Condolence Messages and Sympathy Wishes

What to write in a condolence message

There is no perfect wording, and nobody expects it. A good condolence message does three things: it acknowledges the loss, it shares a small memory or kind word about the person if you knew them, and it offers support without asking anything of the family. Two or three sentences are plenty.

Where you see {{name}}, put the name of the person you are writing to. Where you see [name of the deceased], use the name of the person who passed away, for example 'your father, Rameshbhai'. Using their name gently is often more comforting than avoiding it.

Short condolence messages

Short messages are right when you do not know the family closely, or when you will call or visit later. They also work as a reply on a family group.

1. 1.

   Short

   I am so sorry for your loss, {{name}}. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

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2. 2.

   Short

   Deepest condolences, {{name}}. May his soul rest in peace.

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3. 3.

   Short

   Om Shanti. May God give the family strength in this difficult time. 🙏

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4. 4.

   Short

   Heartfelt condolences to you and your family, {{name}}. Please take care of yourself.

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5. 5.

   Short

   Very sad to hear this news. May her soul rest in peace. Sending strength to the whole family.

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6. 6.

   RIP

   Rest in peace. A kind and gentle soul who will be deeply missed. 🙏

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7. 7.

   Short

   {{name}}, I have no words. Just know that I am thinking of you.

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8. 8.

   Short

   Sincere sympathies to you and your loved ones. May you find peace in the memories you shared.

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Condolence messages for a friend

With a close friend you can be warmer and more personal. Offer something specific, like a call, food or help with arrangements, instead of a general "let me know".

1. 1.

   Friend

   {{name}}, I just heard and my heart breaks for you. I am here for you, today and in the weeks ahead. Call me any time, even at night.

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2. 2.

   Friend

   Dear {{name}}, I cannot imagine how hard this is. Please don't reply to this. I will drop by tomorrow evening with some food for the family.

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3. 3.

   Friend

   {{name}}, I am so sorry. I still remember how warmly Aunty welcomed us every time we came over. She will be missed by so many people.

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4. 4.

   Friend

   There are no right words, {{name}}, but you are not alone. Whenever you want to talk or just sit quietly, I am one call away.

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5. 5.

   Friend

   {{name}}, sending you a big hug. Grief has no timetable, so take all the time you need. I will keep checking on you.

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6. 6.

   Friend

   Dear {{name}}, I am heartbroken for you. If you need help with anything, from calling relatives to picking people up from the station, please let me handle it.

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7. 7.

   Friend

   {{name}}, your grandfather's stories and laughter made every visit special. I feel lucky to have known him. Thinking of you all with love.

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8. 8.

   Friend

   I am so sorry, {{name}}. I am far away right now and wish I could be there with you. I will call you tonight. Om Shanti.

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Condolence messages for a colleague

Keep it warm but respectful. Do not mention work, deadlines or when they will be back, unless it is to tell them not to worry about it.

1. 1.

   Colleague

   Dear {{name}}, I was very sorry to hear about the loss of your father. Please take all the time you need. The team is here to cover for you.

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2. 2.

   Colleague

   {{name}}, my sincere condolences to you and your family. Please do not think about work right now. We are all thinking of you.

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3. 3.

   Colleague

   Dear {{name}}, on behalf of the whole team, our deepest sympathies on your loss. May you and your family find strength and comfort.

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4. 4.

   Colleague

   {{name}}, I am so sorry for your loss. If there is anything I can take off your plate, just tell me. Wishing you peace in this difficult time.

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5. 5.

   Team

   Dear {{name}}, all of us at the office were saddened to hear the news. Please accept our heartfelt condolences. Our thoughts are with you and your family.

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6. 6.

   Colleague

   {{name}}, I know how close you were to your mother. I am truly sorry. Take care of yourself and your family first.

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7. 7.

   Formal

   Dear {{name}}, please accept my sincere condolences on the passing of your brother. May his soul rest in peace.

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Condolence messages for a client or business contact

For clients, partners and customers, keep the tone formal and brief, and sign off with your name so they know who wrote.

1. 1.

   Client

   Dear {{name}}, we were deeply saddened to learn of your loss. Please accept our heartfelt condolences. Our thoughts are with you and your family. – Rakesh Shah, Shah Logistics

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2. 2.

   Client

   Respected {{name}} ji, our sincere sympathies on the passing of your father. He built your business with great dignity, and we are grateful to have known him.

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3. 3.

   Client

   Dear {{name}}, on behalf of everyone at Kothari & Co., please accept our deepest condolences. Please do not worry about any pending work; we will take care of it.

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4. 4.

   Client

   Dear {{name}}, I was sorry to hear about your loss. Wishing you and your family strength and peace during this time.

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5. 5.

   Formal

   Dear {{name}}, the entire team joins me in offering our sincere condolences. May the departed soul rest in eternal peace.

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6. 6.

   Customer

   {{name}} ji, we were very sad to hear the news. Your mother visited our shop for so many years and always had a kind word. Om Shanti.

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Condolence messages on the loss of a father

When someone has lost their father, a line about the kind of man he was means a lot. Speak about him in a way the family will recognise.

1. 1.

   Father

   {{name}}, I am so sorry about your father. He was a gentle, generous man and he was so proud of you. May his soul rest in peace.

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2. 2.

   Father

   Dear {{name}}, losing a father leaves a space nothing can fill. I hope the love and values he gave you bring you some comfort now.

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3. 3.

   Father

   {{name}}, Uncle always greeted me with a smile and a cup of tea. I will miss him. Sending strength to you, Aunty and the whole family.

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4. 4.

   Father

   Heartfelt condolences on the passing of your father, {{name}}. His hard work and honesty were an example to everyone who knew him.

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5. 5.

   Father

   Dear {{name}}, may your father's soul find peace, and may his memories stay with you always. I am here for anything you need.

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6. 6.

   Father

   {{name}}, I know how much he meant to you. Take your time to grieve. You were a wonderful son to him till the very end.

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Condolence messages on the loss of a mother

A mother is often the heart of the home. Acknowledge the family as a whole, and the person you are writing to.

1. 1.

   Mother

   {{name}}, I am heartbroken to hear about your mother. Her warmth and love touched everyone who walked into your home. Om Shanti.

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2. 2.

   Mother

   Dear {{name}}, there is no love like a mother's, and no loss like it either. My deepest condolences to you and your family.

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3. 3.

   Mother

   {{name}}, Aunty's food, her laughter and her blessings will always stay with me. I am so sorry. Please take care of yourself.

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4. 4.

   Mother

   Dear {{name}}, may your mother rest in peace, and may her blessings always be with you. I am thinking of you and praying for your family.

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5. 5.

   Mother

   {{name}}, she raised a family full of kindness, and that is how she will be remembered. Sending you love and strength.

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6. 6.

   Mother

   Sincere condolences on the loss of your beloved mother, {{name}}. May you find comfort in the beautiful memories you made together.

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If you cannot attend, or are writing late

It is never too late to send condolences. A message weeks later can mean even more, because most people have stopped checking in by then.

1. 1.

   Cannot attend

   {{name}}, I am so sorry I could not be at the prayer meeting. I am out of town, but my thoughts were with your family all evening. I will visit as soon as I am back.

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2. 2.

   Late

   Dear {{name}}, I only just heard about your loss and I am so sorry I did not write sooner. I have been thinking of you. Please let me know if I can help in any way.

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3. 3.

   Check-in

   {{name}}, it has been a few weeks and I just wanted to say I am still thinking of you. How are you holding up? No need to reply.

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4. 4.

   Cannot attend

   Dear {{name}}, I will not be able to attend the besnu, but I join you in prayer from here. May God give your family peace and strength.

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Condolence messages in Hindi (श्रद्धांजलि संदेश)

हिंदी में शोक संदेश छोटा, शांत और सच्चा हो तो सबसे अच्छा लगता है। "ॐ शांति" या "भावपूर्ण श्रद्धांजलि" से शुरू कर सकते हैं।

1. 1.

   Hindi

   ॐ शांति। ईश्वर दिवंगत आत्मा को अपने चरणों में स्थान दें और परिवार को यह दुःख सहने की शक्ति दें। 🙏

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2. 2.

   Hindi

   भावपूर्ण श्रद्धांजलि। आपके पिताजी का जाना हम सबके लिए एक बड़ी क्षति है। उनकी सादगी और स्नेह हमेशा याद रहेगा।

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3. 3.

   Hindi

   {{name}} जी, यह दुःखद समाचार सुनकर मन बहुत व्यथित है। इस कठिन समय में हम आपके और आपके परिवार के साथ हैं।

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4. 4.

   Hindi

   {{name}} जी, माताजी के निधन का समाचार सुनकर गहरा दुःख हुआ। उनका आशीर्वाद सदा आपके परिवार पर बना रहे। ॐ शांति।

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5. 5.

   Hindi

   विनम्र श्रद्धांजलि। प्रभु दिवंगत आत्मा को शांति प्रदान करें और शोकाकुल परिवार को धैर्य दें।

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6. 6.

   Hindi

   {{name}} जी, आपके दुःख में हम सब सहभागी हैं। किसी भी चीज़ की ज़रूरत हो तो बेझिझक कहिए।

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7. 7.

   Hindi

   वे एक नेक और सरल इंसान थे। उनकी कमी कभी पूरी नहीं हो सकती। ईश्वर उनकी आत्मा को शांति दें।

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8. 8.

   Hinglish

   {{name}} ji, yeh khabar sunkar bahut dukh hua. Bhagwan unki aatma ko shanti de aur aap sabko himmat de. Om Shanti 🙏

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Condolence messages in Gujarati (શ્રદ્ધાંજલિ સંદેશ)

ગુજરાતી પરિવારોમાં ટૂંકો અને આદરપૂર્ણ સંદેશ સૌથી યોગ્ય રહે છે. બેસણાની જાણ માટેના સંદેશ અમારા બેસણું સંદેશ પેજ પર છે.

1. 1.

   Gujarati

   ૐ શાંતિ. પરમાત્મા સદ્ગતના આત્માને શાંતિ આપે અને પરિવારને આ દુઃખ સહન કરવાની શક્તિ આપે. 🙏

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2. 2.

   Gujarati

   {{name}}, આ દુઃખદ સમાચાર સાંભળીને ખૂબ દુઃખ થયું. આ કપરા સમયમાં અમે આપની સાથે છીએ.

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3. 3.

   Gujarati

   {{name}}, પૂજ્ય બાપુજીની વિદાયથી પરિવારને મોટી ખોટ પડી છે. તેમનો પ્રેમ અને સંસ્કાર હંમેશાં યાદ રહેશે. ભાવપૂર્ણ શ્રદ્ધાંજલિ.

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4. 4.

   Gujarati

   {{name}}, પૂજ્ય બાના અવસાનના સમાચારથી મન ભારે થઈ ગયું. તેમના આશીર્વાદ સદાય આપના પરિવાર પર રહે. ૐ શાંતિ.

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5. 5.

   Gujarati

   પ્રભુ સદ્ગતના આત્માને ચિરશાંતિ અર્પે. કંઈ પણ જરૂર હોય તો નિઃસંકોચ જણાવજો.

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6. 6.

   Gujarati

   {{name}}, હું બેસણામાં આવી શકું તેમ નથી, પણ મારી પ્રાર્થના આપના પરિવાર સાથે છે. પ્રભુ સૌને શક્તિ આપે.

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How to inform relatives of a death or prayer meeting

When a family has to tell many relatives about a passing and the prayer meeting (besnu, uthamna or shraddhanjali sabha), the message should be calm and clear: the full name of the person, the date they passed away, and the day, date, time and place of the prayer meeting. Call the closest elders first; a message is for everyone else.

Replace the example name and details with your own. For many more Gujarati, Hindi and English formats, including telephonic besnu, see our besnu and prayer meeting messages.

1. 1.

   Inform

   With deep sorrow we inform you that our beloved father, Shri Rameshbhai Natvarlal Patel, passed away peacefully on [date]. Prayer meeting: Monday, [date], 4 to 6 pm Venue: Patel Samaj Hall, Maninagar, Ahmedabad – Patel family

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2. 2.

   Inform

   Dear {{name}}, We are sad to share that our mother, Smt. Sharda Patel, left us on [date]. A prayer meeting will be held at our home on [day, date] from 5 to 7 pm. Your presence would be a comfort to us.

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3. 3.

   Hindi

   अत्यंत दुःख के साथ सूचित करना पड़ रहा है कि हमारे पूज्य पिताजी श्री रमेशचंद्र शर्मा का [तारीख] को निधन हो गया। श्रद्धांजलि सभा: [दिन, तारीख], शाम 4 से 6 बजे स्थान: अग्रवाल भवन, जयपुर शोकाकुल: शर्मा परिवार

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4. 4.

   Gujarati

   અત્યંત દુઃખ સાથે જણાવવાનું કે અમારા પૂજ્ય પિતાશ્રી સ્વ. રમેશભાઈ પટેલ તા. [તારીખ]ના રોજ અવસાન પામ્યા છે. બેસણું: સોમવાર, તા. [તારીખ], સાંજે 4 થી 6 સ્થળ: પટેલ સમાજની વાડી, મણિનગર લિ. પટેલ પરિવાર

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5. 5.

   Telephonic

   Dear {{name}}, Due to circumstances, the prayer meeting for late Shri Rameshbhai Patel will be telephonic only, on Monday [date], 4 to 6 pm. You may call Manoj (98250 00000) or Kiran (98790 00000).

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Informing many relatives at once, each by name

In the first days after a loss, someone in the family usually spends hours forwarding the same message to a hundred relatives, one at a time. Rapid Sender, a free browser tool for WhatsApp, can do that quietly from your own number: each relative gets the message in their own chat, addressed by name, with the printed prayer meeting notice attached if you have one. Nothing is posted to a group.

1. 1

   Make a list of relatives

   Put names and phone numbers in an Excel sheet or CSV, or simply type or paste the numbers. The numbers do not need to be saved in your phone.

2. 2

   Link your WhatsApp

   Open rapid-sender.com on a computer. On your phone, go to WhatsApp, Linked devices, Link a device and scan the QR code, or use the pairing code.

3. 3

   Paste the message

   Paste the prayer meeting message, with {{name}} where each relative's name should go. The preview shows how it reads.

4. 4

   Attach the notice (optional)

   Attach the printed besnu or shraddhanjali notice as a photo or PDF.

5. 5

   Test, then send

   Send it to yourself first to check the details. Then send to everyone. There is a short pause between messages, and the report shows who received it, so you can call anyone it did not reach.

What to avoid in a condolence message

• Avoid 'I know how you feel'. Every loss is different. 'I am so sorry' is enough.

• Do not ask how the person died, or share your own health worries or stories at length.

• Skip phrases like 'everything happens for a reason' or 'at least he lived a long life'. They can hurt, even when meant kindly.

• Do not forward a generic RIP image on its own to a close friend. Add a line of your own.

• Do not expect a reply. Say so in the message if you like: 'No need to respond.'

• Use the faith words the family uses (Om Shanti, RIP, Waheguru, Inna lillahi) if you are sure of them. If not, a plain 'May his soul rest in peace' is always respectful.

• Follow up after a few weeks. That is when people often feel most alone.

Frequently asked questions