One who circumambulates a grave: Is he a disbeliever absolutely, or do we need to look at his intention?

The questioner:
Honorable Shaykh, may Allah grant you success, is one who circumambulates a grave a disbeliever absolutely, or do we need to look at his intention?

The Shaykh:
We told you that the place of hearts is not something we can see into. We judge by the outward appearance. So, one who circumambulates a grave to draw near to the grave is a mushrik (one who associates partners with Allah), based on the fact that he directed worship to other than Allah. We wait; we say, when do we know what is in his heart? You do not know it, and no one knows it except Allah the Exalted. If he intended to draw near to other than Allah by circumambulating, then he is a mushrik. If he intended that the circumambulation is for Allah, but he circumambulated a grave, a tomb, or something else, or a station among the stations, drawing near to Allah and believing that this benefits him, we say this is a mubtadi' (innovator), because he worshipped Allah with a worship that He did not prescribe. Allah did not prescribe for us circumambulation of anything other than the Ka'bah. So, one who circumambulates something other than the Ka'bah to draw near to Allah by it is a mubtadi', and one who circumambulates something other than the Ka'bah to draw near to the one being circumambulated is a mushrik.

The presenter:
Mm-hmm.

The questioner:
He says: Honorable Shaykh.

The Shaykh:
They circumambulate the graves, drawing near to them. They do not circumambulate anything except them, except to draw near to them, hoping for their benefit and fearing their harm. Yes.