The Ruling on Circumambulating Graves

Question:
He asks about circumambulating graves: is it an act of disbelief or not?

Answer:
If he believes that circumambulating the grave is worship of Allah, and that Allah has commanded this, and he does not seek nearness to the grave, but rather seeks nearness to Allah, yet he thinks that circumambulating the grave pleases Allah (Mighty and Majestic), then he is excused due to ignorance, and no ruling is issued against him. It is said that he has committed a major sin among the major sins. He is excused for his innovation, because circumambulating graves in this manner is an innovation (bid'ah) that Allah (Mighty and Majestic) has not legislated. However, if he circumambulates the grave to seek nearness to the deceased, to seek nearness to the deceased, then this is major shirk (associating partners with Allah), because circumambulation is an act of worship, and if he directs it to other than Allah, this is major shirk. The conclusion is that circumambulating the grave, if he intends it for Allah and thinks that circumambulating the grave benefits people, and he believes it is legislated and that he will be rewarded for it, then this is an innovation (bid'ah), but he is not declared a disbeliever; he is considered an innovator. But if he circumambulates the grave to seek nearness to the deceased through his circumambulation, then this is major shirk. Yes.

The presenter:
May Allah reward you,