Visiting the graves of non-Muslims
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Fatwa number ( 15509 )
Q: Is it permissible to visit the graves of non-Muslims , given that Allah permitted His Prophet to visit his mother’s grave after he knew she was among the people of the Hellfire? How is this reconciled with his saying (peace and blessings be upon him): “When you pass by the dwellings of the punished, bow your heads”?
A : Visiting graves is prescribed in general, but visiting the graves of Muslims is for making du'a for them, seeking forgiveness for them, and taking a lesson; as established in the hadith of Buraydah (may Allah be pleased with him), who said:Mishkat al-Masabih 1764 . As for visiting the graves of non-Muslims, it is for taking a lesson and drawing a warning. This is why, when the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) sought permission from his Lord to visit his mother's grave, he was granted it, but when he sought his permission to seek forgiveness for her, he was prohibited from doing so. It was narrated by Muslim in his (Sahih). As for the hadith mentioned in the question, what is preserved is what is in (the two Sahihs) from Ibn 'Umar (may Allah be pleased with them both), that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), when he passed by the dwellings of Thamud , said: Sahih al-Bukhari 433 . The prohibition against entering the dwellings of the punished people does not mean an absolute prohibition, but rather the intended meaning is the prohibition of entering them for the purpose of sightseeing and relaxation. As for one who enters them taking a lesson and weeping, there is no harm in that. And success is from Allah, and may Allah send prayers and blessings upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and his Companions.
Q: Is it permissible to visit the graves of non-Muslims , given that Allah permitted His Prophet to visit his mother’s grave after he knew she was among the people of the Hellfire? How is this reconciled with his saying (peace and blessings be upon him): “When you pass by the dwellings of the punished, bow your heads”?
A : Visiting graves is prescribed in general, but visiting the graves of Muslims is for making du'a for them, seeking forgiveness for them, and taking a lesson; as established in the hadith of Buraydah (may Allah be pleased with him), who said:
Buraida said that God's messenger used to teach them to say when they went out to the cemeteries, “Peace be upon you, inhabitants of the dwellings who are of the number of the believers and the Muslims. If God will, we shall join you. We ask God to grant us and you wellbeing.” Muslim transmitted it.
كان رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم يعلمهم إذا خرجوا إلى المقابر أن يقولوا: السلام عليكم أهل الديار من المؤمنين والمسلمين، وإنا إن شاء الله بكم لاحقون، نسأل الله لنا ولكم العافيةDo not enter (the places) of these people where Allah's punishment had fallen unless you do so weeping. If you do not weep, do not enter (the places of these people) because Allah's curse and punishment which fell upon them may fall upon you.
لا تدخلوا على هؤلاء المعذبين إلا أن تكونوا باكين، فإن لم تكونوا باكين فلا تدخلوها عليهم لا يصيبكم مثل ما أصابهم
Source
www.alifta.gov.sa
The Arabic text is copied verbatim from the original source, without any edits.