Is it permissible to raise the earth on a grave more than a hand's breadth?

Question:
He says: When burying the deceased, is it permissible to raise the earth on the grave more than a hand's breadth?

Answer:
No, the grave is not to be raised more than a hand's breadth, because the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) forbade raising graves. He said (peace and blessings be upon him) to 'Ali ibn Abi Talib (may Allah be pleased with him): "Do not leave a grave that is elevated, meaning raised, without leveling it." This is because raising graves leads to exaggeration regarding them and their occupants, and it encourages the common people to seek blessing from them. However, if the graves are level, some are not distinguished from others, so no fitnah (trial, discord or temptation) occurs. But when a grave is raised among the graves, people say, "This one is raised only because it is the grave of a wali (close friend of Allah), or because of his status." Then they turn to it, and how quick people are to fitnah (trial, discord or temptation)! There is no power and no strength except with Allah. The graves of the Companions were level; none was raised above another.