Ruling on Wearing Shoes Among Muslim Graves in Light of Sunnah

❀ Ruling on Walking with Shoes Between Muslim Graves ❀
Written by: Imran Ayyub Lahori

❖ Introduction​

Walking between the graves of Muslims is an act that requires reverence and humility. Based on prophetic instruction and scholarly consensus, walking with shoes among the graves is discouraged, out of respect for the sanctity of the deceased.

✿ Prophetic Instruction​

It is narrated that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ once saw a man walking with shoes among the graves. The Prophet ﷺ instructed him to remove them:


“When the man recognized the Messenger of Allah ﷺ, he removed his shoes and threw them aside.”
(فَلَمَّا عَرَفَ الرَّجُلُ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ خَلَعَ نَعْلَيْهِ وَرَمَى بِهِمَا)


Reference:
✔ Aḥkām al-Janāʾiz by al-Albānī: p. 252

✿ Scholarly Opinions​

✔ Shaykh al-Albānī رحمه الله:
Advocated for not walking with shoes between the graves, based on the above narration.
Reference: Aḥkām al-Janāʾiz, p. 252


✔ Ḥāfiẓ Ibn Ḥajar al-ʿAsqalānī رحمه الله stated:


"This hadith proves that walking with shoes between the graves is makrūh (discouraged)."
Reference: Fatḥ al-Bārī, 3/160

✿ Reason Behind the Ruling​

➤ The graves of Muslims are to be treated with respect and humility.
➤ Walking with shoes — especially among tightly packed graves — may imply disrespect to the deceased.
➤ Removing one’s shoes is an act of etiquette and reverence in sacred places.

❖ Conclusion​

Walking with shoes between the graves of Muslims is makrūh (discouraged).
The Sunnah indicates removing footwear when passing through or visiting graves, especially if graves are close together.
This action reflects humility, respect for the deceased, and adherence to Prophetic manners.


وَاللهُ أَعْلَمُ بِالصَّوَابِ