Sprinkling the grave and making du'a' at it during the visit

The questioner:
Honorable Shaykh! We notice that when we visit some graveyards, some of the visitors do the following: first, they sprinkle the grave, then they stand for a long time, and they make du'a' while standing.

The Shaykh:
Sprinkling the grave with water is not permissible except at the time of burial. After the burial is completed, it is sprinkled with water in order to hold back the dust; it is not covered, or the earth is not thrown over it; it is sprinkled after the burial. As for sprinkling it during the visit, this is a bid'ah (religious innovation) with no basis. This is one point.

The questioner:
Standing for a long time and making du'a' at the grave while raising the hands.

The Shaykh:
If the du'a' is for the deceased, asking for forgiveness and mercy, it is prescribed. But if the du'a' at the grave is for yourself, making du'a' at the grave on the assumption that this place is one where du'a' is answered, this is a bid'ah (religious innovation) and a means to shirk (associating partners with Allah). Allah the Exalted knows best, and may Allah send prayers and peace upon our Prophet Muhammad, and upon his family and his Companions.