Is It Permissible for Women to Visit Graveyards? A Complete Shar‘i Explanation
Source: Fatawa ‘Ilmiyyah, Vol. 1, Kitab al-Jana’iz, p. 564
The Ruling on Women Visiting Graveyards
Question:
Is it permissible for women to occasionally visit the graveyard for visiting the graves of their relatives?
Answer:
Alhamdulillah, and peace and blessings be upon the Messenger of Allah ﷺ.
It is permissible for women to occasionally visit the graves of their close relatives.
The Practice of A’ishah (RA)
Ibn Abi Mulaykah (rahimahullah) narrates:
One day A’ishah (RA) returned from the graveyard. I asked her:
“O Mother of the Believers, where have you come from?”
She replied:
“I went to visit the grave of my brother ‘Abdur-Rahman ibn Abi Bakr (RA).”
I said:
“Did not the Messenger of Allah ﷺ prohibit visiting graves?”
She replied:
“Yes, he did prohibit it initially, but later he granted permission.”
(Al-Mustadrak lil-Hakim 1/376, Hadith 1392 – Chain authentic, authenticated by al-Dhahabi)
This shows that the prohibition on women visiting graves was abrogated, and permission was later granted. However, two important points must be observed:
Important Shar‘i Points
➊ Frequent Visits Are Prohibited for Women
The Prophet ﷺ cursed women who visit graves frequently.
- Sunan al-Tirmidhi (Hadith 1056) – Hasan Sahih
- Ibn Hibban authenticated it (Al-Ihsan, Hadith 3178)
➋ Visiting the Graves of Non-Mahrams
It is not permissible for women to visit the graves of non-mahrams (i.e., men other than close male relatives such as father, brother, husband, or son).
- Sunan Abi Dawud, Kitab al-Jana’iz, Bab fi al-Ta‘ziyah, Hadith 3123 – Hasan chain
Conclusion
◈ Women may occasionally visit the graves of their close relatives.
◈ Frequent visits are prohibited and incur curse.
◈ Visiting the graves of non-mahrams is not permissible for women.
ھذا ما عندي، واللہ أعلم بالصواب
