Awareness of life’s impermanence often fades in daily routines. Yet Islam offers guidance so believers do not forget the true nature of existence. One of these teachings is the practice of visiting graves, an act encouraged in the tradition of Muhammad.
During the early years of Islam, however, the Prophet once prohibited Muslim from visiting graves. The restriction had a clear reason. At that time, many Arabs had only recently abandoned pre-Islamic customs. Some communities previously treated burial sites as places of veneration. Therefore, the Prophet feared that grave visitation might reopen the door to practices associated with idolatry.
Later, after the faith of the Muslim community had become stronger, the prohibition was lifted. The practice then turned into a recommended act. This shift appears in a hadith narrated by Buraidah, in which the Prophet said:
عَنْ بُرَيْدَةَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم كُنْتُ نَهَيْتُكُمْ عَنْ زِيَارَةِ الْقُبُورِ فَقَدْ أُذِنَ لِمُحَمَّدٍ فِي زِيَارَةِ قَبْرِ أُمِّهِ فَزُورُوهَا فَإِنَّهَا تُذَكِّرُ الآخرة. [رواه مسلم وابو داود والترمذي وابن حبان والحاكم]
“Reported from Buraidah, he said: The Messenger of God said, ‘I once forbade you from visiting graves. But Muhammad has now been permitted to visit his mother’s grave. Therefore, visit graves, for they remind you of the Hereafter.’” (Narrated by Muslim, Abu Dawud, at-Tirmidhi, Ibn Hibban, and al-Hakim)
The hadith clearly shows that grave visitation is not merely permissible. Instead, it holds spiritual value for Muslims. Visiting graves reminds believers that worldly life is temporary. Ultimately, every human being will return to God.
Remembering Death and the Afterlife
Another narration reinforces this message. In a report from Abu Hurairah, the Prophet said:
عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم اسْتَأْذَنْتُ رَبِّي تَعَالَى عَلَى أَنْ أَسْتَغْفِرَ لَهَا فَلَمْ يُؤْذَنْ لِي فَاسْتَأْذَنْتُ أَنْ أَزُورَ قَبْرَهَا فَأُذِنَ لِي فَزُورُوا الْقُبُورَ فَإِنَّهَا تُذَكِّرُ بِالْمَوْتِ. [رواه الجماعة]
“Reported from Abu Hurairah, he said: The Messenger of God said, ‘I asked my Lord for permission to seek forgiveness for my mother, but I was not granted permission. Then I asked permission to visit her grave, and it was granted. Therefore visit graves, for they remind one of death.’” (Narrated by the major hadith collectors)
Awareness of death is one of the central purposes of visiting graves. When someone stands before the resting place of a person who has passed away, the reality of mortality becomes clear. Death is not distant. Instead, it may come at any time and to anyone.
Consequently, such reflection encourages believers to improve their conduct. Many become more mindful of their actions. They may strengthen their devotion, increase acts of worship, and distance themselves from wrongdoing.
Praying for the Deceased
Grave visitation also provides an opportunity to pray for those who have passed away. A narration from Aisha describes how the Prophet once visited the cemetery of Jannat al-Baqi at night and prayed for its inhabitants. In that prayer he said:
السَّلَامُ عَلَيْكُمْ دَارَ قَوْمٍ مُؤْمِنِينَ، وَإِنَّا إِنْ شَاءَ اللّٰهُ بِكُمْ لَلَاحِقُونَ، اللّٰهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِأَهْلِ بَقِيعِ الْغَرْقَدِ
“Peace be upon you, O dwellers of the abode of believing people. Indeed, God willing, we will soon follow you. O God, forgive the inhabitants of Baqiʿ al-Gharqad.” (Narrated by Muslim)
The prayer shows that grave visitation also reflects compassion for the deceased. Muslims are encouraged to pray that God forgives their sins and grants them peace in the grave.
However, scholars emphasize that grave visitation must follow proper intention. The purpose is to pray for the deceased and remember the afterlife. It should never become a practice of asking favors from the dead or seeking supernatural help from graves.
Such practices contradict the principle of monotheism that lies at the heart of Islamic teaching.
Reference:
Council for Religious Opinion and Reform of Muhammadiyah Central Board, “Hukum dan Tuntunan Ziarah Kubur”, in Suara Muhammadiyah magazine No.10, 2013.
