In reliable traditional reports accepted by all sects, there are orders for
visiting graves and people are encouraged to adopt this practice and all important
personalities of Muslims sects have issued verdicts regarding its benefits and
regarded it recommended. On the contrary according to clarification of numerous
scholars, some Zahiriya1 regarded it obligatory. Below, we present a number of
traditional reports on this subject:
1. It is narrated in a tradition directly from Abdullah bin Masud that:
“Visit the graves, as it makes a man pious in the world and reminds one of
the hereafter.”6
2. It is narrated from Anas bin Malik from Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) through
incomplete chains of narrators that:
“In the past, I prohibited you from visiting graves; but now whoever likes, may go for Ziyarat of graves as it makes the heart soft, causes tears to flow and
reminds one of hereafter; but you shouldn’t utter improper words.”
3. may go for Ziyarat of graves as it makes the heart soft, causes tears to flow and
reminds one of hereafter; but you shouldn’t utter improper words.”
Ibne Abi Malika narrated a tradition to me directly from Holy Prophet
(s.a.w.a.):
“Go to your deceased ones and salute them – or visit them, the doubt is from
Khuzai – as it would be a source of edification for you.”
4. Every Friday, Lady Fatima Zahra (s.a.) visited the grave of her uncle,
Hamza, recited prayer near the grave and lamented there.
فَلْيَأْتُوا۟ بِحَدِيثٍۢ مِّثْلِهِۦٓ إِن كَانُوا۟ صَـٰدِقِينَ (٣٤)
“Then let them bring an announcement like it if they are truthful.”2
Etiquette for visitors of graves
1. The visitor should be ritually pure.
2. He should enter from the feet side of the deceased and not from the head
side.
3. He should face the deceased during the Ziyarat.
4. He should perform the Ziyarat in standing position and in this position,
supplicate for him.
5. He should recite as much Quran as he can and reading of Surah Yasin and
Surah Tauheed is recommended.
6. He should supplicate for the deceased facing the Prayer direction (Qibla).
7. While reciting Quran, he should sit facing the Prayer direction (Qibla).
8. He should sprinkle pure water on the grave.
9. Give alms (Sadaqah) on behalf of the dead.
10. The visitor should be bare footed and he should not walk over the grave.
Statement regarding Ziyarat
1. It is narrated from Ayesha directly from Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.a.) that
he said: Jibraeel came to me said: “Your Lord has commanded you to visit Baqi
and pray for the forgiveness of those buried there.”
Ayesha asked: “O Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.a.), what should I tell them.”
He replied: Say: “Peace be on the folks of this abode from believer and
Muslims; may God have mercy on our past and future people and if Allah wants, we would also join you.”3
2. Firozabadi – author of Qamus – has written in Safarus Saada:4
“Among the habits of Prophet was to visit graves and to supplicate and seek
forgiveness and such Ziyarat is recommended.”
Statements in excess are present from Muslim scholars and leaders of the
four schools of jurisprudence regarding visitation of graves; and it can be
concluded that a visitor can visit the grave and pray for the inmate of the tomb in
any words that he may like; and he can narrate his excellence and merits and
whatever may enable the deceased to get divine mercy and blessings. Words that
are mentioned in the Ziyarat of Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) prove all this nicely.