Mayyith, the relatives of the Mayyith use to spread a cloth or a mat and keep sitting while people, one by one use to come and make Dua and pay their condolence. I want to ask you whether this is correct? And also is it correct to have the 20th , 30th and 40th and were these things in practice during the time of Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam and are these things permissible as per Qur'an and Hadees. Is it permissible or not for the women to visit the graveyard. Please reply me for this soon.
2. Assalamu Alaikum, I wish to ask you that, I want to study abroad and there is an examination for that which is called ielts. I did the examination on the 21st May but I could not get through. Please inform me of a good Wazheefa for my success because the exam is so difficult. Please inform me of a Wazheefa to make it easy as soon as possible. Can any person get Isthikhara done through any Moulavi or he himself should do it?

الجوابُ حامِدا ًو مُصلیِّا ً

The method of sitting for paying condolence as mentioned is not correct, however in any house if the arrangement can not be done for same then they can sit even in the mosque of the locality and this should be done only for three days and not beyond that.
To have 3rd, 7th and 40th i.e., to sit on a particular day for the purpose of Isal e Sawab for the Mayyith, thinking it as essential and to have Qur'an Khwani etc. and to realize that the presence of everybody concerned to be essential etc. are such acts which do not carry any proof in the Shariath e Muthahhara and are pure innovations and it is necessary to abstain from such acts. The best way of Isal e Sawab is, whenever possible to the extent of one's capacity to do Sadaqa and charity, perform Nafl Namaz or recite Qur'an Majeed and to bestow the Sawab to the soul of the Mayyith. If it is impossible to do more, at least sura e Ikhlas be recited three times daily and the Sawab be bestowed upon the Mayyith.
It is not correct for young women to visit graveyards due to Fitna and Fasad (corruption, mischief, insecurity troubles etc.etc.) however, old women, taking care of the limits of the Shari'a can visit.
The better way of doing Isthikhara is to do it oneself. And the Wadheefa for success in the exam is, to make Dua for success in the exam after reciting 500 times AS SAMEE'U after completing Chasth (Dhuha) Namaz on Wednesday. Insha Allah the Dua will be accepted and will succeed in the exam.