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.
Method of reciting Durood and Salaam at the Blessed Grave:
In another treatise, while explaining the rituals of Hajj, we have written that traveling towards the Prophet's Mosque and visiting the honored grave is a recommended act accepted by all the Imams of Islam. However, regarding the issue of whether one should face the Qiblah or turn their face towards the Blessed Chamber while reciting Durood and Salaam, the esteemed Imams have narrated two opinions:
First Opinion:
That one should face the Blessed Chamber while reciting Durood and Salaam. This is the view of most scholars. Sayyiduna Imam Malik (may Allah have mercy on him) and Imam Abu Hanifa (may Allah have mercy on him) have an opinion that one should face the Qiblah and offer Salaam in such a way that the Blessed Chamber is on the left hand side.
Second Opinion:
The second opinion is that the blessed chamber is at the back. The reason for this is that as long as the blessed chamber remained outside the Prophet's Mosque and the Companions continued to send blessings and salutations there, it was impossible for anyone to face the blessed chamber and have their back to the Kaaba, as became possible after the blessed chamber was incorporated into the mosque. Rather, the situation was such that if one faced the Qibla, the blessed chamber would be on the person's left side. Accordingly, at that time, the Companions would face the blessed chamber and have their back to the west while sending blessings and salutations, so in that case, the first opinion is stronger. And if the second situation is followed, then the second opinion will be stronger.
