Authored by: Shaykh Abdullah ibn Abdul Rahman al-Jibreen (May Allah Protect Him)
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:
“Do not undertake a journey to visit any mosque except for three: the Sacred Mosque (Masjid al-Haram), this Mosque of mine (Masjid al-Nabawi), and Masjid al-Aqsa.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 1189)
Thus, traveling with the intention of earning rewards at any location or grave other than these three mosques is impermissible. This includes all other mosques and graves across the world.
However, regarding the Prophet’s (ﷺ) blessed grave, excessive visitation or turning it into a repeated occasion (like Eid) has been prohibited. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:
“Do not turn my grave into an ‘Eid (a recurring gathering). Send blessings upon me wherever you are, for your blessings will reach me wherever you may be.”
(Sunan Abi Dawood, Kitab al-Manasik, Hadith 2042; Musnad Ahmad, 2/367)
Authenticated as Sahih by Al-Albani.
Additionally, the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:
“Whenever a Muslim sends blessings upon me, Allah restores my soul so that I may return his greeting.”
(Musnad Ahmad, 2/527; Sunan Abi Dawood, Kitab al-Manasik, Hadith 2041)
Authenticated as Hasan by Al-Albani.
This includes all Muslims, whether near or far.
Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah refuted Ikhna’i, and Ibn Abd al-Hadi refuted Sikaki. Similarly, Alusi refuted Nabhani. Thus, one should not be deceived by individuals who propagate such weak or fabricated narrations.
Allah knows best.
Question:
Some people travel to Medina solely with the intention of visiting the Prophet Muhammad’s (ﷺ) blessed grave. What is the ruling on this?Ruling:
Traveling solely for the purpose of visiting the Prophet Muhammad’s (ﷺ) grave is not permissible. However, it is permissible to travel to Medina with the intention of praying in Masjid al-Nabawi. This is because Masjid al-Nabawi is one of the three sacred mosques for which traveling is permissible. The reward for performing a single prayer in Masjid al-Nabawi is equivalent to the reward of 1,000 prayers in any other mosque, except for Masjid al-Haram.The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:
“Do not undertake a journey to visit any mosque except for three: the Sacred Mosque (Masjid al-Haram), this Mosque of mine (Masjid al-Nabawi), and Masjid al-Aqsa.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 1189)
Thus, traveling with the intention of earning rewards at any location or grave other than these three mosques is impermissible. This includes all other mosques and graves across the world.
Purpose of Visiting Graves
Visiting graveyards serves a purpose: it reminds individuals of the Hereafter. This remembrance can be achieved by visiting any graveyard, as no city or village is devoid of graves. Visiting the graves also benefits the deceased, as they receive the prayers and supplications of the visitors.However, regarding the Prophet’s (ﷺ) blessed grave, excessive visitation or turning it into a repeated occasion (like Eid) has been prohibited. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:
“Do not turn my grave into an ‘Eid (a recurring gathering). Send blessings upon me wherever you are, for your blessings will reach me wherever you may be.”
(Sunan Abi Dawood, Kitab al-Manasik, Hadith 2042; Musnad Ahmad, 2/367)
Authenticated as Sahih by Al-Albani.
Additionally, the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:
“Whenever a Muslim sends blessings upon me, Allah restores my soul so that I may return his greeting.”
(Musnad Ahmad, 2/527; Sunan Abi Dawood, Kitab al-Manasik, Hadith 2041)
Authenticated as Hasan by Al-Albani.
This includes all Muslims, whether near or far.
Weak and Fabricated Hadiths on Visiting the Prophet’s Grave
The narrations promoting the virtue of visiting the Prophet’s grave are all either weak (da‘if) or fabricated (mawdu‘). Below are examples of such fabricated hadiths:- “Whoever visits my grave after my death, it is as if he visited me during my life.”
- “Whoever visits my grave or comes to see me, I will intercede for them or bear witness on their behalf.”
- “Whoever visits my grave will earn my intercession.”
- “Whoever performs Hajj and does not visit me has wronged me.”
Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah refuted Ikhna’i, and Ibn Abd al-Hadi refuted Sikaki. Similarly, Alusi refuted Nabhani. Thus, one should not be deceived by individuals who propagate such weak or fabricated narrations.
Clarification of Intent
Prohibiting travel solely for visiting the Prophet’s (ﷺ) grave is not an indication of diminishing his status. The love and reverence for the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) reside deeply in the hearts of those who follow his Sunnah. This love is not diminished by refraining from traveling to his grave.Allah knows best.