Ruling on Placing a Marker on Graves

Author: Allama Abdullah bin Abdul Rahman Al-Jibreen (حفظہ اللہ)

Question:​

What is the ruling on placing an iron or wooden marker on a grave to identify the deceased?

Answer:​

There is no harm in placing a marker on a grave to identify the deceased.

Imam Abu Dawood narrated in Hadith [3206] from Mutlab bin Abdullah bin Muttalib:

"When Uthman bin Maz’un passed away, the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) instructed a man to bring a stone. When the stone was brought, the Prophet (ﷺ) placed it near Uthman bin Maz’un's head as a marker and said: ‘Through this marker, I will recognize my brother’s grave and bury my family members who pass away near him.’"
[Reference: Sunan Abu Dawood, Kitab al-Jana'iz, Bab fi Jama’ al-Mawta fi Qabr wal-Qabr Yualam, Hadith 3206]

Abu Dawood remained silent about this narration, which implies that the Hadith is sound (salih) and acceptable for evidence in his view.

Purpose of the Marker​

The marker is intended for:

1. Recognizing the grave during visits.
2. Allowing family members to bury their deceased nearby for easier visitation.

Markers can be made of stone, brick, or wood and should be placed near the head or side of the grave.

Prohibition of Constructing Structures Over Graves​

While placing a marker is permissible, building structures over graves is explicitly prohibited. Jabir (رضي الله عنه) reported that the Prophet (ﷺ) said:

"The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) forbade sitting on graves, plastering them, and building structures over them."
[Reference: Sahih Muslim]

In another narration, it is mentioned:

"He (ﷺ) forbade adding extra soil over the grave or writing anything on it."

Wisdom Behind the Prohibition​

These prohibitions serve to prevent:

1. Fitnah (trial): When people see a grave elevated or adorned, they may begin to venerate the deceased, attributing unwarranted sanctity or virtues to them.
2. Superstition: Elevated or decorated graves can lead to practices like seeking blessings, making supplications, or holding gatherings near the grave.
3. Deviation:In regions where ignorance prevails, such actions may result in acts of shirk (polytheism), such as:
   • Worshipping the deceased.
   • Offering sacrifices in their name.
   • Believing in the grave’s sanctity as a source of blessings.

Such practices are prevalent in places where ignorance and polytheistic customs dominate. People may falsely assume the grave belongs to a saint or martyr, leading to further misguidance.

Conclusion​

Placing a simple marker for identification is permissible and in accordance with the Sunnah. However, constructing elaborate structures, plastering, or writing on graves is strictly prohibited to avoid fitnah, shirk, and other misguided practices.

Allah knows best!