Ruling on Constructing Mausoleums Over Graves
Source: Fatāwā Rāshidiyyah, p. 388
❖ Question
What is the Shar‘ī ruling on constructing mausoleums or structures over graves?
❖ Answer
Alḥamdulillāh, waṣ-ṣalātu wa-salāmu ‘alā Rasūlillāh, ammā ba‘d!
◄ Constructing anything over a grave — whether it be of a nation’s founder, a saint, a revered elder, or an ordinary person — is strictly forbidden (ḥarām).
◄ Its prohibition is clearly established in authentic aḥādīth.
◄ In fact, the Prophet ﷺ instructed that built structures over graves should be demolished, as such practices are against Sharī‘ah.
✦ Further Clarification
◈ Some people visit the graves of founders or leaders, spread sheets (chādar), and perform acts of veneration. These are innovations (bid‘ah sayyi’ah) and practices close to shirk, which must be completely avoided.
◈ Whoever engages in such actions must repent and renew their īmān, for these are not sanctioned in Islam but are grave prohibitions.
◈ The widespread custom of building mausoleums and shrines in many countries is entirely impermissible, ḥarām, and an innovation, and it must never be adopted.
Conclusion
Constructing mausoleums or permanent structures over graves is forbidden in Islam. The Sunnah commands the removal of such structures, as they lead to innovation, excess, and even shirk. Muslims must avoid these practices completely.
ھذا ما عندی واللہ أعلم بالصواب
