Is It Prohibited to Walk in a Graveyard Wearing Shoes?
Source: Fatāwā Amun Pūrī by Shaykh Ghulam Mustafa Zaheer Amun Pūrī
The Question
Is it prohibited to walk in a graveyard while wearing shoes?
The Answer
There is a difference of opinion regarding wearing shoes in graveyards.
Evidence for Prohibition
Sayyidunā Bashīr ibn Khaṣāṣiyyah رضي الله عنه narrated:
A man was walking among the graves wearing shoes. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ saw him and said:
“O wearer of Sibti (leather) shoes, remove them.”
So he removed them.
(Sunan Abī Dāwūd: 3230; Sunan al-Nasāʾī: 2048; Sunan Ibn Mājah: 1568 — sanad ḥasan)
Evidence for Permission
It is also proven that shoes were worn in the graveyard:
- (Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī: 1378)
- (Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim: 782)
Reconciliation of Evidences
The reconciliation between these narrations is as follows:
- Walking between the graves while wearing shoes is disliked (makrūh tanzīhī), since one may unintentionally step over or disrespect the graves, which goes against the honor due to the deceased.
- However, wearing shoes out of necessity while passing between graves is permissible.
- If one is walking on designated pathways or around the perimeter of the graveyard, then wearing shoes is entirely permissible without dislike.
Conclusion
- Prohibition of shoes in the graveyard applies specifically to walking directly between the graves.
- It is not a matter of absolute prohibition (taḥrīmī), rather one of etiquette and respect for the deceased.
- On pathways or when needed, wearing shoes is allowed without issue.
