Fatwa by: Former Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia, Sheikh Ibn Baz (may Allah have mercy on him)
Question:
A person passed away in our city. We observed elderly women from the city visiting the deceased’s house, where the body, after being shrouded, was placed among the women. When we inquired about the reason, they said, "We do this to seek blessings." What is the ruling on this act? Is it Sunnah?
Answer:
This act is impermissible and, in fact, a reprehensible practice. It is not permissible for anyone to seek blessings from the dead or from graves. Similarly, asking the dead to cure a sick person or fulfill a certain need is also prohibited. Worship is exclusively the right of Allah Almighty, and blessings should be sought only from Him because He alone is described as the Most Blessed. As Allah the Almighty says:
"Blessed is He who sent down the Criterion upon His Servant that he may be a warner to the worlds."
[Surah Al-Furqan 25:1]
And He further states:
"Blessed is He in whose hand is dominion, and He is over all things competent."
[Surah Al-Mulk 67:1]
This signifies that Allah's essence alone is supremely glorious and blessed. As for a servant, he is considered blessed by Allah only when Allah bestows upon him guidance, righteousness, and when he benefits others. As Allah the Exalted mentioned regarding His servant and messenger, Jesus, son of Mary (peace be upon him):
"He said, 'Indeed, I am the servant of Allah. He has given me the Scripture and made me a prophet. And He has made me blessed wherever I am and has enjoined upon me prayer and zakah as long as I remain alive.'"
[Surah Maryam 19:30]
Question:
A person passed away in our city. We observed elderly women from the city visiting the deceased’s house, where the body, after being shrouded, was placed among the women. When we inquired about the reason, they said, "We do this to seek blessings." What is the ruling on this act? Is it Sunnah?
Answer:
This act is impermissible and, in fact, a reprehensible practice. It is not permissible for anyone to seek blessings from the dead or from graves. Similarly, asking the dead to cure a sick person or fulfill a certain need is also prohibited. Worship is exclusively the right of Allah Almighty, and blessings should be sought only from Him because He alone is described as the Most Blessed. As Allah the Almighty says:
"Blessed is He who sent down the Criterion upon His Servant that he may be a warner to the worlds."
[Surah Al-Furqan 25:1]
And He further states:
"Blessed is He in whose hand is dominion, and He is over all things competent."
[Surah Al-Mulk 67:1]
This signifies that Allah's essence alone is supremely glorious and blessed. As for a servant, he is considered blessed by Allah only when Allah bestows upon him guidance, righteousness, and when he benefits others. As Allah the Exalted mentioned regarding His servant and messenger, Jesus, son of Mary (peace be upon him):
"He said, 'Indeed, I am the servant of Allah. He has given me the Scripture and made me a prophet. And He has made me blessed wherever I am and has enjoined upon me prayer and zakah as long as I remain alive.'"
[Surah Maryam 19:30]