Authored by: Shaykh Mubashir Ahmad Rabbani (Hafizahullah)
Whenever a person visits the graveyard, they should remember death and supplicate for forgiveness of the deceased. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:
"I had forbidden you from visiting graves, but now permission has been granted to Muhammad to visit his mother's grave. So, visit the graves, for they remind you of the Hereafter."
[Jami' at-Tirmidhi, Book of Funerals, Hadith No. 1054 | Sahih Muslim, Hadith No. 977]
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) also taught a supplication to be recited when visiting the graves:
"Peace be upon you, O inhabitants of the dwellings, from among the believers and Muslims. Indeed, we will (soon) join you, if Allah wills. We ask Allah for well-being for us and for you."
[Sahih Muslim, Book of Funerals, Hadith No. 975]
Furthermore, Uthman ibn Affan (رضي الله عنه) narrated that after completing the burial, the Prophet (ﷺ) would stand at the grave and say:
"Seek forgiveness for your brother and supplicate for his steadfastness, for he is now being questioned."
[Sunan Abu Dawood, Book of Funerals, Hadith No. 3221 | Al-Hakim 1/370]
Standing at the grave and making du'a for forgiveness and steadfastness is permissible.
One should not engage in innovations or prohibited acts while visiting graves.
Believing that the deceased can fulfill wishes or grant children and sustenance.
Offering sacrifices at the graves for the deceased.
Making vows (nazar) and presenting offerings at graves.
Women frequently visiting graves in an improper manner, engaging in un-Islamic activities.
Those who call upon the dead for assistance or believe that they can grant children, sustenance, or remove hardships are committing clear shirk (associating partners with Allah). The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) cursed women who frequently visit graves in a manner that leads to prohibited acts. Additionally, some individuals remove their hijabs and engage in inappropriate behavior at graves, which is completely forbidden in Islam.
Thus, only the prescribed supplications and remembrance should be observed when visiting graves, and all innovations and acts of shirk must be avoided.
May Allah forgive all believers, both living and deceased, elevate their ranks, and grant them companionship with the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) in Jannatul-Firdous. (Ameen!)
Question:
Is it permissible to stand at the grave for supplicating (du'a) for the deceased, or should one sit?Answer:
Visiting graves is permissible in Islam and serves as a reminder of the Hereafter. A person who visits a graveyard should take heed of the reality that this worldly life is temporary and should engage in righteous deeds for the Hereafter to avoid regret on the Day of Judgment.Whenever a person visits the graveyard, they should remember death and supplicate for forgiveness of the deceased. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:
"I had forbidden you from visiting graves, but now permission has been granted to Muhammad to visit his mother's grave. So, visit the graves, for they remind you of the Hereafter."
[Jami' at-Tirmidhi, Book of Funerals, Hadith No. 1054 | Sahih Muslim, Hadith No. 977]
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) also taught a supplication to be recited when visiting the graves:
"Peace be upon you, O inhabitants of the dwellings, from among the believers and Muslims. Indeed, we will (soon) join you, if Allah wills. We ask Allah for well-being for us and for you."
[Sahih Muslim, Book of Funerals, Hadith No. 975]
Furthermore, Uthman ibn Affan (رضي الله عنه) narrated that after completing the burial, the Prophet (ﷺ) would stand at the grave and say:
"Seek forgiveness for your brother and supplicate for his steadfastness, for he is now being questioned."
[Sunan Abu Dawood, Book of Funerals, Hadith No. 3221 | Al-Hakim 1/370]
Key Rulings Derived from the Hadiths:
It is encouraged to supplicate for the deceased after burial.Standing at the grave and making du'a for forgiveness and steadfastness is permissible.
One should not engage in innovations or prohibited acts while visiting graves.
Prohibited Practices Related to Graves:
Asking the dead for help (seeking needs from them).Believing that the deceased can fulfill wishes or grant children and sustenance.
Offering sacrifices at the graves for the deceased.
Making vows (nazar) and presenting offerings at graves.
Women frequently visiting graves in an improper manner, engaging in un-Islamic activities.
Those who call upon the dead for assistance or believe that they can grant children, sustenance, or remove hardships are committing clear shirk (associating partners with Allah). The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) cursed women who frequently visit graves in a manner that leads to prohibited acts. Additionally, some individuals remove their hijabs and engage in inappropriate behavior at graves, which is completely forbidden in Islam.
Thus, only the prescribed supplications and remembrance should be observed when visiting graves, and all innovations and acts of shirk must be avoided.
May Allah forgive all believers, both living and deceased, elevate their ranks, and grant them companionship with the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) in Jannatul-Firdous. (Ameen!)