Author: Allama Abdullah bin Abdul Rahman Al-Jibreen (May Allah protect him)
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) explicitly condemned such acts. In his final illness, he said:
"May Allah curse the Jews and Christians; they took the graves of their prophets as places of worship."
[Saheeh Muslim, Book of Mosques, Hadith no. 530]
He further warned:
"Beware! Do not take graves as places of worship, for I forbid you to do so."
[Saheeh Muslim, Hadith no. 532]
This danger necessitates strict adherence to the Sunnah and abstaining from any practice that may resemble or lead to shirk.
Allah knows best!
Question:
What is the ruling on prostrating at graves, slaughtering animals in their name, or making offerings at shrines?Answer:
Performing prostration at graves, slaughtering animals in the name of those buried, or presenting offerings at shrines is impermissible and falls under major shirk (shirk akbar). These acts constitute worship of the deceased and veneration of the location in a manner reserved only for Allah. Such practices equate to associating partners with Allah, regardless of whether the grave belongs to a prophet or a non-prophet.The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) explicitly condemned such acts. In his final illness, he said:
"May Allah curse the Jews and Christians; they took the graves of their prophets as places of worship."
[Saheeh Muslim, Book of Mosques, Hadith no. 530]
He further warned:
"Beware! Do not take graves as places of worship, for I forbid you to do so."
[Saheeh Muslim, Hadith no. 532]
Why These Acts Are Forbidden
- Graves as Worship Sites:
- Prostrating or praying at graves transforms the location into a place of worship (masjid), even if no physical structure is erected.
- Performing such acts shows veneration that is inappropriate and leads to false beliefs about the buried individual’s power.
- Beliefs Leading to Shirk:
- People who engage in these acts often believe that the deceased can benefit them by:
- Accepting their acts of devotion.
- Interceding on their behalf.
- Facilitating the fulfillment of their requests.
- This belief gives the deceased a status that only Allah deserves, violating the essence of tawhid (monotheism).
- People who engage in these acts often believe that the deceased can benefit them by:
- Deception of Common People:
- When influential or respected individuals engage in acts such as supplicating at graves or praying nearby, the common people are misled.
- Over time, such practices evolve into outright worship of the deceased, leading to major shirk.
Major Shirk and Preventive Measures
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) forbade not only acts of major shirk but also any actions that might lead to it. Prostrating, making offerings, or slaughtering animals at graves are practices that gradually lead to the worship of the deceased and associating them with Allah.This danger necessitates strict adherence to the Sunnah and abstaining from any practice that may resemble or lead to shirk.
Conclusion
Prostrating at graves, offering sacrifices in the name of the deceased, and presenting offerings at shrines are strictly prohibited and fall under major shirk. Muslims must avoid such practices and adhere firmly to the principles of tawhid (monotheism). These actions violate the very core of Islam and compromise a Muslim’s faith.Allah knows best!