Islamic Verdicts - Volume III

The book of funerals

Rulings Pertaining to Visiting the Graves

Visiting the Graves of the Muslims and supplicating for the People in them is a Sunnah

Q: I live in a neighborhood that has a graveyard and everyday I walk along a path that passes beside it. Actually, I walk along this path more than once everyday. What is obligatory upon me in this situation? Should I always give the greetings of peace to the deceased or what should I do? Please give me some direction, may Allah bless you.

A: Visiting the graves in the legislated manner is a Sunnah due to what it contains of reminding of the Hereafter and death, and what it contains of supplication for forgiveness, mercy and safety from the Fire for the deceased - if they were Muslims. This is due to the Prophet's statement: “Visit the graves, for verily they remind you all of the Hereafter” (Muslim no. 976 and Ibn Majah no. 1569).

The Prophet (salallahou 'aleyhi wa salam) used to teach his Companions to say when they

visited the graves: “Peace upon you, O people of the abodes among the Muslims and the believers. If Allah wills, verify we will be joining you. We ask Allah for well-being for us and you” (Muslim no. 975).

The Hadiths concerning visiting the graves are numerous. It is legislated for you to give the greetings of peace every time you pass by the graves, to those who are in them and supplicate for forgiveness and well-being for them. Yet, this is not obligatory. Rather, it is recommended and it contains great reward. If you pass by the graves and you do not give the greetings of peace, there is no sin upon you. And success is from Allah.

Ash-Shaykh Ibn Baz

The Woman does not visit the Grave

Q: What is the ruling on the woman visiting graves?

A: It is not permissible for women to visit the graves because the Messenger (salallahou 'aleyhi wa salam) cursed the women who visited the graves. Also, because they are a Fitnah (source of trial and temptation) and they have very little patience. Therefore, from the mercy of Allah and His kindness is that He forbade visiting graves for them so that they would not be exposed to temptation, nor would they cause temptation for others. May Allah correct the situation of everyone.

Ash-Shaykh Ibn Baz

The ruling on Women visiting Graves and some Superstitions

Q: Can I visit the grave of my son, as he has died and I heard from some of the people that if the mother goes to the grave before sunrise without crying and she recites Surah Al-Fatihah, her son will be able to see her. The distance between them will be like the holes of a sieve (strainer or sifter). However, if she cries over him, she will be veiled from him. What is the authenticity of this and what is the ruling on women visiting the graves?

A: This action of a woman that you have mentioned - her visiting the grave of her son on the day of Al-Jumu'ah (Friday) before sunrise and reciting Surah Al-Fatihah without crying, then he will be unveiled for her so that she can see him as if she is looking at him through a sieve (strainer or sifter) - we say that this statement is not correct. It is a false statement that should not be relied upon.

Concerning the ruling on women visiting the graves, the scholars have differed concerning it. Some of them have said that it is disliked; some of them have said it is allowed if it does not contain anything forbidden; and some of them have said that it is forbidden. I think that the correct view from the statements of the people of knowledge is that it is forbidden for women to visit the graves. This is because the Prophet (salallahou 'aleyhi wa salam) cursed the women who visit the graves, those who establish Masjids over them and those who place lights (or lamps) at them. The curse (of the Prophet (salallahou 'aleyhi wa salam)) does not occur for an action that is allowed or disliked. Rather, the curse is mentioned concerning that action which is forbidden. The well-known principle with the people of knowledge necessitates that the women's visiting of graves is from the major sins, because it carries the curse (invoked by the Prophet JH). If the sin carries the curse (of the Prophet (salallahou 'aleyhi wa salam) |j|) then it becomes one of the major sins, just as the fundamental principle with many or most of the people of knowledge dictates. Based upon this, my advice to this woman whose son died is that she should increase in her seeking of forgiveness and supplicating for him in her house. If Allah, the Most High accepts that from her, it will benefit her son even if she is not at his grave.

Ash-Shaykh Ibn 'Uthaimin