Permissibility of Visiting the Graves
In the early days of Islam, visiting graveyards was forbidden by the Prophet ﷺ. This was in order to prevent people from inadvertently committing shirk (associating partners with Allah) at gravesites. However, the permission to visit the graves was later granted by the Prophet ﷺ in the following words, “I forbade you from visiting the graves, but you may now visit them.” (Muslim 977a)
Purpose of Visiting the Graves
The primary purpose of visiting the graves of our loved ones is to remember them. However, a trip to the graveyard should also remind us about the inevitability of death which, in turn, should encourage us to develop a deeper sense of God-consciousness. The Prophet ﷺ said, “…Visit the graves, for that makes you mindful of death.” (Muslim 976b) We should remind ourselves that we too shall join the deceased one day.
Basic Etiquette of Visiting the Graves
Wailing and crying loudly in the graveyard should be avoided. When the Prophet ﷺ saw a woman wailing beside a grave, he advised her, “Fear Allah and be patient.” (Bukhari 1,252) This is because wailing is a sign of ingratitude whereas “Allah loves those who are patient” (Aali Imran 3:146).
Sitting or walking on the graves is also prohibited. The Prophet ﷺ said, “Do not sit on the graves and do not pray facing towards them.” (Muslim 972a) Although there was no concept of placing flowers at the graves among the Prophet ﷺ and his companions, such an action is not explicitly prohibited either.
Supplicating at the Graves
It is recommended to make supplication (du’a) for the deceased when visiting graves. As at any other time, du’a should not be made “to” or “through” any deceased person – no matter how pious or saintly they may have been. This is because the deceased can neither hear us nor intercede with Allah in our favour. Hence, du’a should be made to Allah alone without any intermediaries, as He alone is capable of responding to our prayers.
One of the supplications taught by the Prophet ﷺ for visiting the graveyard is as follows:
السَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكُمْ أَهْلَ الدِّيَارِ مِنَ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ وَالْمُسْلِمِينَ وَإِنَّا إِنْ شَاءَ اللَّهُ لَلَاحِقُونَ أَسْأَلُ اللَّهَ لَنَا وَلَكُمْ الْعَافِيَةَ
“Peace be upon you, O inhabitants of this abode, among the believers and Muslims. And we shall join you, if Allah wills. I ask Allah for peace and well-being for us and for you.” (Muslim 975)
One may also supplicate for the deceased using any other appropriate words in any language. Such supplications may be made with or without raising the hands, as the supplicant desires.
Worship at the Graves
Islam prohibits all forms of worship, apart from du’a, at the graves, as the Prophet ﷺ said, “All the earth is a place of worship except graveyards and washrooms.” (Tirmidhi 317 – sahih) The reason for prohibiting worship, other than du’a, at the graves is that they occupy no special status in the sight of Allah, regardless of who is buried inside them. Besides, worship of Allah at gravesites typically transforms, over a period of time, into worship of the individuals buried there. For this reason, the Prophet ﷺ invoked Allah against the Jews and Christians who had taken the graves of their prophets as “places of worship” (Muslim 530b).
Offering salah at gravesites has specifically been prohibited by the Prophet ﷺ: “Offer some of your prayers in your homes, and do not make them graves.” (Bukhari 1,187)
Similarly, the recitation of the Qur’an inside graveyards also has no basis in Islam, as per the following hadith: “Do not make your houses graveyards, for surely, Satan flees from the house in which Surah Al-Baqarah is read.” (Muslim 780) These ahadith reaffirm that not only are the deceased unable to offer salah or recite the Qur’an but the visitors should also refrain from engaging in either activity inside the graveyard. Therefore, the popular practice of reciting Surah Yasin at gravesites is not authentically proven in Islam.
Festivals at Gravesites
Festivals at gravesites, such as the ones celebrated at the death anniversaries of “saints” have no basis in the Qur’an or authentic Hadith, and should thus be avoided. In fact, the Prophet ﷺ strictly prohibited holding any festivities at his gravesite: “Do not make your houses graveyards, nor make my grave a place of celebration; and ask Allah’s blessing for me, because it will reach me wherever you may be.” (Abu Dawud 2,042 – sahih) Therefore, if the Prophet’s ﷺ grave is not eligible for annual gatherings and performance of rituals, then there is no question of conducting such activities at anyone’s else gravesite.
To conclude, visiting the graves of our loved ones and others is permitted in Islam. It may even be a desirable act if it reminds us of death and the afterlife. However, we must be careful to observe the Islamic etiquette for visiting the graves and not indulge in any objectionable activity such as wailing, holding celebrations at the graves, or invoking the deceased for help.
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