The Ruling on Visiting Graves?

Question:
Is visiting graves permissible or forbidden?

Answer:
There is a distinction here. If the intention behind visiting graves is to seek forgiveness, take a lesson, and make du'a' (supplication) for the deceased for forgiveness and mercy, then it is recommended (mustahabb) and carries great reward. However, if the intention behind visiting graves is to seek blessing from them, call upon the dead for aid, or ask them for one's needs, then it is forbidden (muharram) and constitutes major shirk (associating partners with Allah), which takes one out of the religion. This is what is commonly practiced by the grave-visitors today: they visit graves with the intention of seeking blessing from them, asking for their needs and the nature of their requests from the people buried there, and calling upon them for aid other than Allah. This is major shirk that takes one out of the religion. We ask Allah for well-being and safety. Yes. May Allah reward you with good.