This excerpt is taken from Sheikh al-Islam Imam Ibn Taymiyyah's book Al-Jawab al-Bahir fi Zuwar al-Maqabir, translated by Sheikh Ataullah Saqib.
The Purpose of the Grave Worshippers' Visitation
The detailed discussion about traveling to graves, tombs, and important places mentioned in the previous pages holds the status of Hajj among the polytheists. This belief is well-known in both wording and meaning among the predecessors and the later scholars. Because the purpose of going to the grave is to supplicate to the creation of Allah there with humility, submissiveness, and meekness. Just as a true Muslim monotheist believes that when he is present in the House of Allah, he will supplicate and plead to the Merciful Lord with utmost humility and submissiveness.
❀ The Holy Quran states:
وَمِنَ النَّاسِ مَن يَتَّخِذُ مِن دُونِ اللَّهِ أَندَادًا يُحِبُّونَهُمْ كَحُبِّ اللَّهِ ۖ وَالَّذِينَ آمَنُوا أَشَدُّ حُبًّا لِّلَّهِ ۗ وَلَوْ يَرَى الَّذِينَ ظَلَمُوا إِذْ يَرَوْنَ الْعَذَابَ أَنَّ الْقُوَّةَ لِلَّهِ جَمِيعًا وَأَنَّ اللَّهَ شَدِيدُ الْعَذَابِ ﴿١٦٥﴾
"There are some people who take others besides Allah as equals to Him, and they love them as they should love Allah, while those who believe love Allah more."
Reference: (2-Al-Baqarah:165)
The Great Hajj of the Grave Worshippers
The misguided heretical and deviant groups set out to visit the graves and shrines of their imams, sheikhs, and spiritual leaders, and their leader publicly announces, "Come, let us go for the 'Greater Hajj'." Then they name it "Greater Hajj" and carry a special kind of flag on this journey, which they also specifically proclaim. Just as a monotheistic Muslim carries a special sign when intending to perform the Hajj of the House of Allah.
The Flag of Grave-Worshippers in Learning
The misguidance of these heretical groups does not end here; rather, it is announced, "Come, let us go to Baghdad to perform the Greater Hajj." These people consider traveling to graves as the Greater Hajj. But the Hajj of the House of Allah is called the Lesser Hajj. This is mentioned in the books of their ignorant spiritual leaders. Even such verses are present in their books:
”وحق النبى الذى تحج المطايا إليه“
