Differences in the Ummah and the Straight Path by Maulana muhammad Yusuf Ludhianvi Translated by Maulana Zahier Ahmed Ragie pg 54-58

Ziyaarat-E-Quboor- The visiting of Graves

The visiting of graves and associated acts performed at these graves are another point wherein there exists differences of opinion between the different sects. I wish to express my views on this matter under the following points:

1. To instill abhorence and hatred in the hearts of the people in regard, to grave-worshipping which was practiced in the days of ignorance. Rasulullah salalahu alayhi wa salam in his early days of prophethood prohibited the sahabah radhiallahu anhum from the visiting of graves. Once the environment had been purified from the menace of graveworshpping an efford had been made on the hearts of the sahabah radhiallahu anhum, rasulullah salalahu alayhi wa salam permitted them the visiting of graves saying:

‘I previously prohibited you from visiting the Graves (This prohibition is now abrogated) therefore go and visit the graves for it makes you forget the luxuries of this world and remind you of the hereafter.

Thus it became permissible to go to the grave yards. However, differences of opinion have arisen on two points.

Firstly:

Is this permission for both men and women, or men only?

Some ulama are of the opinion that this permission pertains to men only. Rasulullah salalahu alayhi wa salam is reported to have said regarding women:

‘Allah’s curse be upon those women who visit the graves’

Some ulama are of the opinion that this was said prior to the visiting of the graves becoming lawful. Thus it is now permissible for women to go to the graves.

Women were prohibited due to their soft natures that would be unable to exercise patience thus resulting in many outbursts of uncontrolled emotion which could sow the seed to many innovations and unislamic actions. However, if they are able to control their emotions, exercise patience and be careful not to indulge in innovations etc. they would be permitted to visit the graves.

It would be advisable if young women don’t go to these places. (Shaami; pg 246, vol 2)

Secondly:

Is it only permissible to visit the graveyard in the vicinity where one is residing or is it also permissible to undertake special journeys to go and visit the graves of various saints etc?

Some ulama are of the opinion that if one has gone to another district for some other purpose he may visit it’s graveyard by the way, but to undertake a special journey with the sole object of visiting the grave of some pious person would not be permissible. Imam Ghazali Rahmatullahi alayh and many other ulama are of the opinon that to undertake a special journey would also be permissible, and this is the correct ruling. However the strict restrictions that governs this permissibility is that under no circumstances are any anti-shariah acts to be perpetrated (Ibid)

2. Rasulullah salalahu alayhi wa salam has taught us that when one goes and visit the graveyard, he should greet the inmates with the following words

Thereafter we should pray for their forgiveness and recite some verses of the Quraan and ask Allah to (send) grant it’s reward to the deceased therein.

There is mention of certain surahs to be recited on these occasions in the ahaadith of Rasulullah salalahu alayhi wa salam. Similarly there are great virtues of reciting Durood shareef on these occasions.

Dua at the grave should be made wither without raising the hands, or one should face the qibla keeping his back towards the grave. (Fatawa Aalamgiri pg350 vol 5)

3. The reason rasulullah salalahu alayhi wa salam had encouraged the visiting of the graves is firstly, by visiting the graves, love for this world may be diminished and one is reminded of his death as a result he himself will prepare for the hereafter. Secondly, he may fulfil the rights (reasons) of the deceased by praying for them, thus benefiting them in their graves. The visitor may himself benefit from visiting the graves of the pious servants of Allah by being inspired to emulate their ways and teachings.

4. The shariah has kept no room for excess in regard to graves. Hence it has disallowed showing of disrespect to the graves and at the same time has not allowed excessive emotion in showing respect to the graves.

It is reported by Hadhrat Jabir radhiallahu anhu that rasulullah salalahu alayhiw a salam has prohibted the erecting of walls, (cementing or casting concrete ) on or around the graves, and has prohibited sitting on graves. (Mishkat)

In another hadith it has been narrated: Do not sit on graves nor face them while praying.

In another Hadeeth it is reported “It is better for you to sit on fire and burn your clothing rather than sitting on graves.”

It is also reported that Rasulullah salalahu alayhi wa salam has prohibited the building of kerbstones around graves (no amount of building should protrude above the surface of the earth) writing on graves and trampling on graves.

On one occasion rasulullah salalahu alayhi wa salam saw hadhrat umar bin hazam radhiallahu anhu leaning against a grave, He said to him “Do not cause harm to the inmates of the graves”

It is substantiated from the above traditions that rasulullah salalahu alayhi wa salam did not approve unnecessary excess and respect to the graves either. however, any anti-sunnah activities on graves, should immediately be abandoned.

Hadhrat Ali Radhiallahu anhu narrates that Rasulullah salalhau alayhi wa salam commanded him to destroy photos and flatten graves that had been raised.

It is also learnt from these ahaadith that it is not permissible to build around and on top of a grave nor is it permissible to build a tomb or shrine on a grave. The grabes of Rasullah sallah alayahi wa salam and his two companions; Hadhrat abu bakr and umar radhiallahu anhuma have not been surrounded by tombs, in fact they are kept natural.

5. Let us now consider the actions of our ignorant friends at the gravesides of the Auliya eg. placing of sheets on the graves, burning of lamps and incense at graves, making sajdah infront of graves, circumbulating (tawaaf) of the graves, kissing the graves, rubbing of the forehead and eyes at the graves, standing infront of the graves with hands folded as if one is standing in Salaah etc…etc. If ever you had the opportunity of visiting the graves of the Auliya you might have witnessed these reprehensible actions; whereas these actions are termed unlawful by the ulama of ahlus sunnah and the hanafi jurists.

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Allaahuma sali ala muhammedin wa ala ali muhammed
‘When i saw the astray that they were doing it was an evil affair, i kindle my blaze and burnt them in my fire’ -Ali ibn Abi Talib(After the incident with the Shias who first appeared saying that Ali was Allah)