This excerpt is taken from Sheikh al-Islam Imam Ibn Taymiyyah's book Al-Jawab al-Bahir fi Zuwar al-Maqabir, translated by Sheikh Ataullah Saqib.
The Ridiculous Thoughts of Grave Worshippers
● It is against the religion of Islam for some people to believe that because the graves of prophets and righteous people are in a certain city, no difficulties or calamities occur there.
● Similarly, it is wrong to think that calamities happen in Baghdad because the graves of Imam Ahmad bin Hanbal, may Allah have mercy on him, Bishr al-Hafi, and Mansur bin Ammar are there.
● And that epidemics do not enter Syria because the graves of prophets, especially our master Ibrahim (Abraham), peace be upon him, are there.
● And that Egypt is safe because the graves of Nafisa and others are there.
● And that it is difficult for a plague to come to Hijaz because the Noble Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, is buried there along with the dwellings of Ahl al-Baqi.
All these are suspicions that are against the religion of Islam, the Book and Sunnah, and the consensus of the Ummah.
Just look at Jerusalem itself, where there were many graves of prophets and righteous people. When its inhabitants opposed Allah and His messengers, rulers were imposed upon them who made them taste the consequences of that disobedience.
