The Difference Between Building on Graves and Building Domes

Question:
Some people say that Islam has prohibited placing things on graves, indeed in every place, and they argue that the Prophet’s Mosque and some other mosques have canopies placed over them. What is your guidance (may Allah’s prayers be upon you) regarding this?

Answer:
Islam has prohibited building on graves, whether domes or other structures. It did not prohibit only domes; it prohibited building on graves in order to prevent their exaltation, because this is a means to their worship. As for building a dome in a mosque, this is a design, a Numanian design, and there is nothing wrong with it. It is an architectural design, and there is no harm in it. The caution is not about the dome itself, but about exaggeration regarding the dead. Even if no domes were placed over them, if one builds over them, or even if one does not build over them, but intends to exalt the grave and exaggerate in its regard, this is not permissible. The crux of the matter is exaggeration and exaltation of the dead, making supplication at their graves, and seeking nearness to them. This is what is prohibited. As for the issue of the dome, it is a minor matter.
And over the grave of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) there is a partition, because there was a partition. There was a partition in the room or chamber in which he was buried, and it existed on the day he was buried (peace and blessings be upon him). It is merely a partition, a partition over his house (peace and blessings be upon him), over his chamber, attached to the chamber. Yes.