Is it permissible to sit at the grave and make du'a' for the deceased?

Question:
Your Eminence the Shaykh, the questioner asks: What is the ruling on sitting at the grave, not on it, and making du'a' for the deceased?

Answer:
Sitting merely to make du'a' and send salam upon him, if standing is difficult for him, like when the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) sat at his mother's grave and wept (peace and blessings be upon him). If it is merely the prescribed matter, making du'a' for them and seeking mercy for them, and standing is difficult for him, there is no harm. However, sitting at the grave for specific du'a' where he makes du'a' for himself or for the Muslims, thinking that this is an appropriate place and that du'a' is rejected elsewhere, this is wrong. This is bid'ah (religious innovation). But if he stands and makes du'a' or sits and makes du'a' for the deceased, saying "O Allah, forgive him," "O Allah, have mercy on him," and sends salam upon him, there is no harm. But if he sits at the grave thinking that it is a means of nearness to Allah and that it is a place where du'a' is answered, this is bid'ah. Yes.