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Chapter 5: Visiting Graves
Shirk and the veneration of Graves
During the early era of Islam visiting graves was prohibited. The
reason behind this prohibition was that Shirk originated among
the previous nations with the veneration of righteous people and
their graves. 266 To avoid confusion and misguidance visiting
graves was only made permissible when the Sahabah
thoroughly understood the Islamic concept of Tawheed (Allah’s
Oneness). Allah’s Messenger said: “I used to forbid you from
visiting graves, but now you should visit them, for surely they
are reminders of the next life.” 267 – So whoever wishes to visit
may do so, but don’t say anything false.” 268
Purpose of Visiting Graves
Visiting the graves is only for two purposes
(a) The visitor may be reminded of his death and the Hereafter.
Allah’s Messenger said: “I used to forbid you from visiting
266 When Umm Habiba and Umm Salamah (radhi allahu anhuma)
mentioned a church in Ethiopia that had pictures, Allah’s
Messenger said: “If any religious man dies among these
people they would build a place of worship at his grave and
make these pictures on it. They will be the worst creature with
Allah on the Day of Resurrection.” [Saheeh al-Bukharee (Eng.
Trans.), vol.1, p.251, no.419, Saheeh Muslim (Eng. Trans.). vol.1,
p.268, no.1076), Sunan an-Nasa’ee (al-Masaajid) vol. 1, no. 115, and
Musnad Imaam Ahmad vol. 6, no. 51.]
267 Saheeh Muslim (Eng. Trans.) vol.2, p.463-464, no.2131, Sunan Abu
Dawood (Eng. Trans.) vol.2, p.919, no.3229, Sunan an-Nas’ee,
Musnad Ahmad Ibn Hambal and al-Baihaqee.
268 This addition is found in an-Nasa’ee’s narration. See Saheeh
Sunan an-Nasa’ee, vol. 2, p.436, no. 1922.
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