Does the deceased hear those who greet him?

Question:
Does the deceased hear you when you greet him?

Answer:
There is evidence indicating this, and Allah knows best. If this is established, then it is among the matters of the barzakh (the interval between death and resurrection) and the matters of the Hereafter, in which nothing is said except based on evidence. The matter is easy in this regard, but visiting graves is in itself prescribed, provided the intention is to take a lesson, to be admonished, and to seek forgiveness for the deceased and ask for his pardon. As for what the grave-worshippers have become accustomed to today, namely calling for aid from the dead and seeking blessing from them, this is not permissible, and it is shirk (associating partners with Allah) with Allah, Mighty and Majestic.