The Grave Mistake

بسم الله والحمد لله والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله ، وبعد 

The Grave Mistake

Allaah تعالى says: {Verily, Allaah forgives not that partners should be set up with Him (in worship), but He forgives except that (anything else) to whom He wills; and whoever sets up partners with Allaah in worship, he has indeed invented a tremendous sin.} [Surah al-Nisaa (4): 48]

Shirk, associating partners with Allaah, is a sin which will not be forgiven by Allaah, except for the person who sincerely repents from it and stops doing it. The person who dies doing Shirk will never enter Paradise, nor will he ever come out of Hell.

Allaah تعالى mentions what `Eesa عليه السلام said to his people: {But the Messiah [(Jesus)] said: “O Children of Israaeel! Worship Allaah, my Lord and your Lord.” Verily, whosoever sets up partners (in worship) with Allaah, then Allaah has forbidden Paradise to him, and the Fire will be his abode. And for the Zâlimûn (polytheists and wrong doers) there are no helpers.} [Surah al-Maa’idah (5): 72]

Since Shirk is a major sin, the doer of which will be condemned to eternal punishment in Hell; it is astonishing that the vast majority of the people in the world are Mushriks. Unfortunately, even some groups among the Muslims have fallen prey to it. They might pray five times a day, but still commit Shirk.

Allaah تعالى says: {Most of them who believe in Allaah also commit shirk.} [Surah Yusuf (12): 106]

Ibn Katheer narrated in his Tafseer that Hammad bin Salamah narrated that `Asim bin Abi An-Najud said that `Urwah said, “Hudhayfah visited an ill man and saw a rope tied around his arm, so he ripped it off while reciting, {Most of them who believe in Allaah also commit shirk.}

One of the types of Shirk is “grave worshipping” about which we have been clearly warned time and again but still fell prey to it. This topic has been discussed by the scholars a number of times. Numerous books have been written on it. No subject of Tawheed is complete without warning against the Shirk of grave worshipping.

Herein is the summary on the topic for the readers so that they separate the Truth from the Falsehood and be protected from the acts of Shirk namely grave worship.

Index

1.     How it all began (The origin of Shirk).

2.     The status of the dead in the grave.

3.     The dead cannot hear except with Allaah’s permission.

4.     Their hearing is limited to footsteps.

5.     Even if they hear, they cannot respond to our needs.

6.     The power of Allaah and the weakness of mankind.

7.     The dead in the grave are weak.

8.     The dead in the grave actually need our help.

9.     The dead in the graves are themselves being provided by Allaah.

10. The best of Mankind, Prophet Muhammad, could neither benefit nor harm himself.

11. Places of worship are for Allaah alone.

12. Forbidden to pray in Masaajid or places where there are graves.

13. Forbidden to make the Prophet’s grave as a place of worship or festivity (Eid).

14. All sorts of worship are forbidden near the grave.

15. Du`aa’ is `Ibaadah (worship).

16. Warning to the people.

17. Warning against shirk.

18. The grave should be as simple as possible, neither too high, nor to be made permanent.

19. To level any grave which is either too high, or is permanent.

20. The companions knew that the dead cannot benefit them not harm them.

21. The companions knew that Allaah listens to the call of those who call Him directly and we have been instructed to call Allaah directly.

22. It’s illogical to ask the dead.

23. Summary.

24. The ruling on the Prophet’s صلى الله عليه وسلم Masjid.

25. Few Questions to ask the Quboorees.

26. Ruling on placing of flowers on the graves.

1.     How it all began (The origin of Shirk):

The following two Ahaadeeth will clearly outline how idol, grave and saint worshipping all began:

Narrated Ibn `Abbaas رضي الله عنهما: ❝All the idols which were worshiped by the people of Noah were worshiped by the Arabs later on. As for the idol Wadd, it was worshiped by the tribe of Kalb at Daumat-al-Jandal; Suwa’ was the idol of (the tribe of) Murad and then by Ban, Ghutaif at Al-Jurf near Saba; Yauq was the idol of Hamdan, and Nasr was the idol of Himyr, the branch of Dhi-al-Kala. The names (of the idols) formerly belonged to some pious men of the people of Noah, and when they died Satan inspired their people to (prepare) and place idols at the places where they used to sit, and to call those idols by their names. The people did so, but the idols were not worshiped till those people (who initiated them) had died and the origin of the idols had become obscure, whereupon people began worshipping them.❞ [Saheeh Al-Bukhaaree Vol. 6, Hadeeth 442]

Narrated `Aaishah رضي الله عنها: Um Habiba and Um Salama mentioned about a church they had seen in Ethiopia in which there were pictures. They told the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم about it, on which he صلى الله عليه وسلم said: ❝If any religious man dies amongst those people they would build a place of worship at his grave and make these pictures in it. They will be the worst creature in the sight of Allaah on the Day of Resurrection.❞ [Saheeh Al-Bukhaaree Vol. 1, Hadeeth 419 and Muslim, Hadeeth 1076]

Note: This text is strong evidence, to show how Shaytaan misled the people into idol & grave worshipping. It is possible that in the near future that our next generations will also think that we Muslims (specially in the Indian-subcontinent) do not build Masjid except when there is a grave nearby, or that the Muslims are grave worshippers, like what has happened with the people of Nuh.

2.     The status of the dead in the grave:

Allaah تعالى says: {Until, when death comes to one of them, he says: “My Lord! Send me back, so that I may do good in that which I have left behind!’’ No! (Kalla) It is but a word that he speaks; and in front of them is Barzakh (barrier) until the Day when they will be resurrected.} [Surah Al-Mu’minoon (23): 99-100]

{Between them is a barrier which none of them can transgress.} [Surah Al-Rahmaan (55): 20]

Note: Barzakh: (a partition, a barrier); the place or state in which people will be after death and before Judgment. This barrier will prevent the dead souls from returning back to this worldly life; furthermore, they will be in this state till the establishment of the Day of Judgment. The questioning of the dead by the two angels will also be in this barzakh.

3.     The dead cannot hear except with Allaah’s permission:

{Verily, you cannot make the dead to hear nor can you make the deaf to hear the call, when they flee, turning their backs.} [Surah Al-Naml (27): 80]

{Nor are the living and the dead (alike). Verily, Allaah makes whom He wills to hear, but you cannot make hear those who are in graves.} [Surah Faatir (35): 22]

4.     Their hearing is limited to footsteps:

Narrated Anas رضي الله عنه: The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said: ❝When a human being is laid in his grave and his companions return and he even hears their footsteps, two angels come to him and make him sit and ask him: ‘What did you use to say about this man, Muhammad?’ He will say: ‘I testify that he is Allaah’s slave and His Apostle.’ Then it will be said to him, ‘Look at your place in the Hell-Fire. Allaah has given you a place in Paradise instead of it.’ “ The Prophet added, “The dead person will see both his places. But a non-believer or a hypocrite will say to the angels, ‘I do not know, but I used to say what the people used to say! It will be said to him, ‘Neither did you know nor did you take the guidance (by reciting the Quran).’ Then he will be hit with an iron hammer between his two ears, and he will cry and that cry will be heard by whatever approaches him except human beings and jinns.❞ [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree Vol 2, Hadeeth 422]

5.     Even if they hear, they cannot respond to our needs:

{He merges the night into the day, and He merges the day into the night. And He has subjected the sun and the moon, each runs its course for a term appointed. Such is Allaah, your Lord; His is the kingdom. And those, whom you invoke or call upon instead of Him, own not even a Qitmeer (husk of a date-stone). If you invoke them, they do not hear your call; and if (in case) they were to hear, they could not grant it to you. And on the Day of Resurrection, they will disown your worshipping them. And none can inform you like Him Who is the All-Knower.} [Surah Al-Faatir (35): 13-14]

6.     The power of Allaah and the weakness of mankind:

{And if Allaah touches you with harm, there is none who can lift it but He. And if He intends good for you, then none can repel His favor which He causes to reach whom He wills among His servants. And He is the Pardoning, the Merciful.} [Surah Yunus (10): 107]

{And verily, if you ask them: “Who created the heavens and the earth’’ Surely, they will say: “Allaah.’’ Say: “Tell me then, the things that you invoke besides Allaah -- if Allaah intended some harm for me, could they remove His harm Or if He intended some mercy for me, could they withhold His mercy’’ Say: “Sufficient for me is Allaah; in Him those who trust must put their trust.”} [Surah Az-Zumar (39): 38]

{Say: “Who is he who can protect you from Allaah if He intends to harm you, or intends mercy on you’’ And they will not find, besides Allaah, for themselves any protector or any helper.} [Surah Al-Ahzaab (33): 17]

{Whatever of mercy, Allaah may grant to mankind, none can withhold it; and whatever He may withhold, none can grant it thereafter. And He is the Almighty, the All-Wise.} [Surah Al-Faatir (35): 2]

Narrated `Abdullaah bin `Abbaas رضي الله عنهما: One day I was behind the Prophet; and he صلى الله عليه وسلم said to me: ❝Young man, I shall teach you some words [of advice]: Be mindful of Allaah, and Allaah will protect you. Be mindful of Allaah, and you will find Him in front of you. If you ask, ask of Allaah; if you seek help, seek help of Allaah. Know that if the Nation were to gather together to benefit you with anything, it would benefit you only with something that Allaah had already prescribed for you, and that if they gather together to harm you with anything, they would harm you only with something Allaah had already prescribed for you. The pens have been lifted and the pages have dried.❞ [Sunan al-Tirmidhee, Hadeeth 2516, classified as Saheeh by Shaikh Al-Albaanee]

7.     The dead in the grave are weak:

Allaah تعالى says: {O mankind! A similitude has been coined, so listen to it (carefully): Verily, those on whom you call besides Allaah, cannot create (even) a fly, even though they combine together for the purpose. And if the fly snatches away a thing from them, they will have no power to release it from the fly. So weak are (both) the seeker and the sought.} [Surah al-Hajj (22): 73]

8.     The dead in the grave actually need our help:

Narrated Ibn `Abbaas رضي الله عنهما: The Prophet  صلى الله عليه وسلم said: ❝The deceased in the grave is like a drowning person calling for help, waiting to seize the supplication from (his) father, or rmother, or brother, or a friend. If he receives a supplication, then it is dearer to him than the world and what is in it. Verily, Allaah provides for the people of the graves, rewards like mountains, because of the supplications of the people of the earth. Verily, the gift of the living for the dead is their supplicating for their (deceased’s) forgiveness.❞ [Sunan Baihaqi]

Narrated Abu Hurairah رضي الله عنه: The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said: ❝Verily, Allaah raises the grades of His righteous slaves in Paradise.” So, he asks Allaah, “How did I attain this (high position)?” Allaah says, “Because of the supplication of your child for your forgiveness.❞ [Musnad of Imaam Ahmad, Imam Ibn Katheer classified the Hadeeth as Saheeh in his Tafseer]

Narrated Abu Hurayrah رضي الله عنه: Allaah’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم said: ❝When a man dies, his acts come to an end, but three, recurring charity, or knowledge (by which people) benefit, or a pious son, who prays for him (for the deceased).❞ [Saheeh Muslim, Hadeeth 4005]

9.     The dead in the graves are themselves being provided by Allaah

Is not Allaah who provided for them capable of providing for us as well?

The Sufees often quote this verse to claim that their Auliyaa’ are alive:

{And never think of those who have been killed in the cause of Allaah as dead. Rather, they are alive with their Lord, RECEIVING PROVISION} [Surah aal-`Imraan (3):169]

But what these Sufees fail to realize or what they tend to ignore (intentionally or unintentionally) is that it is Allaah تعالى who provides for His creation – in this life, in the Barzakh and in the Jannah.

Why do they ignore the fact that their “Auliyaa’” are helpless, who are themselves {RECEIVING PROVISION} from Allaah, and they still want us to ask them (the creation) instead of Allaah, the Creator!

We ask Allaah تعالى, the One who provided them to provide us.

{(O Allaah!) You we worship, and You we ask for help} [Surah al-Faatihah (1): 5]

Don’t you understand this clear and simple verse?!

10. The best of Mankind, Prophet Muhammad, could neither benefit nor harm himself:

{Say (O Muhammad): “I possess no power over benefit or harm to myself except as Allaah wills. If I had the knowledge of the Ghayb (Unseen), I should have secured for myself an abundance of wealth, and no evil should have touched me. I am but a warner, and a bringer of glad tidings unto people who believe.} [Surah Al-A`raaf (7): 188]

{Muhammad is no more than a Messenger, and indeed Messengers have passed away before him. If he dies or is killed, will you then turn back on your heels And he who turns back on his heels, not the least harm will he do to Allaah; and Allaah will reward the grateful.} [Surah Aal-Imraan (3): 144]

{Say: “I don’t tell you that with me are the treasures of Allaah, nor (that) I know the Unseen; nor do I tell you that I am an angel. I but follow what is revealed to me.’’ Say: “Are the blind and the one who sees equal Will you not then consider.} [Surah Al-An`aam (6): 50]

Narrated `Aaishah رضي الله عنها:  When this verse was revealed: {And warn thy nearest kindred,} the Messenger of Allaah صلى الله عليه وسلم stood up on Safa’ and said: ❝O Fatimah, daughter of Muhammad, O Safiyyah, daughter of Abdul Muttalib, O son of Abdul Muttalib, I have nothing which can avail you against Allaah; you may ask me what you want of my worldly belongings.❞ [Saheeh Muslim, Hadeeth 402, Saheeh Al-Bukhaaree Vol. 4, Hadeeth 728 from the Hadeeth of Abu Hurairah]

Narrated `Umar رضي الله عنه: I heard the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم saying: ❝Do not exaggerate in praising me as the Christians praised (`Eesa) the son of Mary, for I am only a slave. So, call me the Slave of Allaah and His Apostle.❞ [Saheeh Al-Bukhaaree Vol. 4, Hadeeth 654]

11. Places of worship are for Allaah alone:

{And the Masjids are for Allaah, so invoke not anyone along with Allaah.} [Surah Al-Jinn (72): 18]

Narrated Abu Sa`eed al-Khudree رضي الله عنه: the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said: ❝The whole earth is a masjid (place of prayer) except public baths and graveyards.❞ [Sunan Abu Dawood, Hadeeth 492, Shaikh Al-Albaanee classified the Hadeeth as Saheeh]

Narrated `Aaishah and `Abdullaah bin `Abbaas رضي الله عنهم: When the last moment of the life of Allaah’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم came he started putting his ‘Khamisa’ on his face and when he felt hot and short of breath he took it off his face and said: ❝May Allaah curse the Jews and Christians for they built the places of worship at the graves of their Prophets.❞ The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم was warning (Muslims) of what they (the Jews and Christians) had done. [Saheeh Al-Bukhaaree Vol. 1, Hadeeth 427, Saheeh Muslim, Hadeeth 1082, Sunan Abu Dawood Hadeeth 3221]

Narrated Abu Marthad al-Ghanawi رضي الله عنه:  Allaah’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم said: ❝Do not sit on the graves and do not pray facing towards them.❞ [Saheeh Muslim, Hadeeth 2122, Abu Dawood, Hadeeth 3223]

12. Forbidden to pray in Masaajid or places where there are graves:

{Beware! Sincere true obedience is due to Allaah Alone! As for those who take other guardians (worship the saints) besides Him and justify their conduct, saying: “We worship them only that they may bring us nearer to Allaah.” Surely Allaah will judge between them concerning all that in which they differ. Allaah does not guide him who is a liar and a disbeliever.} [Surah Az-Zumar (39): 3]

`Abdullaah Ibn Mas`ood رضي الله عنه reported that the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said: ❝The most evil of mankind are those who will be alive when the Last Day arrives and those who take graves as places of worship.❞ [Musnad of Imaam Ahmad, See Ahkaamul-Janaa’iz, p.278]

Narrated Anas رضي الله عنه:  When the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم arrived in Medina, he dismounted at ‘Awali-i-Medina amongst a tribe called Banu ‘Amr bin ‘Auf. He stayed there for fourteen nights. Then he sent for Bani An-Najjar and they came armed with their swords. As if I am looking (just now) as the Prophet was sitting over his Rahila (Mount) with Abu Bakr riding behind him and all Banu An-Najjar around him till he dismounted at the courtyard of Abu Aiyub’s house. The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم loved to pray wherever the time for the prayer was due even at sheep folds. Later on he ordered that a Masjid should be built and sent for some people of Banu-An-Najjar and said, ❝O Banu An-Najjar! Suggest to me the price of this (walled) piece of land of yours.❞ They replied, “No! By Allaah! We do not demand its price except from Allaah.” Anas added: There were graves of pagans in it and some of it was unleveled and there were some date-palm trees in it. The Prophet ordered that the graves of the pagans be dug out and the unleveled land be leveled and the date-palm trees be cut down. (So all that was done). They aligned these cut date-palm trees towards the Qibla of the Masjid (as a wall) and they also built two stone side-walls (of the Masjid). His companions brought the stones while reciting some poetic verses. The Prophet was with them and he kept on saying, “There is no goodness except that of the Hereafter, O Allaah! So please forgive the Ansars and the emigrants.” [Saheeh Al-Bukhaaree Vol. 1, Hadeeth 420]

`Umar Ibn Al-Khattaab رضي الله عنه once noticed another of the Prophet’s companions, Anas bin Maalik رضي الله عنه, praying near a grave and called him out: ❝The grave! The grave!❞ [Saheeh Al-Bukhaaree, Chapter 16, Kitaab as-Salaah]

Narrated Abu Marthad al-Ghanawi رضي الله عنه:  Allaah’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم said: ❝Do not sit on the graves and do not pray facing towards them.❞ [Saheeh Muslim, Hadeeth 2122, Abu Dawood, Hadeeth 3223]

Jundub ibn `Abdullaah al-Bajali رضي الله عنه heard the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم say five days before he died: ❝The people before you took graves as Masaajid. I prohibit this to you.❞ [Saheeh Muslim, Hadeeth 532]

Narrated Ibn `Umar رضي الله عنهما: The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم had said: ❝Offer some of your prayers (Nawafil) at home, and do not take your houses as graves.❞ [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree Vol 1, Hadeeth 424 & Saheeh Muslim, Hadeeth 777]

Narrated Abu Hurayrah رضي الله عنه: Allaah’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم said: ❝Do not make your house as graveyards. Satan runs away from the house in which Surah al-Baqarah is recited.❞ [Saheeh Muslim, Hadeeth 780]

13. Forbidden to make the Prophet’s grave as a place of worship or festivity:

Narrated `Aaishah and `Abdullaah bin `Abbaas رضي الله عنهم: When the last moment of the life of Allaah’s Apostle صلى الله عليه وسلم came he started putting his ‘Khamisa’ on his face and when he felt hot and short of breath he صلى الله عليه وسلم took it off his face and said: ❝May Allaah curse the Jews and Christians for they built the places of worship at the graves of their Prophets.❞ The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم was warning (the Muslims) of what they (the Jews and the Christians) had done. [Saheeh Al-Bukhaaree Vol. 1, Hadeeth 427, Saheeh Muslim, Hadeeth 1082, Sunan Abu Dawood Hadeeth 3221]

Narrated Abu Hurairah رضي الله عنه: The Messenger of Allaah صلى الله عليه وسلم said: ❝Do not make your houses graves (i.e. offer Nawafil prayers at home), and do not make my grave a place of festivity (Eid). But invoke blessings on me, for your blessings reach me wherever you may be.❞ [Sunan Abu Dawood, Hadeeth 2042, classified as Saheeh by Shaikh Al-Albaanee]

14. All sorts of worship are forbidden near the grave:

From the acts of `Ibaadah (worship) is making Du`aa’, doing Tawaf (circumambulation), Rukoo` (bowing), Sujood (prostration), Sacrificing an animal (sheep, goat etc). These should be done for Allaah alone and not allowed to be done near the grave.

Anas رضي الله عنه reported that the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said: ❝There is no “`Aqar” (slaughtering of animals on graves) in Islaam.❞ Abdul Razzaq said: “In the days of ignorance the (the people) used to slaughter a cow or a sheep by the grave.” [Abu Dawood, Hadeeth 3222, classified as Saheeh by Shaikh al-Albaanee]

15. Du`aa’ is `Ibaadah (worship):

Allaah تعالى says: {And your Lord said: “Call upon Me, I will answer you. Verily, those who scorn My worship they will surely enter Hell in humiliation!} [Surah Al-Ghafir (40): 60]

Nu`maan bin Basheer رضي الله عنه relates that the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said: ❝Supplication is worship.❞ [Sunan Abu Dawood, Hadeeth 1479, Ibn Majah, Hadeeth 3828, Tirmidhee, Hadeeth 2969, 3247, 3372, classified as Saheeh by Shaikh Al-Albaanee]

Allaah’s right upon his creation is that they should worship him alone. One of the ways of worship is to supplicate to Allaah alone for our needs. Supplicating to other than Allaah is Shirk. Asking from anyone other than Allaah is Shirk, and asking through the waseelah of dead man is not from the Sunnah.

16. Warning to the people:

Narrated Thawbaan رضي الله عنه: Allaah’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم said: ❝…The Last Hour will not come until some groups of my nation worship idols…❞ [Sunan Abu Dawood, Hadeeth 4252, classified as Saheeh by Shaikh Al-Albaanee]

Narrated Abu Hurairah رضي الله عنه: Allaah’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم said: ❝The Hour will not be established till the buttocks of the women of the tribe of Daus move while going round Dhi-al-Khalasa.” Dhi-al-Khalasa was the idol of the Daus tribe which they used to worship in the Pre-Islaamic Period of ignorance.❞ [Saheeh Al-Bukhaaree Vol. 9, Hadeeth 232, Saheeh Muslim, Hadeeth 6944]

Abdullaah Ibn Mas`ood رضي الله عنه reported that the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said: ❝The most evil of mankind are those who will be alive when the Last Day arrives and those who take graves as places of worship.❞ [Musnad of Imaam Ahmad, See Ahkaamul-Janaa’iz, p.278]

Narrated Jundub ibn `Abdullaah: I heard from the Apostle of Allaah صلى الله عليه وسلم five days before his death and he said: ❝I stand acquitted before Allaah that I took anyone of you as friend, for Allaah has taken me as His friend, as he took Ibraaheem as His friend. Had I taken any one of my Ummah as a friend, I would have taken Abu Bakr as a friend. Beware of those who preceded you and used to take the graves of their prophets and righteous men as places of worship, but you must not take graves as Masaajid; I forbid you to do that.❞ [Saheeh Muslim, Hadeeth 1083]

17. Warning against shirk:

Narrated `Aaishah and `Abdullaah bin `Abbaas رضي الله عنهم: When the last moment of the life of Allaah’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم came he started putting his ‘Khamisa’ on his face and when he felt hot and short of breath he took it off his face and said: ❝May Allaah curse the Jews and Christians for they built the places of worship at the graves of their Prophets.❞ The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم was warning (Muslims) of what they (the Jews and Christians) had done. [Saheeh Al-Bukhaaree Vol. 1, Hadeeth 427, Saheeh Muslim, Hadeeth 1082, Sunan Abu Dawood Hadeeth 3221]

Narrated Abu Sa`eed رضي الله عنه: The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said: ❝You will follow the wrong ways, of your predecessors so completely and literally that if they should go into the hole of a mastigure (desert lizard), you too will go there.❞ We said, “O Allaah’s Apostle! Do you mean the Jews and the Christians?” He replied: ❝Whom else?❞ (Meaning, of course, the Jews and the Christians.) [Saheeh Al-Bukhaaree Vol. 4, Hadeeth 662]

Narrated `Aaishah رضي الله عنها: I bought a cushion having pictures on it. When Allaah’s Apostle صلى الله عليه وسلم saw it, he stopped at the gate and did not enter. I noticed the signs of hatred (for that) on his face! I said: “O Allaah’s Apostle! I turn to Allaah and His Apostle in repentance! What sin have I committed?” He صلى الله عليه وسلم said: ❝What about this cushion?❞ I said: “I bought it for you to sit on and recline on.” Allaah’s Apostle صلى الله عليه وسلم said: ❝The makers of these pictures will be punished (severely) on the Day of Resurrection and it will be said to them, ‘Make alive what you have created.’❞ He صلى الله عليه وسلم added: ❝Angels do not enter a house in which there are pictures.❞ [Saheeh Al-Bukhaaree Vol. 7, Hadeeth 844, Saheeh Muslim, Hadeeth 5254]

Narrated Buraidah رضي الله عنه: Allaah’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم said: ❝I forbade you to visit graves, but you may now visit them, for in visiting them there is a reminder (of death).❞ [Saheeh Muslim, Hadeeth 2131, Sunan Abu Dawood, Hadeeth 3229]

18. The grave should be as simple as possible, neither too high, nor to be made permanent:

Jabir reported: ❝The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم forbade the whitewashing of a grave, sitting on it, or erecting any structure on it.❞ [Musnad of Imaam Ahmad, Muslim Hadeeth 2116, Nasa’i, Abu Dawood Hadeeth 3219, and Tirmidhee] Tirmidhee reported this Hadeeth with this wording: ❝The Prophet, صلى الله عليه وسلم forbade the whitewashing of graves, writing on them, building on them, or stepping on them.❞ Al-Nasaa’ee, reported it in these words: ❝The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم forbade building over a grave, adding anything to it, white washing it, or writing on it.❞

Thumamah ibn Shafayy reported: When we were with Fadalah ibn `Ubayd in the country of the Romans at a place (known as) Rudis, a friend of ours died. Fadalah ibn Ubayd ordered to prepare a grave for him and then it was leveled; and then he said: ❝I heard the Messenger of Allaah صلى الله عليه وسلم commanding (us) to level the grave.❞ [Saheeh Muslim, Hadeeth 968 & Abu Dawood, Hadeeth 3219]

19. To level any grave which is either too high, or is permanent:

Abu Hayyaaj Al-Sadi said: `Alee رضي الله عنه said to me: ❝I am sending you on the same mission as the Messenger of Allaah صلى الله عليه وسلم sent me with that I should not leave a high grave without leveling it and an image without obliterating it.❞ [Saheeh Muslim, Hadeeth 2115, Sunan Abu Dawood, Hadeeth 3212]

Note: The author of Al-Mughni said: “It is not permissible to build Masaajid around graves because of the statement of the Prophet, صلى الله عليه وسلم ‘May Allaah curse the women who visit graves and those who build Masaajid and place lights over them.’’’  [Reported by Abu Dawood and Nasa’I, classified as weak by Shaikh Al-Albaanee (But there is another Hadeeth is Saheeh Muslim of the same meaning: Jabir reported: “The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم forbade the whitewashing of a grave, sitting on it, or erecting any structure on it.” [Musnad of Imaam Ahmad, Muslim Hadeeth 2116])]

If it were permissible, the Prophet, صلى الله عليه وسلم would not have cursed those who did it. Moreover, this practice wastes money and encourages adoration of graves similar in spirit to the adoration of idols. Because of this report it is not permissible to build Masaajid over graves. Besides, the Prophet, صلى الله عليه وسلم said, “May Allaah curse the Jews who turned the graves of their prophets into places of worship,” in order to warn others against pursuing a similar course. [al-Bukhaaree and Muslim]

`Aaishah رضي الله عنها said: “The only reason the grave of Allaah’s Messenger, صلى الله عليه وسلم was not made prominent was to stop people from turning it into a Masjid.” Designating certain graves as places of prayers is similar to adoring idols and seeking their pleasure. The worship of idols started with the adoration of the dead, making images of them, touching them, and offering prayers at their graves. (The commentator on this said: “It points to what Bukhaaree narrated from Ibn `Abbaas concerning the reason why the people of Noah worshiped idols. They were known as Wadd, Sawa’, Yaghuth, Ya’uq, and Nasr. These were pious people of whom they made images in order to remember them after their death and imitate them. Due to the lack of knowledge that became prevalent among the people, Satan made it appear beautiful to worship their images and likenesses, and to honor them, wipe over them, and approach them. Wiping them is passing one’s hand over them to invoke their blessing and intercession. The same was done to the graves of righteous people. This practice was initiated by idolaters, and then passed on to Jews and Christians and then to Muslims. Such objects are equivalent to idols.”) [Fiqh us-Sunnah]

20. The companions knew that the dead cannot benefit them not harm them:

Narrated Anas رضي الله عنه: Whenever drought threatened them, `Umar bin Al-Khattab رضي الله عنه, used to ask Al-`Abbaas bin ‘Abdul Muttalib to invoke Allaah for rain. He used to say: ❝O Allaah! We used to ask our Prophet to invoke You for rain, and You would bless us with rain, and now we ask his uncle to invoke You for rain. O Allaah! Bless us with rain.❞ And so it would rain. [Saheeh Al-Bukhaaree Vol. 2, Hadeeth 123]

21. The companions knew that Allaah listens to the call of those who call Him directly and we have been instructed to call Allaah directly:

{Indeed Allaah has heard the statement of her that disputes with you concerning her husband.} [Surah Al-Mujadilah (58): 1]

Imaam Ahmad recorded that `Aaishah رضي الله عنها said: ❝All praise be to Allaah, Who hears all voices. “The woman who disputed’’ came to the Prophet and argued with him while I was in another part of the room, unable to hear what she said. Allaah the Exalted and Most Honored revealed this Aayah, {Indeed Allaah has heard the statement of her that disputes with you concerning her husband.}❞ till the end of this Ayah. Al-Bukhaaree collected this Hadeeth without a chain of narration in the Book of Tawhid in his Saheeh. An-Nasaa’ee, Ibn Majah, Ibn Abi Hatim and Ibn Jarir also collected this Hadeeth.

In the narration that Ibn Abi Haatim collected, `Aaishah رضي الله عنها said: ❝Blessed is He, Whose hearing has encompassed all things. I heard what Khawlah bint Tha`labah said while some of it I could not hear. She was complaining to Allaah’s Messenger about her husband. She said, `O Allaah’s Messenger! He spent my wealth, exhausted my youth and my womb bore abundantly for him. When I became old, unable to bear children, he pronounced the Zihar on me! O Allaah! I complain to you.’ Soon after, Jibreel brought down this Aayah.❞ [Tafseer Ibn Katheer]

{And when My servants ask you (O Muhammad concerning Me, then answer them), I am indeed near (to them by My knowledge). I respond to the invocations of the supplicant when he calls on Me (without any mediator or intercessor). So let them obey Me and believe in Me, so that they may be led aright.} [Surah Al-Baqarah (2): 186]

{You we worship, and You we ask for help from.} [Surah Al-Faatihah (1): 5]

{And your Lord said: “Call upon Me, I will answer you. Verily, those who scorn My worship they will surely enter Hell in humiliation!”} [Surah Al-Ghafir (40): 60]

Narrated `Abdullaah bin `Abbaas رضي الله عنهما: One day I was behind the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم; and he صلى الله عليه وسلم said to me: ❝Young man, I shall teach you some words [of advice]: Be mindful of Allaah, and Allaah will protect you. Be mindful of Allaah, and you will find Him in front of you. If you ask, ask of Allaah; if you seek help, seek help of Allaah. Know that if the Nation were to gather together to benefit you with anything, it would benefit you only with something that Allaah had already prescribed for you, and that if they gather together to harm you with anything, they would harm you only with something Allaah had already prescribed for you. The pens have been lifted and the pages have dried.❞ [Sunan al-Tirmidhee, Hadeeth 2516, classified as Saheeh by Shaikh Al-Albaanee]

22. It’s illogical to ask the dead:

The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم has taught us the method of Salaatul-Janaazah (prayer for the deceased). In this prayer we are taught the way to supplicate for the forgiveness of the deceased…

‘Awf ibn Malik reported: “I heard the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم while offering a funeral prayer, say:

Allaahumma-ghfir lahu war-rhamhu  wa’fu anhu wa ‘afahu wa akrim nuzulahu wa wassi’ mudkhalahu    waghsilhu bi-ma’ ind wa thalj wa barad wa naqi minal khataya kama yunaqi athaubudanas minad danas wa abdilhu daran khairan min darihi wa ahlan khairan min ahlihi wa zaujan khairan min zaujihi wa  qih fitnatal qabr wa adhaban nar.

❝O Allaah! Forgive him, have mercy on him, pardon him, heal him, be generous to him, cause his entrance to be wide and comfortable, wash him with the most pure and clean    water, and purify him from sins as a white garment is washed clean of dirt. Give him in exchange a home better than his home (on earth) and a family better than his family, and a wife better than his wife, and protect him from the trial of the grave and the torture of Hell Fire’.❞ [Saheeh Muslim, Hadeeth 963]

In this dua, we are taught by the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم to directly supplicate to Allaah for the forgiveness of the deceased. So, how is it possible that before the burial we pray for his forgiveness and after the burial we request the dead to pray for us???

23. Summary:

A) How it all began: It is now clear from the Hadeeth of `Aishah and Ibn `Abbaas that all those who were worshiped besides Allaah were actually Prophets and Messengers of Allaah and the pious (Awliyaa) among the people. The Kaafirs, the Mushriks and the people of the Book made their graves as a place of worship.

As a precaution against shirk, the Prophet ﷺ took the following steps:

i) He ﷺ had prohibited us from making pictures and statues as in the Hadeeth of `Aaishah and Ibn `Umar رضي الله عنهما, and said that those who make pictures will be punished severely in Hell-Fire and it will be said to them: ❝make alive what you have created❞. [Saheehain] Even in this day we see the Christians, the Hindus, and the Buddhist making statues and paintings and worshiping them.

ii) The second step he ﷺ had taken was to destroy all the pictures and statues and to level all the permanent graves, as has been reported by the Hadeeth of `Alee رضي الله عنه. [Saheeh Muslim]

iii) The third step was to prohibit from making the grave as permanent, or whitewashing it, or writing on it, or building any structure over it (like Masaajid and domes). [Saheeh Muslim]

iv) The Prophet ﷺ was well aware that this Ummah (nation) will follow the footsteps of the people of the Book – who built places of worship over the graves of their Prophets [Saheehain] and made them into places of festivities [Sunan Abu Dawood]. So the fourth step was to prohibit the people to visit the graves. Then he ﷺ gave them permission only to increase their remembrance of the Hereafter. But this permission was given during the conquest of Makkah, i.e. near the end of the Prophet’s mission.

In the beginning stages of Islaam, it was prohibited by the Prophet ﷺ to visit the graves because the people in Jaahiliyyah (days of ignorance) were deeply rooted in Shirk, and the Jews and the Christians had the graves of the righteous converted into places of worship and worshiped them, and sought their help and called them in difficulties. When the People of the Book (the Jews and the Christians) were in such a bad state, then the state of the Mushriks could well be imagined.

The Prophet ﷺ prohibited the new Muslims from visiting the graves because of all the things that were going on. The permission to visit the graves was only granted after the conquest of Makkah, which is near the end of the Prophet’s mission. The permission was given when Islaam became widespread and people became firm in their Imaan (Belief) and the fear of them falling into Shirk was subdued.

Moreover, in the very same Hadeeth we are informed the reason for the permission to visit the graves - that it reminds one of the Hereafter. It is possible to remember the Hereafter only if the grave is simple, which reminds us that we were created of this earth to it we will be returned. But if one were to go to the graves of the so called “Awliyaa”, which are covered in very costly Ghilaaf (cloth); well-built and decorated in marbles and stones; and well-structured inside a dome, then it is impossible that it would remind one of the Hereafter. The example of this is the world famous structure – The Taj Mahal, which is actually a Maqbara (grave site) of the wife of the Moghul king. People all over the world come to it to visit it, not because it reminds them of death or the Hereafter, but only to admire the beauty of its structure and as sightseeing. But from this Ummah there are those who have opposed the teachings of the Prophet ﷺ and took the graves as places of worship. So we have the Ajmerees, Tijaanees, Disookees, Jilaanees. May Allaah save us and our children from ever falling into Shirk!

B)  Grave worship: Firstly, there are people who make the Wali, who is buried in the grave, to be an intermediate (Waseelah) between them and Allaah, as is mentioned in the Qur’aan in Surah Al-Zumar that, {We do not worship them except that they may bring us closer to Allaah.}

They give lame excuses that when you have to approach a judge, you are not allowed to meet him directly, you have to go thru the help (waseelah) of a lawyer or if you want to climb the roof of the house, you need to have a ladder.

Do they forget that 17 times a day they recite Surah Al-Fatihah, praying to Allaah saying, {You do we worship and Your help we seek.} Don’t they see that here they are calling Allaah directly without any waseelah. And Allaah has promised to answer our call, then why the need of waseelah. Moreover, those buried in the graves can only listen can only listen to what Allaah allows them to listen and even if they were to listen, they could not respond to your needs.

Secondly: There are people who directly worship a Wali, making Sujood for them, doing Tawaf (circumambulation) and making sacrifices for them or near their grave.

The answer to them is the Hadeeth of Abu Hurairah, where the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said that all the actions come to an end except for three. If these dead cannot help themselves, then how can they help us?

Thirdly: Allaah has not only mentioned for us in the Qur’aan the noble characteristics of our beloved Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم but He has also informed us that the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم cannot benefit nor harm himself or others except by Allaah’s will. The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم himself warned his daughter Fatima and his aunt Safiyyah, that he cannot benefit them, then how can these Awliyaa help us? Are they nobler than the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم?

C) The ruling of those Masaajid which have graves inside them: If the grave was already there, and the Masjid was later built over it, then the Masjid should be demolished, as the Prophet has said that ❝All the earth has been made a place of worship for him except the graveyard and the toilets.❞

And if the Masjid was already there, but later the grave was put inside it, then the grave has to be taken out, as the Prophet did before building the Masjid.

The Masjid in which there is grave, then it is not permissible to pray in it, as is proved from the Sunnah that the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم  said: ❝but you must not take graves as Masaajid; I forbid you to do that.❞ and the warning of `Umar to Anas (may Allaah be pleased with them both).

24. What about the Prophet’s Masjid:

The presence of the Prophet’s grave in his masjid in Madeenah can neither be used to justify the placing of bodies in other masaajid nor the building of masaajid over the graves. The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم did not order that he be buried in his masjid, nor did his companions put his grave in to the masjid. The companions of the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم wisely avoided burying the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم in the local graveyard for fear that later generation would become overly attached to his grave. It is reported that when the companions gathered to decide on the Prophet’s صلى الله عليه وسلم burial, one said, “Let us bury him in the place where he used to pray.” Abu Bakr replied, “May Allaah protect us from making him an idol to be worshiped.” Others said, “Let us bury him in al-Baqee’ (graveyard in Madeenah) where his brothers among the Muhajireen (migrants from Makkah) are buried.” Abu Bakr replied: “Verily burying the Prophet in al-Baqee’ is detestable because some people will try to seek refuge in him which is a right belonging only to Allaah. So, if we take him out (to the graveyard), we will ruin Allaah’s right, even if we carefully guard the Messenger’s grave.” They then asked, “What is your opinion O Abu Bakr?” He replied, “I heard the Messenger of Allaah صلى الله عليه وسلم say: ‘Allaah has not taken the life of any of His Prophets except that they were buried where they died’.” Some of them said, “By Allaah, what you have said is pleasing to us and convincing.” Then they made a line around the Prophet’s bed (in `Aishah’s house) and dug the grave where his bed was. `Alee, al-`Abbaas, al-Fadl and the Prophet’s family took his body and prepared it for burial. [Collected by Ibn Zanjooyah and quoted by al-Albaanee in Tahdeer as-Saajid]

`Aishah’s house was separated from the masjid by a wall and it had a door through which the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم used to enter the masjid to lead Salaah. The companions sealed off this doorway in order to complete the separation of the Prophet’s grave from his masjid. Consequently, the only way that his grave could be visited at that time was from outside the masjid.

Expansions of the masjid took place in the time of the second Caliph `Umar, and the third Caliph `Uthmaan. But both of them cautiously avoided the inclusion of either `Aishah’s house or that of any of the other wives of the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم. Expansion in the direction of the houses of the wives of the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم would have automatically included the Prophet’s grave in the Masjid. However, after the death of all the companions who were in Madeenah, Caliph Waleed bin `Abdul Malik (reign 705-715 CE) was the first to expand in the easterly direction. He included `Aishah’s house inside the masjid, but demolished the houses of the other wives of the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم.

When `Aisha’s house was included inside the masjid, a high circular wall was built around it so that it would not be visible at all from inside the masjid. Two additional walls were built later at an angle from the two northern corners of the house in such a way that they met each other forming a triangle. This was done to prevent anyone from facing the grave directly.

Many years later, the familiar green dome was added to the roof of the masjid and was placed directly over the Prophet’s صلى الله عليه وسلم grave. The grave was later surrounded by brass cage with doors and windows, and the walls of the grave itself were draped in green cloth.

Salaah in the Prophet’s masjid: The prohibition of Salaah in masaajid with graves in them is applicable to all masaajid except that of the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم. This is due to many special virtues attributed to prayer in it, not found in any other masjid containing grave. The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم himself pointed out this special features saying:

Narrated Abu Hurairah رضي الله عنه: The Prophet said: ❝Do not set out on a journey except for three Masaajid, i.e. Al-Masjid-Al-Haram, the Masjid of Allaah’s Apostle, and the Masjid of Al-Aqsa (Masjid of Jerusalem).❞ [Saheeh Al-Bukhaaree Vol.2, Hadeeth 281, Saheeh Muslim 3218]

He also said:

Narrated Abu Hurairah: Allaah’s Apostle said: ❝One prayer in my Masjid is better than one thousand prayers in any other Masjid excepting Al-Masjid-Al-Haram (in Makkah).❞ [Saheeh Al-Bukhaaree Vol. 2, Hadeeth 282, Saheeh Muslim 3209]

Narrated Abu Hurairah: The Prophet said, ❝There is a garden from the gardens of Paradise between my house and my pulpit, and my pulpit is on my Lake Fount (Al-Kauthar).❞ [Saheeh Al-Bukhaaree Vol. 3, Hadeeth 112, Saheeh Muslim 3204]

If Salaah in the Prophet’s Masjid was considered Makrooh (disliked), the virtues of his masjid would be negated and it would be made equal with all other masaajid. Just as Salaah in general has been forbidden at certain times, yet allowed, if it has a defined purpose (e.g. Janaazah) other than optional prayer, Salaah in the Prophet’s masjid is likewise desirable due to its exceptional nature.

25. Few Questions to ask the Quboorees:

Q1) How many languages did the Wali knew before his death? Did he know German, Spanish, etc?

Q2) If a person of foreign language calls him; will he be able to understand his language?

Q3) A live person can hear and understand up to 2 people speaking simultaneously. If 10 people start speaking together, he won’t be able to understand who to listen and what to listen. So, if at a time, more than 10 people call the dead simultaneously for different needs, will he be able to comprehend all their needs together?

Q4) Human hearing is limited; he cannot hear a thing if it said a few hundred meters away, or what is being said in the next room. So if a person calls this Wali from another part of the world, will he be able to hear him? (Remember that there was no internet or wireless technology available in the past).

Q5) Allaah says:

{No calamity occurs, but by the permission of Allaah} [Surah Al-Taghabun: 11]

{And verily, if you ask them: “Who created the heavens and the earth’’ Surely, they will say: “Allaah.’’ Say: “Tell me then, the things that you invoke besides Allaah -- if Allaah intended some harm for me, could they remove His harm Or if He intended some mercy for me, could they withhold His mercy’’ Say: “Sufficient for me is Allaah; in Him those who trust must put their trust.”} [Surah Az-Zumar: 38]

{Say: “Who is he who can protect you from Allaah if He intends to harm you, or intends mercy on you’’ And they will not find, besides Allaah, for themselves any protector or any helper.} [Surah Al-Ahzaab: 17]

{O mankind! A parable has been made, so listen to it: Verily, those on whom you call besides Allaah, cannot create a fly, even though they combine together for the purpose. And if the fly snatches away a thing from them, they will have no power to release it from the fly. So weak are the seeker and the sought.} [Surah Al-Hajj: 73]

{He merges the night into the day, and He merges the day into the night. And He has subjected the sun and the moon, each runs its course for a term appointed. Such is Allaah, your Lord; His is the kingdom. And those, whom you invoke or call upon instead of Him, own not even a Qitmeer (husk of a date-stone). If you invoke them, they do not hear your call; and if (in case) they were to hear, they could not grant it to you. And on the Day of Resurrection, they will disown your worshipping them. And none can inform you like Him Who is the All-Knower.} [Surah Al-Faatir: 13-14]

In the light of the above 5 verses, kindly answer the following questions:

a) Who is stronger, Allaah or the Wali?

a) If Allaah intends to bless someone with good, then can this Wali withhold it?

b) If Allaah intends to punish someone or send a calamity, will this Wali be able to remove it?

26. Ruling on placing of flowers on the graves:

Narrated Ibn `Abbaas رضي الله عنهما: The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم once passed by two graves and said: ❝These two persons are being tortured not for a major sin (to avoid). One of them never saved himself from being soiled with his urine, while the other used to go about with calumnies (to make enmity between friends).❞ The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم then took a green leaf of a date-palm tree, split it into (pieces) and fixed one on each grave. They said: “O Allaah’s Apostle! Why have you done so?” He صلى الله عليه وسلم replied: ❝I hope that their punishment might be lessened till these (the pieces of the leaf) become dry.❞ [Saheeh Al-Bukhaaree Vol. 1, Hadeeth 217]

Points of benefit from this Hadeeth:

1) Allaah gives some knowledge of the unseen to the Prophets and Messengers so that they can warn their people. The best of people after the Prophets, i.e. the Companions, had no knowledge of the unseen.

2) There is no report that the companions ever did the same after the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم, because they had no knowledge of the unseen. They never condemned anyone to hellfire or gave glad tidings to anyone of paradise.

We believe that only they are in paradise who received the glad tidings from the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم from the 10 companions and the likes. And only those are condemned whom the Qur’aan and Sunnah had condemned like Pharaoh, Abu Lahab, Abu Jahal etc.

The rest of the creation, they will be judged by Allaah, whose Justice prevails and whose Mercy encompasses everything.  We are not to Judge any individual, for the Judgment is with Allaah. How are we to judge a person, before the Day of Judgment and even before Allaah judges him and say that this is in paradise and that is in hell? Who gave these people the authority to judge?

3) The people in the graves were being punished, one did not protect his clothes from urine and the second used to spread calumnies between two people. There is no report that the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم did the same with the graves of his companions who died in Badr or Uhud among whom was Hamza, the uncle of the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم. It was an action which was done only once by the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم and that too with the graves of those who were being punished.

So these Quboorees (grave-worshippers) are bearing witness with their action that the Wali inside the grave is being punished.

4) The Hadeeth clearly mentions the leaf of a date palm, from where then did these Quboorees get the flowers and the ghilaaf? If flowers can be used instead of the leaves, then why don’t you use the bark or root of the tree which will last longer than the flowers and the leaves?

5) The end of the Hadeeth clearly mentions the limits which Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم had. He could only lessen the punishment and that too for a limited time period (till the leaves are green). He could not remove the punishment completely nor lessen the punishment permanently. Then what about these Walis’, who are no more than human beings like us, then what is their limit?

And Allaah alone is the Granter of success.