Religious guidance on visiting the graves of the deceased and the etiquettes to be followed therein

ACJU/FTW/2022/08-451

1443.09.24

2022.04.26

Visiting the graveyard is a Sunnah. Visiting graveyards provides an opportunity to establish thoughts about death, remind the life of the Hereafter, calm the mind and increase the spiritual connection with the Almighty.

The Prophet (ﷺ) had initially forbidden visiting of the graveyards, but later permitted to do so and stated that it reminds about death.

عَنْ سُلَيْمَانَ بْنِ بُرَيْدَةَ، عَنْ أَبِيهِ قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ: «قَدْ كُنْتُ نَهَيْتُكُمْ عَنْ زِيَارَةِ القُبُورِ، فَقَدْ أُذِنَ لِمُحَمَّدٍ فِي زِيَارَةِ قَبْرِ أُمِّهِ، فَزُورُوهَا فَإِنَّهَا تُذَكِّرُ الآخِرَةَ» وَفِي البَاب عَنْ أَبِي سَعِيدٍ، وَابْنِ مَسْعُودٍ، وَأَنَسٍ، وَأَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، وَأُمِّ سَلَمَةَ.: «حَدِيثُ بُرَيْدَةَ حَدِيثٌ حَسَنٌ صَحِيحٌ»، (سنن الترمذي – 1054)

The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “I had prohibited you from visiting the graves. But Muhammad was permitted to visit the grave of his mother: so visit them, for they will remind you of the Hereafter.” (Sunan Tirmidhi: 1054)

Hazrat A’aisha (RadhiyAllahu Anha) reports that the Prophet (ﷺ) used to visit the place named Baqee, during the last portions of the night, convey Salam and supplicate for those who had been buried therein.[1]

Similarly the Prophet (ﷺ) used to visit those who were martyred during the Battle of Uhud.

It should be noted that it is permissible to visit the graveyard on any day and at all times and there isn’t any specific day or time reserved for it.

Ruling on visiting graves of those believed to be of the Awliya or the Righteous

Similar to the visiting of graveyards, it is also a Sunnah to visit the graves of those who are believed to be the Awliya or the Righteous.

Guidelines to be observed when visiting of public graveyards and Ziyarams of the Awliya or the Righteous

1. Being attired in a disciplined dress in accordance with the Shari’ah.
2. Those who are unable to control their emotions should avoid visiting graveyards.
3. Avoid crying out loud while visiting graveyards.
4. Avoid engaging in unnecessary talks while visiting graveyards.

5. Conveying the Salam for the buried and supplicating for them. Conveying Salam and supplicating according to the recitals that are prescribed in the Hadiths.

Hazrat Buraida (RadhiyAllahu Anhu) reports that Prophet (ﷺ) recited the following while visiting graves:

السَّلامُ عَلَيْكُمْ أهْلَ الدّيارِ مِنَ المؤْمِنِينَ، وإنَّا إنْ شاءَ اللَّهُ بِكُمْ لَلاحِقُونَ، أسألُ اللَّهُ لَنَا ولَكُمُ العافيَةَ”

“Assalamu Alaikum Ahladdhiyaar Minal Mu;mineena Wal Muslimeena Wa Innaa In sha Allahu Bikum LaLaahikoon; As Alullaha Lana Walakum Al Afiya”

Meaning: “Peace be upon you, the inhabitants of the city, among the believers, and Muslims, and God willing we shall join you. I beg of Allah peace for us and for you.”

6. It is preferable to recite some verses from the Quran and to supplicate for those buried;

7. Visiting the graves sites of those believed to be of Awliya or the Righteous with the sole intention of seeking virtues from Allah. And conveying Salam to them.

8. Imam Navavi (Rahimahullah) states in his book Al-Majmu’a, while visiting the grave of The Prophet (ﷺ), one should maintain distance out of respect for the Prophet (ﷺ), just as one would have done while meeting him when He (ﷺ) was alive. Accordingly, the same manner to be adopted while visiting the graves of those believed to be The Awliya or The Righteous persons.

9. While visiting burial sites, one should avoid going around the graves but should face it by standing or seated.

Imam Navavi (Rahimahullah) states in his book Al-Majmu’a: “A person while visiting their deceased brethren would either visit them standing, seated or by walking just as they did while they were alive.”

10. While visiting burial sites, do not step over graves as it is deplorable.

11. If women are to visit burial sites, they should be attired in a modest manner ordained in the Shar’iah, and should avoid mixing of genders while observing the above mentioned etiquettes as well. If there is a concern that ‘Fitna’ may arise due to women visiting burial sites, such situations should be avoided.

Accordingly, the above mentioned guidelines, which are mentioned in the Ahadith, should be followed whilst visiting the graveyards.

Allah The Almighty is The All Knower.

Ash Shaikh M.L.M. Ilyas

Secretary – Fatwa Division

All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama

Ash Shaikh I.L.M.Hashim Shoori

Supervisor – Fatwa Division

All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama

Ash Shaikh M.Arkam Nooramith

General Secretary

All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama

Mufti M.I.M. Rizwe

President

All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama

[1] Sahih Muslim 974