A Refutation of Those Who Claim That There Are Graves in al-Masjid al-Nabawi

Question:
(peace and blessings be upon him) Your Eminence, the father, says: The questioner asks, did the Salaf agree with al-Walid ibn 'Abd al-Malik in incorporating the chamber into the mosque? And what is your statement regarding those who criticize the scholars of the two Holy Mosques by saying that they deny shirk (associating partners with Allah), but do not deny praying in al-Masjid al-Nabawi where there are graves?

Answer:
May Allah curse the one who said this statement, the one who describes al-Masjid al-Nabawi as having graves in it. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) built al-Masjid al-Nabawi when he first arrived, and there were graves of polytheists in it, so he dug them up and moved them. Thus, it was not built upon graves, and the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) was not buried in the mosque, but rather in the chamber of 'A'ishah, protected by him from extremism.
As for the fact that the caliph came and saw that he should incorporate it into the mosque, this was an action by the caliph, and it was not agreed upon. But, praise be to Allah, Allah continues to provide those who protect the grave of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and prevent extremism regarding it, preventing extremism regarding it in various eras, and praise be to Allah, from the rulers of the Muslims. Those who protect the grave and prevent extremism regarding it, and this is from the grace of Allah (Glorified and Exalted is He). Yes.