❖ Introduction
This article, originally authored by Shaykh Ghulam Mustafa Zaheer Ameenpuri (حفظه الله), has been structured with added headings for better readability.Constructing buildings over graves and converting them into mosques has numerous harms. Islamic scholars have clearly outlined the dangers and negative consequences of this practice.
❖ Statement of Imam al-Shāfiʿī (رحمه الله) (150–204 AH)
Imam al-Shāfiʿī stated:"وأکرہ أن یعظّم مخلوق حتّی یجعل قبرہ مسجدا، مخافۃ الفتنۃ علیہ، وعلی من بعدہ من الناس."
"I dislike that a created being is so highly revered that his grave is turned into a mosque, due to the fear of tribulation for him and for those who come after him."
Kitāb al-Umm lil-Shāfiʿī: 1/278❖ Perspective of Ḥāfiẓ Ibn al-Qayyim (رحمه الله)
Ibn al-Qayyim (رحمه الله) elaborates on the dangers of constructing over graves:① It opens the door for people to pray near the grave, which the Prophet ﷺ prohibited.
② People begin making supplications at graves — a significant innovation (بدعة).
③ Those involved fall under the curse of the Prophet ﷺ.
④ Graveyards become populated while mosques fall into neglect — contrary to Islamic principles.
⑤ Some visitors prostrate before the grave — an act equivalent to idolatry.
⑥ Offerings (نذر و نیاز) begin to be made in the name of the deceased.
⑦ The deceased begins to hold more reverence in hearts than Allah ﷻ.
⑧ People begin seeking needs and relief from the deceased rather than Allah ﷻ.
Ighāthat al-Lahfān li Ibn al-Qayyim: 1/309–310 (summarized)❖ View of Ibn Ḥajar al-Haytamī (رحمه الله) (909–974 AH)
Ibn Ḥajar al-Haytamī (رحمه الله) wrote:"فإنّ أعظم المحرّمات وأسباب الشرک الصلاۃ عندہا واتّخاذہا مساجد أو بناؤہا علیہا..."
Translation Summary:
- Among the gravest prohibitions and causes of shirk is praying near graves, turning them into mosques, or constructing over them.
- The claim that such actions are merely disliked (makrūh) is incorrect; scholars could never permit actions that the Prophet ﷺ consistently cursed.
- It is obligatory to demolish such structures and domes built over graves. They are more dangerous than Masjid al-Ḍirār because their foundation is in disobedience to the Messenger of Allah ﷺ.
- Every lamp or light on a grave must be removed.
- Any waqf (endowment) or vow made for a grave is invalid.
Al-Zawājir ʿan Iqtirāf al-Kabā’ir li Ibn Ḥajar al-Haytamī: 1/120–121❖ Conclusion
Building over graves, converting them into places of worship, or performing acts of devotion near them contradicts Islamic teachings and leads toward the danger of shirk and innovation.According to the scholars of Islam:
✔ This practice must be halted and corrected
✔ Protection of authentic Islamic beliefs is essential for the well-being of the Muslim community
Let us stay committed to the way of the Prophet ﷺ and his noble companions (رضي الله عنهم).
