إِنَّ الْحَمْدَ لِلَّهِ نَحْمَدُهُ، وَنَسْتَعِينُهُ، مَنْ يَهْدِهِ اللَّهُ فَلَا مُضِلَّ لَهُ، وَمَنْ يُضْلِلْ فَلَا هَادِيَ لَهُ، وَأَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَحْدَهُ لا شَرِيكَ لَهُ، وَأَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا عَبْدُهُ وَرَسُولُهُ. أَمَّا بَعْدُ :
Prophets are buried where they pass away
قَالَ اللَّهُ تَعَالَى : إِنَّكَ مَيِّتٌ وَإِنَّهُم مَّيِّتُونَ ﴿٣٠﴾
Allah Almighty has said: “Indeed, you are to die, and indeed, they are to die.”
Hadith 1
وَعَنْ عَائِشَةَ ، قَالَتْ: لَمَّا قُبِضَ رَسُوْلُ اللَّهِ اِخْتَلَفُوا فِي دَفْنِهِ. فَقَالَ أَبُو بَكْرٍ: سَمِعْتُ مِنْ رَسُوْلِ اللهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم شَيْئًا مَا نَسِيْتُهُ، قَالَ: مَا قَبَضَ اللَّهُ نَبِيًّا إِلَّا فِي الْمَوْضِعِ الَّذِي الَّذِي يُحِبُّ أَنْ يُدْفَنَ فِيْهِ ، فَدَفَنُوهُ فِي مَوْضِع فِرَاشِهِ.
’’Sayyida Aisha (RA) narrates that when the Messenger of Allah ﷺ passed away, people differed regarding his burial place (where should he be buried?). Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (RA) said, I have heard something from the Messenger of Allah ﷺ which I have not forgotten; the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: Allah Almighty has preferred that every prophet dies where he wishes to be buried. Then the Companions (RA) buried him ﷺ in the place of his bed.’’
A side grave is superior to a straight grave
قَالَ اللهُ تَعَالَى: مَّ أَمَاتَهُ فَأَقْبَرَهُ ﴿٢١﴾ ثُمَّ إِذَا شَاءَ أَنشَرَهُ ﴿٢٢﴾ كَلَّا لَمَّا يَقْضِ مَا أَمَرَهُ ﴿٢٣﴾
Allah Almighty said: “Then He caused him to die, then He placed him in the grave. Then when He wills, He will raise him up. Certainly not; he has not yet fulfilled the work which He commanded him.”
Hadith 2
وَعَنْ أَنَسِ بْنِ مَالِكِؓ قَالَ: لَمَّا تُوُفِّيَ النَّبِيُّ صلى الله عليه وسلم كَانَ بِالْمَدِينَةِ رَجُلٌ يَلْحَدُ وَآخَرُ يَزْرَحُ فَقَالُوا: نَسْتَخِيرُ رَبَّنَا وَنَبْعَثُ إِلَيْهِمَا ، فَأَيُّهُمَا سُبقَ تَرَكْنَاهُ. فَأُرْسِلَ إِلَيْهِمَا ، فَسَبَقَ صَاحِبُ اللَّحْدِ ، فَلَحَدُوا لِلنَّبِيِّ.
“And it is narrated from Hazrat Anas (RA) that when the Holy Prophet ﷺ passed away, in Medina one man used to dig graves sideways and another used to dig graves straight. People said that we will leave him. Then a message was sent to both of them, and the one who dug sideways arrived first, so they made the grave for the Holy Prophet ﷺ sideways.”
The deceased should be placed in the grave from the feet side
Hadith 3
وَعَنْ أَبِي إِسْحَقَ قَالَ: أَوْصَى الْحَارِثُ أَنْ يُصَلِّيَ عَلَيْهِ عَبْدُ اللهِ بْنُ يَزِيدَ ، فَصَلَّى عَلَيْهِ، ثُمَّ أَدْخَلَهُ الْقَبْرَ مِنْ قِبَلِ رِجْلَى الْقَبْرِ وَقَالَ: هَذَا مِنَ السُّنَّةِ.
“And Abu Ishaq (RA) narrated that Harith made a will that his funeral prayer be led by Sayyiduna Abdul Rahman bin Yazid (RA), so he led his funeral prayer. Then he was placed in the grave from the feet side of the grave and said that this is the Sunnah way.”
How should a non-woman man be lowered into the grave?
Hadith 4
وَعَنْ أَنَسِؓ قَالَ: شَهِدْنَا بِنْتَ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ وَرَسُولُ اللهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم جَالِسٌ عَلَى الْقَبْرِ ، فَرَأَيْتُ عَيْنَيْهِ تَدْمَعَانِ، فَقَالَ: هَلْ فِيكُمْ مِنْ أَحَدٍ لَمْ يُقَارِفِ اللَّيْلَةَ ۚ فَقَالَ أَبُو طَلْحَةَ: أَنَا، قَالَ: فَانْزِلْ فِي قَبْرِهَا ، فَنَزَلَ فِي قَبْرِهَا فَقَبَرَهَا: قَالَ ابْنُ الْمُبَارَكِ قَالَ فُلَيْحٌ : أَرَاهُ يَعْنِي الذَّنْبَ . قَالَ أَبُو عَبْدِ اللَّهِ: ﴿لِيَقْتَرِفُوا﴾
أَيْ لِيَكْتَسِبُوا.
“And it is narrated from Sayyiduna Anas (RA) that we attended the funeral of the daughter of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ was sitting by the grave. I saw tears flowing from his ﷺ eyes. He ﷺ asked if there was anyone here who had not committed any sin tonight. Upon hearing this, Hazrat Abu Talha (RA) said that I am that person. The Prophet ﷺ said: Then you should descend into the grave. Sayyiduna Anas (RA) says that he then descended and buried the deceased.”
Order to sprinkle water on the grave
Hadith 5
وَعَنْ جَعْفَرِ بْنِ مُحَمَّدٍ عَنْ أَبِيْهِ ، أَنَّ رَسُوْلَ اللهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم رَشَ عَلَى قَبْرِ ابْنِهِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ الْمَاءَ ، وَوَضَعَ عَلَيْهِ الْحَصْبَاءِ.
“And Ja’far narrates from his father Muhammad that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ sprinkled water on the grave of his son Ibrahim and placed pebbles on it.”
The grave should not be raised more than one pillow
Hadith 6
وَعَنْ أَبِي الْهَيَّاج الْأَسَدِي قَالَ: قَالَ لِي عَلِيُّ بْنُ أَبِي طَالِبٍ أَلا أَبْعَتُكَ عَلى مَا بَعَثَنِي عَلَيْهِ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ؟ أَنْ لَا تَدَعَ تِمْثَالًا إِلَّا طَمَسْتَهُ، وَلا قَبْرًا مُشْرِفًا إِلَّا سَوَّيْتَهُ.
“And it is narrated from Abu Al-Hiyaj Asadi, who said that Hazrat Ali ibn Abi Talib (RA) said to me: Shall I not send you on a task on which the Messenger of Allah ﷺ sent me? That you erase the image of every living being and level every grave that is higher than the prescribed limit.”
Supplication for Forgiveness and Steadfastness for the Deceased after Burial
Hadith 7
وَعَنْ عُثْمَانَ بْنِ عَفَّانَ قَالَ: كَانَ النَّبِيُّ صلى الله عليه وسلم إِذَا فَرَغَ مِنْ دَفْنِ الْمَيِّتِ وَقَفَ عَلَيْهِ فَقَالَ: اسْتَغْفِرُ وا لِأَخِيكُمْ، وَسَلُوا لَهُ بِالتَّثْبِيتِ، فَإِنَّهُ الْآنَ يُسْأَلُ . قَالَ أَبُو دَاوُد بَحِيرُ ابْنُ رَيْسَانَ.
“And it is narrated from Sayyiduna Uthman (RA) that when the Prophet ﷺ finished the burial of the deceased, he would stand over it and say: Ask forgiveness for your brother and pray for his steadfastness, for indeed he is now being questioned.”
A Stone or Similar Marker May Be Placed on the Grave
Hadith 8
وَعَنِ الْمُطَّلِبِ قَالَ: لَمَّا مَاتَ عُثْمَانُ بْنُ مَظْعُونِ أُخْرِجَ بِجَنَازَتِهِ فَدُفِنَ فَأَمَرَ النَّبِيُّ صلى الله عليه وسلم رَجُلًا أَنْ يَأْتِيَهُ بِحَجَرٍ ، فَلَمْ يَسْتَطِعْ حَمْلَهُ، فَقَامَ إِلَيْهَا رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم وَحَسَرَ، عَنْ ذِرَاعَيْهِ ، – قَالَ كَثِيرٌ : قَالَ الْمُطَّلِبُ : قَالَ الَّذِي يُخْبِرُنِي ذَلِكَ عَنْ رَسُولِ اللهِ ، قَالَ: كَأَنِّى أَنْظُرُ إِلَى بَيَاضِ ذِرَاعَيْ رَسُولِ اللهِ حِينَ حَسَرَ عَنْهُمَا ، ثُمَّ حَمَلَهَا فَوَضَعَهَا عِنْدَ رَأْسِهِ وَقَالَ: أَتَعَلَّمُ بِهَا قَبْرَ أَخِي، وَأَدْفِنُ إِلَيْهِ مَنْ مَاتَ مِنْ أَهْلِي.
“And it is narrated from Mu’alla bin Abi Wada’ah that when Sayyiduna Uthman bin Maz’oon (may Allah be pleased with him) passed away, his funeral was taken and he was buried. Then the Prophet ﷺ ordered a man to bring a stone. When he could not lift it, the Prophet ﷺ lifted the cloth from his sleeves, then he lifted the stone and placed it near Uthman’s head and said: I will recognize my brother’s grave by this and will bury those who pass away from my family near it.”
A deceased person can be exhumed from the grave due to a legitimate Islamic excuse
Hadith 9
وَعَنْ جَابِرِ بْنِ عَبْدِ اللهِ قَالَ: أَتَى رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم عَبْدَ اللَّهِ بْنَ أَبَيٍّ بَعْدَ مَا أَدْخِلَ حُفْرَتَهُ فَأَمَرَ بِهِ فَأُخْرِجَ ، فَوَضَعَهُ عَلَى رُكْبَتَيْهِ وَنَفَثَ عَلَيْهِ مِنْ رِيقِهِ وَأَلْبَسَهُ قَمِيصَهُ ، فَاللَّهُ أَعْلَمُ، وَكَانَ كَسَا عَبّاسًا قَمِيصًا ، قَالَ سُفْيَانُ: وَقَالَ أَبُو هَارُونَ: وَكَانَ عَلَى رَسُولِ اللهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَمِيصَان، فَقَالَ لَهُ ابْنُ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ: يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ أَلْبِسْ أَبِى قَمِيصَكَ الَّذِى يَلِى جِلْدَكَ . قَالَ سُفْيَانُ: فَيُرَوْنَ أَنَّ النَّبِيَّ أَلْبَسَ عَبْدَ اللَّهِ قَمِيصَهُ مُكَافَاةَ لِمَا صَنَعَ.
“And it is narrated from Hazrat Jabir bin Abdullah (RA) that when the Messenger of Allah ﷺ arrived, Abdullah bin Abi (the hypocrite) had already been placed in his grave. But by the command of the Prophet ﷺ, he was taken out of the grave. Then the Prophet ﷺ placed him on his knees, put his saliva in his mouth, and clothed him with his own shirt. Now, Allah knows best. (Probably the reason for this kindness towards a hypocrite after death was that they had clothed Sayyiduna Abbas (RA) with a shirt) (When Sayyiduna Abbas (RA) was taken as a prisoner by the Muslims in the Battle of Badr). Sufyan narrated that Abu Haroon Musa bin Abi Isa said that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ used two shirts. The sons of Abdullah (who were sincere believers) said, ‘O Messenger of Allah ﷺ, please clothe my father with the shirt that stays close to your blessed body.’ Sufyan said that people think that the Holy Prophet ﷺ wore his own shirt in place of the shirt he had given to Sayyiduna Abbas (RA).”
Condolence is Permissible
Hadith 10
وَعَنْ قرَّةَ قَالَ: إِنَّ رَجُلًا كَانَ يَأْتِي النَّبِيِّ وَمَعَهُ ابْنُ لَهُ ، فَقَالَ لَهُ النَّبِيُّ : أَتُحِبُّهُ فَقَالَ: يَا رَسُوْلَ اللهِ ، اَحَبَّكَ اللَّهُ كَمَا أَحَبَّهُ . فَفَقَدَهُ النَّبِيُّ صلى الله عليه وسلم فَقَالَ: مَا فَعَلَ ابْنُ فُلَانِ؟ قَالُوا: يَا رَسُوْلَ اللهِ ، مَاتَ . فَقَالَ النَّبِيُّ لأَبِيهِ: أَمَا تُحِبُّ أَنْ لَا تَاتِيَ بَابًا مِنْ أَبْوَابِ الْجَنَّةِ إِلَّا وَجَدْتَهُ يَنْتَظِرُكَ؟ فَقَالَ رَجُلٌ: يَارَسُولُ اللهِ ، اَلَهُ خَاصَّةً ، اَوَلِكُتِنَا ؟ قَالَ: بَلْ لِكُلِكُمْ.
“And it is narrated from Sayyiduna Qarah Mazani (RA) that the child of a companion of the Prophet ﷺ passed away, and the Prophet ﷺ offered him condolences. Then he said: O so-and-so! Which thing do you prefer more: that you benefit your life through him (the child), or that tomorrow when you come to one of the gates of Paradise, you find him there beforehand, and he will open it for you (the gate of Paradise).”
The Virtue of Offering Condolences
Hadith 11
وَعَنْ أَنَسِؓ قَالَ: قَالَ النَّبِيُّ : مَنْ عَزَّى أَخَاهُ الْمُؤْمِنَ فِي مُصِيبَةٍ كَسَاهُ اللَّهُ حُلَّةً خَضْرَاءَ يُحْبَرُ بِهَا يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ قِيلَ: يَا رَسُوْلَ اللهِ مَا يُحْبَرُ؟ قَالَ: يُعْبَطُ.
“And it is narrated from Sayyiduna Anas (RA) that the Prophet ﷺ said: Whoever comforts his believing brother in distress, Allah Almighty will clothe him with such a green garment that on the Day of Resurrection people will envy him because of it.”
Recommended Words for Offering Condolences
Hadith 12
وَعَنْ أَسَامَةَ بْنِ زَيْدٍؓ قَالَ: أَرْسَلَت بِنتُ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم إِلَيْهِ: إِنَّ ابْنَا لِي قُبِضَ فَأْتِنَا . فَأَرْسَلَ يُقْرِئُ السَّلَامَ وَيَقُولُ: إِنَّ لِلَّهِ مَا أَخَذَ وَلَهُ مَا أَعْطَى وَكُلٌّ عِنْدَهُ بِأَجَلٍ. وَلْتَحْتَسِبْ، فَأَرْسَلَتْ إِلَيْهِ تُقْسِمُ عَلَيْهِ لَيَأْتِيَنَّهَا ، فَقَامَ وَمَعَهُ سَعْدُ بْنُ عُبَادَةَ وَمَعَاذُ بْنُ جَبَلٍ وَأَبَى بْنُ كَعْبٍ وَزَيْدُ بْنُ ثَابِتٍ مسمی، فَلْتَصْبِرْ وَرِجَالٌ ، فَرُفِعَ إِلَى رَسُولِ اللهِ الصَّبِيُّ وَنَفْسُهُ تَتَقَعْقَعُ . قَالَ حَسِبْتُهُ أَنَّهُ قَالَ كَأَنَّهَا شَنُّ فَفَاضَتْ عَيْنَاهُ، فَقَالَ سَعْدٌ: يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ مَا هَذَا؟ فَقَالَ: هَذِهِ رَحْمَةٌ جَعَلَهَا اللَّهُ فِي قُلُوبِ عِبَادِهِ وَإِنَّمَا يَرْحَمُ اللهُ مِنْ عِبَادِهِ الرُّحَمَاءَ.
“And Hazrat Usama bin Zaid (RA) narrated that one of the daughters of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ (Hazrat Zainab RA) informed him ﷺ that her son was near death, so you ﷺ should come. You ﷺ greeted her and said that all wealth belongs to Allah alone; whatever He takes is His, and whatever He gives is also His, and everything happens in His presence at the appointed time. Therefore, be patient and hope for reward from Allah. Then Hazrat Zainab RA swore and sent for him. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ rose to go. With him were Saad bin Ubadah, Muadh bin Jabal, Abu bin Ka’b, Zaid bin Thabit, and many other companions (RA). The child was brought before the Messenger of Allah ﷺ, who was in a state of agony. Abu Uthman said that I think Usama (RA) said: like an old water skin (and the sound of water sloshing inside, similarly at the time of agony, the child’s throat was making sounds). Seeing this, tears flowed from the eyes of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ. Saad (RA) stood up and said: O Messenger of Allah! What is this crying? You ﷺ replied: This is the mercy of Allah, which Allah has placed in the hearts of His (righteous) servants, and Allah also shows mercy on those merciful servants who show mercy to others.”
Prayer for Forgiveness for the Deceased
Hadith 13
عَنْ أُمِّ سَلَمَةَ قَالَتْ: دَخَلَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم عَلَى أَبِي سَلَمَةَ وَقَدْ شَقَّ بَصَرُهُ ، فَأَغْمَضَهُ ، ثُمَّ قَالَ: إِنَّ الرُّوحَ إِذَا قُبِضَ تَبِعَهُ الْبَصَرُ . فَضَجَّ نَاسٌ مِنْ أَهْلِهِ فَقَالَ لَا تَدْعُوا عَلَى أَنْفُسِكُمْ إِلَّا بِخَيْرٍ ، فَإِنَّ الْمَلَائِكَةَ يُؤَمِنُوْنَ عَلَى مَا تَقُولُونَ . ثُمَّ قَالَ : اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِأَبِي سَلَمَةَ وَارْفَعْ دَرَجَتَهُ فِي الْمَهْدِيِّينَ وَاخْلُفْهُ فِي عَقِبِهِ فِي الْغَابِرِينَ، وَاغْفِرْ لَنَا وَلَهُ يَا رَبَّ الْعَالَمِينَ وَافْسَحْ لَهُ فِي قَبْرِهِ، وَنَوِرْ لَهُ فِيهِ.
“And it is narrated from Hazrat Umm Salamah (RA) that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) came to Abu Salamah (RA) while (after death) his eyes were open upwards, so the Prophet (ﷺ) closed them and then said: When the soul is taken (the soul is extracted from the body), the eyesight follows it. (Therefore, the eyes remain open). Upon hearing this, the people of his house began crying loudly (in grief and distress, words came out of their mouths that were like curses upon themselves). Then the Prophet (ﷺ) said: Pray for goodness and well-being for yourselves, because whatever you say, the angels say Ameen to it. Then he himself prayed in this way: O Allah! Forgive Abu Salamah and raise his rank among Your guided servants, and become his successor (instead of him, You be the guardian and overseer) of his dependents, and O Lord of the universe! Forgive us and him, and make his grave spacious and bright and illuminated for him.”
Sending Food to the Family of the Deceased is Sunnah
Hadith 14
وَعَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ جَعْفَرٍ قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم : اصْنَعُوا لالِ جَعْفَرٍ طَعَامًا ، فَإِنَّهُ قَدْ أَتَاهُمْ أَمْرٌ شَغَلَهُمْ.
“And Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Jaafar (رضی اللہ عنہ) narrates that when the news of the martyrdom of Jaafar bin Abi Talib (رضی اللہ عنہ) reached, the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: Prepare food for the family of Jaafar because they have received such (painful) news that will keep them busy in cooking.”
Visiting Graves is Permissible
Hadith 15
وعنْ أَبِي سَعِيدِ الْخُدْرِيّؓ قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللهِ ﷺ : إِنِّى نَهَيْتُكُمْ عَنْ زِيَارَةِ الْقُبُورِ فَزُورُوهَا ، فَإِنَّ فِيْهَا عِبْرَةٌ.
“And it is narrated from Sayyiduna Abu Saeed Khudri (رضی اللہ عنہ) that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: I had forbidden you from visiting graves, so visit the graves because there is a lesson in them.”
Hadith 16
وَعَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ : أَنَّ رَسُوْلَ اللهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم لَعَنَ زَوَّارَاتِ القبور.
“And it is narrated from Hazrat Abu Hurairah (رضی اللہ عنہ) that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: May Allah curse women who frequently visit graves.”
Visiting the Grave of a Polytheist for Lessons is Permissible
Hadith 17
وَعَنْهُؓ قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ : اسْتَأْذَنْتُ رَبِّي أَنْ أَسْتَغْفِرَ لِأُمِّي، فَلَمْ يَأْذَنْ لِي ، وَاسْتَأْذَنْتُهُ أَنْ أَزُورَ قَبْرَهَا فَأَذِنَ لی
“And it is narrated from Sayyiduna Abu Huraira (RA) that the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said: I asked my Lord Almighty for permission to seek forgiveness for my mother, but I was not granted permission. Then I asked Allah for permission to visit her grave, and He granted me permission.”
Prayers can be made during the visitation of the graves of the deceased
Hadith 18
وَعَنْ عَائِشَةَ، أَنَّ النَّبِيَّ كَانَ يَخْرُجُ إِلَى الْبَقِيع فَيُدْعُوْلَهُمْ، فَسَأَلْتُهُ عَنْ ذَلِكَ؟ فَقَالَ : إِنِّي أُمِرْتُ أَنَّ أَدْعُوَلَهُمْ.
“And it is narrated from Sayyida Aisha (RA) that the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) used to go towards the cemetery and pray for them. Then Sayyida Aisha (RA) asked him about this, and he (ﷺ) said: Indeed, I have been commanded to pray for them.”
Prayers during the visitation of graves
Hadith 19
وَعَنْ سُلَيْمَانَ بْنِ بُرَيْدَةَ عَنْ أَبِيْهِ قَالَ: كَانَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم يُعَلِّمُهُمْ إِذَا خَرَجُوا إِلَى الْمَقَابِرٍ فَكَانَ قَآئِلُهُمْ يَقُولُ فِي رِوَايَةِ أَبِي بَكْرِ السَّلَامُ عَلَى أَهْلِ الدِّيَارِ، وَفِي رِوَايَةِ زُهَيْرٍ، اَلسَّلَامُ عَلَيْكُمْ أَهْلَ الدِّيَارِ مِنَ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ وَالْمُسْلِمِينَ، وَإِنَّا إِنْ شَاءَ الله للاحِقُونَ أَسْأَلُ اللهَ لَنَا وَلَكُمْ الْعَافِيَةَ.
“And it is narrated from Hazrat Buraydah (RA) that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to teach them that when they go to the graveyard, they should go and say like this. It is narrated from Abu Bakr: السَّلَامُ عَلَى أَهْلِ الدِّيَارِ O inhabitants of the houses! Peace be upon you. And it is narrated from Zuhair: السّلَامُ عَلَيْكُمْ أَهْلَ الدِّيَارِ O inhabitants of the houses, peace be upon you! Among the believers and among the Muslims, and we, God willing, are going to meet you. I ask Allah Almighty for well-being (comfort, peace, and tranquility) for myself and for you.”
Hadith 20
وَعَنْ عَائِشَةَؓ قَالَتْ كَانَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ كُلَّمَا كَانَ لَيْلَتُهَا مِنْ رَسُولِ اللهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم يَخْرُجُ مِنْ آخِرِ اللَّيْلِ إِلَى الْبَقِيعِ ، فَيَقُولُ: اَلسَّلَامُ عَلَيْكُمْ دَارَ قَوْمٍ مُؤْمِنِينَ وَأَتَاكُمْ مَا تُوعَدُونَ غَدًا مُؤَجَلُونَ ، وَإِنَّا إِنْ شَاءَ اللَّهُ بِكُمْ لاحِقُونَ، اَللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِأَهْلِ بَقِيعِ الْغَرْقَدِ.
“And it is narrated from Hazrat Aisha (RA) that whenever the turn of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) came to my house, the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) would go to Baqi (the cemetery of the people of Medina) in the last part of the night and say: O inhabitants of the houses of the believers! May Allah’s peace be upon you. The promise made to you has come, you have respite until tomorrow, and we too, God willing, are going to meet you. O Allah, forgive the people of Baqi Gharqad.”
Making graves into mosques is forbidden
Hadith 21
وَعَنْهَاؓ ، عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ فِي مَرَضِهِ الَّذِي مَاتَ فِيهِ: لَعَنَ اللهُ الْيَهُودَ وَالنَّصَارَى اتَّخَذُوا قُبُورَ أَنْبِيَائِهِمْ مَسْجِدًا، قَالَتْ وَلَوْلا ذَلِكَ لَأَبْرَزُوا قَبْرَهُ غَيْرَ أَنِّي أَخْشَى أَنْ يُتَّخَذَ مَسْجِدًا.
“And it is narrated from Hazrat Aisha (RA) that the Holy Prophet ﷺ, during his illness before passing away, said: ‘May the curse of Allah be upon the Jews and Christians for turning the graves of their prophets into mosques.’ Hazrat Aisha (RA) said: ‘If there was no fear, your grave would have remained open (and not inside the chamber), because I fear that your grave might also be turned into a mosque.'”
Hadith 22
وَعَنْهَاؓ قَالَتْ: لَمَّا اشْتَكَى النَّبِيُّ صلى الله عليه وسلم ذَكَرَتْ بَعْضُ نِسَائِهِ كَنِيسَةٌ رَأَيْنَهَا بِأَرْضِ الْحَبَشَةِ يُقَالُ لَهَا: مَارِيَةٌ ، وَكَانَتْ أُمُّ سَلَمَةَ وَأَمْ حَبِيبَةَ وَلَا أَتَنَا أَرْضَ الْحَبَشَةِ فَذَكَرَتَا مِنْ حُسْنِهَا وَتَصَاوِيرَ فِيهَا ، فَرَفَعَ رَأْسَهُ فَقَالَ: أُولَئِكِ إِذَا مَاتَ مِنْهُمُ الرَّجُلُ الصَّالِحُ بَنَوْا عَلَى قَبْرِهِ مَسْجِدًا ثُمَّ صَوَّرُوا فِيهِ تِلْكَ الصُّوَرَ، أُولَئِكِ شِرَارُ الْخَلْقِ عِنْدَ اللهِ.
“And Sayyida Aisha (RA) narrates that when the Messenger of Allah ﷺ fell ill, some of his wives mentioned a church which they had seen in Abyssinia. Hazrat Umm Salama and Hazrat Umm Habiba (RA) had both gone to the land of Abyssinia. They described its beauty and the pictures kept inside it. Upon this, the Prophet ﷺ raised his head and said: When a righteous person among these people dies, they build a mosque over his grave and then place his picture inside it. These are the worst of creatures in the sight of Allah Almighty.”
Prohibition of building mosques and decorating graves
Hadith 23
وَعَنِ ابْنِ عَبَّاسِ : صَارَتِ الْأَوْثَانُ الَّتِي كَانَتْ فِي قَوْمِ نُوحٍ فِي الْعَرَبِ بَعْدُ، أَمَّا وَةٌ: كَانَتْ لِكَلْبٍ بِدَوْمَةِ الْجَنْدَلِ، وَأَمَّا سُوَاعٌ : كَانَتْ لِهُذَيْلٍ ، وَأَمَّا يَغُوثُ: فَكَانَتْ لِمُرَادٍ ثُمَّ لِبَنِي غُطَيْفِ ، بِالْجَرُفِ عِنْدَ سَيَا ، وَأَمَّا يَعُوقُ: فَكَانَتْ لِهَمْدَانَ ، وَأَمَّا نَسْرٌ: فَكَانَتْ لِحِمْيَرَ ، لَآلِ ذِي الْكَلَاعِ ، أَسْمَاءُ رِجَالٍ صَالِحِينَ مِنْ قَوْمٍ نُوحٍ ، فَلَمَّا هَلَكُوا أَوْحَى الشَّيْطَانُ إِلَى قَوْمِهِمْ أَنِ انْصِبُوا إِلَى مَجَالِسِهِم الَّتِي كَانُوا يَجْلِسُونَ أَنْصَابًا وَسَمُوهَا بِأَسْمَائِهِمْ فَفَعَلُوا فَلَمْ تُعْبَدْ، حَتَّى إِذَا هَلَكَ أُولَئِكَ وتنسخ العِلم عبدَتْ.
And it is narrated from Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Abbas (RA) that the idols which were worshipped among the people of Prophet Musa (AS) later began to be worshipped among the Arabs. “Wadd” was the idol of Bani Kalb in Dumat al-Jandal. “Suwa'” belonged to Bani Hudhail. “Yaghuth” was the idol of Bani Murad and a branch of Murad, Bani Ghataf, who lived in the valley of Jarf near the people of Saba. “Ya’uq” was the idol of Bani Hamdan. “Nasr” was the idol of Himyar, who were from the family of Dhul-Kala’. These five were the names of the righteous people of the people of Prophet Nuh (AS). When they passed away, Satan instilled in their hearts to establish idols in the gatherings where they used to sit and to name these idols after their righteous people. Accordingly, they did so. At that time, these idols were not worshipped, but when those who had established the idols also died and the knowledge was lost among the people, their worship began.
Prohibition of Prayer in the Cemetery Mosque
Hadith 24
وَعَنْ أَنَسِ بْنِ مَالِكِ أَنَّ النَّبِيَّ صلى الله عليه وسلم نَهَى أَنْ يُصَلَّى عَلَى الْجَنَائِزِ بَينَ الْقُبُورِ.
“And it is narrated from Sayyiduna Anas (RA) that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) forbade praying between graves.”
Hadith 25
وَعَنْ أَبِي سَعِيدٍ الْخُدْرِيّ؛ قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ : الْأَرْضُ كُلُّهَا مَسْجِد، إِلَّا الْمَقْبَرَةَ وَالْحَمَّامَ.
“And it is narrated from Sayyiduna Abu Sa’id al-Khudri (RA) that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: The whole earth is a place of prayer except for the cemetery and the bathroom.”
Hadith 26
وَعَنِ ابْنِ عُمَرَ قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم: اجْعَلُوا فِي بُيُوتِكُمْ مِنْ صَلَاتِكُمْ وَلَا تَتَّخِذُوهَا قُبُورًا.
“And it is narrated from Sayyiduna Ibn Umar (RA) that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: Perform part of your prayers in your homes and do not make them graves.”
Arranging Urs or Fairs at Graves
Hadith 27
وَعَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللهِ : لَا تَجْعَلُوا بُيُو قُبُورًا وَلَا تَجْعَلُوا قَبْرِى عِيدًا.
And it is narrated from Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah (RA) that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: Do not make my grave an Eid (festival) place.”
Sending Salutations and Peace upon the Holy Shrine
Hadith 28
وَعَنْ أَوْسِ بْنِ أَوْسٍ ، قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ : إِنَّ مِنْ أَفْضَلِ أَيَّامِكُمْ يَوْمَ الْجُمُعَةِ، فِيهِ خُلِقَ آدَمُ وَفِيهِ النَّفْخَةُ، وَفِيهِ الصَّعْقَةُ، فَأَكْثِرُوا عَلَيَّ مِنْ الصَّلَاةِ فِيهِ ، فَإِنَّ صَلَاتَكُمْ مَعْرُوضَةٌ عَلَيَّ ، فَقَالَ رَجُلٌ: يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ كَيْفَ تُعْرَضُ صَلَاتُنَا عَلَيْكَ وَقَدْ أَرَمْتَ ؟ يَعْنِي: بَلِيتَ فَقَالَ: إِنَّ اللَّهَ حَرَّمَ عَلَى الْأَرْضِ أَنْ تَأْكُلَ أَجْسَادَ الْأَنْبِيَاءِ.
“And in a narration from Sayyiduna Aws bin Aws (RA), the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: The best day among your days is Friday. On it, Adam (AS) was created, on it the trumpet will be blown, and on it will be the fainting (of the Day of Judgment). Therefore, send abundant blessings upon me on this day, for your blessings are presented to me. A man said: O Messenger of Allah! When your pure body turns to dust, how will our blessings be presented to you when you have decayed? He ﷺ said: Allah has forbidden the earth from consuming the bodies of the Prophets.”
Hadith 29
وَعَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ : إِنَّ لِلَّهِ مَلَائِكَةٌ سَيَّاحِينَ فِي الْأَرْضِ يُبَلِّغُونِي مِنْ أُمَّتِي السَّلَامَ.
“And it is narrated from Sayyiduna Ibn Mas’ud (RA) that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: Indeed, the angels appointed by Allah walk on the earth and convey the greetings sent by my Ummah to me.”
Prayer of a Muslim for the Deceased
قَالَ اللَّهُ تَعَالَى : وَالَّذِينَ جَاءُوا مِن بَعْدِهِمْ يَقُولُونَ رَبَّنَا اغْفِرْ لَنَا وَلِإِخْوَانِنَا الَّذِينَ سَبَقُونَا بِالْإِيمَانِ وَلَا تَجْعَلْ فِي قُلُوبِنَا غِلًّا لِّلَّذِينَ آمَنُوا رَبَّنَا إِنَّكَ رَءُوفٌ رَّحِيمٌ ﴿١٠﴾
Allah Almighty has said: “And (for) those who come after them say, ‘Our Lord, forgive us and our brothers who preceded us in faith and put not in our hearts [any] resentment toward those who have believed. Our Lord, indeed You are Kind and Merciful.'”
Hadith 30
وَعَنْ أُمّ الدَّرْدَاءِ قَالَتْ: كَانَ النَّبِيُّ صلى الله عليه وسلم يَقُولُ: دَعْوَةُ الْمَرْءِ الْمُسْلِمِ لَأَخِيهِ بِظَهْرِ الْغَيْبِ مُسْتَجَابَةٌ عِنْدَ رَأْسِهِ مَلَكٌ – مُوَكَّلٌ ، كُلَّمَا دَعَا لَا خِيهِ بِخَيْرٍ ، قَالَ الْمَلَكُ الْمُوَكَّلُ بِهِ: آمِينَ، وَلَكَ بِمِثْلِ.
’’And Sayyida Umm Darda (RA) narrates that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ used to say that the prayer of a Muslim man for his brother behind his back is accepted. There is an angel appointed near his head, and whenever he prays for his brother, the appointed angel says, ‘Ameen, and may you be granted the same.’“
It is beneficial to fast on behalf of the deceased as Qada
Hadith 31
وَعَنْ عَائِشَةَؓ أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ : مَنْ مَاتَ وَعَلَيْهِ صِيَامٌ صَامَ عَنْهُ وَلِيُّهُ.
’’And it is narrated from Hazrat Aisha (RA) that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: Whoever dies and has some fasts owed, his guardian should fast on his behalf.“
Fulfilling the vows of the deceased
Hadith 32
وَعَنْ سَعْدِ بْنَ عُبَادَةَ اسْتَفْتَى رَسُولَ اللَّهِ : إِنَّ أُمِّي مَاتَتْ وَعَلَيْهَا نَدْرٌ لَمْ تَقْضِهِ، فَقَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ : اقْضِهِ عَنْهَا.
“And Sayyiduna Saad bin Ubadah رضي الله عنه asked the Messenger of Allah ﷺ, ‘Indeed, my mother has passed away and she has a vow (to fulfill). What should I do?’ He ﷺ said: Fulfill it on her behalf.”
Anyone can repay a debt on behalf of the deceased
Hadith 33
وَعَنْ سَلَمَةَ بْنِ الْأَكْوَعِ رَضِي اللَّهُ عَنْهُ قَالَ: كُنَّا جُلُوسًا عِنْدَ النَّبِي إِذْ أُتِيَ بِجَنَازَةٍ فَقَالُوا: صَلَّ عَلَيْهَا، فَقَالَ: هَلْ عَلَيْهِ دَيْنُ؟ قَالُوا: لَا قَالَ: فَهَلْ تَرَكَ شَيْئًا؟ قَالُوا: لَا ، فَصَلَّى عَلَيْهِ ، ثُمَّ أُتِيَ بِجَنَازَةٍ أُخْرَى ، فَقَالُوا: يَا رَسُولَ اللهِ صَلّ عَلَيْهَا : قَالَ: هَلْ عَلَيْهِ دَيْن؟ قِيلَ: نَعَمْ ، قَالَ: فَهَلْ تَرَكَ شَيْئًا؟ قَالُوا: ثَلَاثَةَ دَنَانِيـرَ ، فَصَلَّى عَلَيْهَا ، ثُمَّ أُتِيَ بِالثَّالِثَةِ فَقَالُوا: صَلَّ عَلَيْهَا ، قَالَ هَلْ تَرَكَ شَيْئًا؟ قَالُوا: لَا ، قَالَ: فَهَلْ عَلَيْهِ دَيْنٌ؟ قَالُوا: ثَلَاثَةُ دَنَانِيرَ، قَالَ: صَلُّوا عَلَى صَاحِبِكُمْ، قَالَ: أَبُو قَتَادَةَ : صَلَّ عَلَيْهِ يَا رَسُولَ اللهِ وَعَلَيَّ دَيْنْهُ فَصَلَّى عَلَيْهِ.
’’And it is narrated from Hazrat Salmah bin Aku’ (RA) that we were present in the company of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ when a funeral was brought. People requested the Prophet ﷺ to lead its funeral prayer. He ﷺ asked, “Does he have any debt?” People replied, “No, he has no debt.” The Prophet ﷺ then inquired, “Did the deceased leave any wealth?” People said, “No wealth was left.” The Prophet ﷺ led the funeral prayer for him. Then a second funeral was brought, and people requested, “O Messenger of Allah! Please lead his funeral prayer.” The Prophet ﷺ asked, “Does the deceased have any debt?” It was said, “Yes.” Then he asked, “Did he leave any wealth?” People said, “He left three dinars.” The Prophet ﷺ led the funeral prayer for him as well. Then a third funeral was brought, and people requested the Prophet ﷺ to lead its funeral prayer. He ﷺ asked the same questions: “Did he leave any wealth?” People said, “No.” The Prophet ﷺ asked, “Does he have any debt?” People said, “Yes, three dinars.” The Prophet ﷺ said, “Then you should lead the funeral prayer for your companion yourselves.” Abu Qatada (RA) said, “O Messenger of Allah! Please lead his funeral prayer; I will pay off his debt.” Then the Prophet ﷺ led his funeral prayer.”
The Righteous Deeds of a Pious Child Benefit the Deceased
Hadith 34
وَعَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَؓ قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللهِ : إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَيَرْفَعُ الدَّرَجَةُ لِلْعَبْدِ الصَّالِحِ فِي الْجَنَّةَ، فَيَقُولُ: يَا رَبِّ أَنَّى لِي هَذِهِ؟ فَيَقُولُ: بِاسْتِغْفَارِ وَلَدِكَ لَكَ.
“And it is narrated from Hazrat Abu Huraira (RA) that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: Indeed, Allah elevates the rank of a righteous servant in Paradise. The servant then asks, ‘O Allah! Why was this rank given to me?’ Allah replies, ‘This rank was granted to you through the supplication (istighfar) of your son for you.'”
Hajj Can Be Performed on Behalf of the Deceased
Hadith 35
وَعَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ بُرَيْدَةَ ، عَنْ أَبِيهِ وَ قَالَ: بَيْنَا أَنَا جَالِسٌ عِنْدَ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ ، إِذْ أَتَتْهُ امْرَأَةٌ فَقَالَتْ: إِنِّي تَصَدَّقْتُ عَلَى أُمِّي بِجَارِيَةٍ وَإِنَّهَا مَاتَتْ ، قَالَ: فَقَالَ، وَجَبَ أَجْرُكِ ، وَرَدَّهَا عَلَيْكِ الْمِيرَاتُ ، قَالَتْ يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ! إِنَّهُ كَانَ عَلَيْهَا صَوْمُ شَهْرٍ ، أَفَأَصُومُ عَنْهَا؟ قَالَ: صُومِي عَنْهَا ، قَالَتْ: إِنَّهَا لَمْ تَحُجَّ قَطُّ، أَفَأَحُجُ عَنْهَا؟ قَالَ: حُجِيْ عَنْهَا.
“And Sayyiduna Buraydah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that once I was sitting with the Messenger of Allah ﷺ when a woman came to him and said, ‘I had given a slave girl as charity on behalf of my mother, but she (my mother) passed away.’ The narrator said that the Prophet ﷺ said: ‘You will surely receive the reward, and she has returned that slave girl to you as inheritance.’ Then she said, ‘O Messenger of Allah! My mother owed a month of fasting; should I fast on her behalf?’ The Prophet ﷺ said, ‘You may fast on her behalf.’ Then she said, ‘She never performed Hajj; should I perform Hajj on her behalf?’ The Prophet ﷺ said, ‘You may perform Hajj on her behalf.'”
Giving Charity on Behalf of the Deceased
Hadith 36
وَعَنْ عَائِشَةَؓ أَنَّ رَجُلا قَالَ لِلنَّبِيِّ : إِنَّ أُمِّي افْتُلِتَتْ نَفْسُهَا، وَأَظُنُّهَا لَوْ تَكَلَّمَتْ تَصَدَّقَتْ، فَهَلْ لَهَا أَجْرٌ إِنْ تَصَدَّقْتُ عَنْهَا؟ قَالَ: نَعَمْ.
“And it is narrated from Sayyida Aisha (RA) that a man asked the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), ‘My mother suddenly passed away, and I think if she had the chance to speak, she would have definitely given charity and alms. If I give charity on her behalf, will she receive the reward?’ The Prophet (ﷺ) replied: Yes.”
Hadith 37
وَعَنْ سَعِدِ بنِ عُبَادَةَ قَالَ: قُلْتُ: يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ! إِنَّ أُمِّي مَاتَتْ أَفَأَتَصَدَّقُ عَنْهَا؟ قَالَ: نَعَمْ ، قُلْتُ: فَأَيُّ الصَّدَقَةِ أَفْضَلُ؟ قَالَ: سَقَى الْمَاءِ.
“And it is narrated from Sayyidna Saad bin Ubadah (RA) that I asked, ‘O Messenger of Allah! My mother has passed away, can I give charity on her behalf?’ The Prophet (ﷺ) said: Yes! I asked, ‘Which charity is best?’ He (ﷺ) said: Giving water to drink.”
Continuous Charity and Its Good Effects
قَالَ اللهُ تَعَالَى : إِنَّا نَحْنُ نُحْيِي الْمَوْتَىٰ وَنَكْتُبُ مَا قَدَّمُوا وَآثَارَهُمْ ۚ وَكُلَّ شَيْءٍ أَحْصَيْنَاهُ فِي إِمَامٍ مُّبِينٍ ﴿١٢﴾
Allah Almighty has said: “Indeed, it is We who give life to the dead, and We record what they have put forth and what they left behind, and all things We have enumerated in a clear Book.”
Hadith 38
وَعَنْ أَبِى هُرَيْرَةَؓ أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ: إِذَا مَاتَ الْإِنْسَانُ انْقَطَعَ عَنْهُ عَمَلُهُ إِلَّا مِنْ ثَلَاثَةٍ إِلَّا مِنْ صَدَقَةٍ جَارِيَةٍ أَوْ عِلْمٍ يُنتَفَعُ بِه ، أَوْ وَلَدٍ صَالِحٍ يَدْعُو لَه.
It is narrated from Sayyiduna Abu Huraira (RA) that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: When a person dies, all his deeds come to an end except for three:
[1] Ongoing charity
[2] Knowledge from which people benefit
[3] A righteous child who prays for him.
Hadith 39
وعَنْهُؓ قَالَ : قَالَ رَسُولُ اللهِ : إِنَّ مِمَّا يَلْحَقُ الْمُؤْمِنَ عَمَلِهِ وَحَسَنَاتِهِ بَعْدَ مَوْتِهِ عِلْمًا عَلَّمَهُ وَنَشَرَهُ، وَوَلَدًا صَالِحًا تَرَكَهُ، وَمُصْحَفًا وَرَثَهُ ، أَوْ مَسْجِدًا بَنَاهُ، أَوْ بَيْتًا لابن السَّبِيلِ بَنَاهُ ، أَوْ نَهْرًا أَجْرَاهُ ، أَوْ صَدَقَةٌ أَخْرَجَهَا مِنْ مَالِهِ فِي صِحَتِهِ وَحَيَاتِهِ يَلْحَقُهُ مِنْ بَعْدِ مَوْتِهِ .
’’And it is narrated from Hazrat Abu Huraira (RA) that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: The deeds and good deeds for which a believer continues to receive reward after death include the knowledge he taught and spread among people, the righteous offspring he left behind, the Quran he taught to others and thus made himself an inheritor of it, the mosque or travelers’ inn he had built, the canal he set flowing, and the charity he used to give during his life in a state of health and well-being. The reward for all these deeds continues to reach him even after his death.“
Hadith 40
وَعَنْ عَمْرِو بْنِ شُعَيْبٍ عَنْ أَبِيْهِ عَنْ جَدِهِ ، أَنَّ الْعَاصَ بْنَ وَائِلٍ نَذَرَ الْجَاهِلِيَّةِ أَنْ يَنْحَرَ مِئَةَ بَدَنَةٌ ، وَأَنَّ هِشَامَ بْنَ الْعَاصِ نَحَرَ حِصَّتَهُ خَمْسِينَ بَدَنَةٌ ، وَأَنَّ عَمْرُوا سَأَلَ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم عَنْ ذَلِكَ؟ فَقَالَ: أَمَّا أَبُوكَ فَلَوْ أَقَرَّ بِالتَّوْحِيدِ، فَصُمْتَ، وَتَصَدَّقْتَ عَنْهُ ، نَفْعَهُ ذَلِكَ.
“And Amr ibn Shu’aib narrated from his father, from his grandfather that As ibn Wa’il had vowed in the pre-Islamic period to sacrifice one hundred camels. Hisham ibn As sacrificed fifty camels from his share. But when Hazrat Amr ibn As asked the Messenger of Allah ﷺ about it, he ﷺ said: If your father had affirmed the oneness of Allah, then he would fast and give charity on his behalf, and he would receive the reward.”
وَصَلَّى اللَّهُ تَعَالَى عَلَى خَيْرِ خَلْقِهِ مُحَمَّدٍ وَآلِهِ وَصَحْبِهِ أَجْمَعِيْنَ
