Prohibition of Waqf for Grave Beautification and Acts Leading to Grave Veneration

❖ Prohibition of Waqf for Un-Islamic Practices and Grave Veneration
By: ʿImrān Ayyūb Lāhorī

Waqf for Grave Construction or Practices Leading to Fitnah for Visitors Is Prohibited​

The Messenger of Allāh ﷺ instructed ʿAlī (رضي الله عنه):


"أَنْ لَا يَدَعَ قَبْرًا مُشْرِفًا إِلَّا سَوَّاهُ، وَلَا تِمْثَالًا إِلَّا طَمَسَهُ"
“Do not leave any elevated grave without leveling it, and do not leave any statue without obliterating it.”
(Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim: 969; Abū Dāwūd: 3218; al-Tirmidhī: 1049; al-Nasāʾī: 2031; Musnad Aḥmad: 1/89)


This ḥadīth makes it clear that Islam does not allow elevated graves.
Therefore, dedicating funds (waqf) for building high graves is impermissible.

Prohibited Acts for Which Waqf Is Not Allowed​

• Decorating and beautifying graves (e.g., marble, tiles).
• Constructing mosques over graves.
• Placing sheets or flowers on graves.
• Any act that instills exaggerated reverence for a grave in visitors’ hearts.
• Cooking food (cauldrons) at graves as offerings.
• Dedicating sacrificial animals for graves.
• Making nadhar (vows) for graves or the deceased.

Ruling on Waqf for Sinful Purposes​

Any waqf for an act that:

• Promotes corrupt beliefs among visitors, or
• Becomes a means of shirk, superstition, or un-Islamic innovations

… is not permissible but ḥarām.


Reference: al-Rawḍah al-Nadiyyah: 2/340–341