The Forbidden Matters at Graves and Graveyards

Question:
May Allah keep you safe, Your Eminence the Shaykh. Could you clarify the forbidden matters that are prohibited at graves and in graveyards?

Answer:
One does not pray at graves, nor sit at them for recitation and supplication; all of this is a bid'ah (religious innovation). One does not pray at them, nor recite at them, nor sit at them for supplication. Rather, this is among the innovations, and one does not circumambulate them. All of this is from the deeds of the mushrikin (those who associate partners with Allah). The Sunnah is to visit them only to greet them and make du'a' (supplication) for them, based on the saying of the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) . As for sitting at them for recitation, or praying at them, or sitting at them for supplication, or performing i'tikaf (spiritual retreat) at them, all of this is munkar (what is wrong), and it is among the means to shirk (associating partners with Allah). We ask Allah for safety.

The presenter:
O Allah, amen,