Is seeking forgiveness at the grave of the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) like seeking forgiveness during his lifetime and meeting him (may the best of prayers and peace be upon him)?

Question:
May Allah reward you with good and do you well. Is seeking forgiveness at the grave of the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) like seeking forgiveness during his lifetime and meeting him (may the best of prayers and peace be upon him)?

Answer:
What is prescribed at the grave of the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) for one coming from a journey is to greet him only, and to say, "Peace be upon you, O Messenger of Allah, and the mercy of Allah and His blessings." This is what is prescribed, like greeting a living person. If he adds, "I bear witness that you conveyed the message, fulfilled the trust, advised the community, and strived in the cause of Allah with true striving, so may Allah reward you for your community with the best reward He gives a prophet for his community," there is no harm in that; because this is among his attributes. As for seeking forgiveness and supplication, it is not permissible at the grave. Rather, seeking forgiveness and supplication are to be done in the Prophet's Mosque, not at the grave. So if he wants to supplicate or seek forgiveness, he turns away and sits in a place in the mosque, or prays a voluntary or obligatory prayer, and then seeks forgiveness and supplicates afterwards.