Each year when Eid al-Fitr arrives, a familiar scene appears across many communities. After performing the Eid prayer and visiting relatives, families often go to the graves of parents, grandparents, or other loved ones who have passed away. In many places, this practice has become part of the atmosphere surrounding the holiday.
From an Islamic perspective, visiting graves is generally permissible. The practice serves two important purposes. First, it allows Muslims to pray for those who have died. Second, it reminds the living of death and the temporary nature of worldly life.
However, it is important to understand that Islamic teachings do not prescribe grave visitation for any specific day, including Eid. Muslims may visit graves at any time.
The permissibility of visiting graves can be seen in the sayings of Muhammad. In one narration reported by Buraidah, 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).
Another narration reported by Abu Hurairah further reinforces this teaching:
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).
Intention Determines the Meaning of the Practice
These narrations show that the primary purpose of visiting graves is to remember death and the life of the Hereafter, while also praying for those who have passed away. When someone stands before a grave, it becomes a reminder that worldly life is temporary and that every person will ultimately return to God.
For this reason, intention plays a crucial role. The Prophet emphasized that every action is judged according to intention. In a well-known hadith narrated by Umar ibn al-Khattab, he said:
عَنْ عَلْقَمَةَ بْنِ وَقَاصِ اللَّيْئِي قَالَ سَمِعْتُ عُمَرَ بْنَ الْخَطَّابِ يَقُولُ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ –صلى الله عليه وسلم – « إِنَّمَا الأَعْمَالُ بِالنِّيَّاتِ. [رواه الجماعة]
“Reported from ‘Alqamah ibn Waqas al-Laythi, who said: I heard Umar ibn al-Khattab say while on the pulpit, ‘I heard the Messenger of God say: Indeed, actions are judged by intentions.’” (Narrated by the major hadith collectors).
Therefore, visiting graves should be done with the intention of praying for the deceased and reflecting on one’s own life. It should never be used for practices that contradict Islamic teachings, such as asking favors from the dead or treating graves as intermediaries to God.
The Qur’an itself warns believers not to call upon anyone besides God:
وَلَا تَدْعُ مِنْ دُونِ اللَّهِ مَا لَا يَنْفَعُكَ وَلَا يَضُرُّكَ فَإِنْ فَعَلْتَ فَإِنَّكَ إِذًا مِنَ الظَّالِمِينَ
“And do not call upon anything besides God that can neither benefit you nor harm you. If you do so, then you will surely be among the wrongdoers.” (QS. Yunus (10): 106)
When many families visit graves during Eid, the reason is usually cultural and social rather than religious obligation. Eid often brings relatives together after long periods apart, and the extended holiday provides time for family members to visit the graves of parents or ancestors together.
In this sense, Eid simply becomes a convenient moment. It is not a religiously mandated time for grave visitation.
Referensi:
Council for Religious Opinion and Reform of Muhammadiyah Central Board, “Hukum dan Tuntunan Ziarah Kubur”, in Suara Muhammadiyah magazine No.10, 2013.
