Is it permissible to stand at the graves of one's parents and make du'a' (supplication) for them?

The questioner:
Honorable Shaykh, may Allah grant you success, we have heard that it is not permissible to make du'a' at graves. Is it permissible to make du'a' at the grave of one's parents, specifically making du'a' for them?

The Shaykh:
Making du'a' for the deceased is permissible at his grave. Making du'a' for the deceased is fine. The issue is making du'a' to the deceased or asking him to make du'a'. Making du'a' to him himself is major shirk (associating partners with Allah). Asking him to make du'a' is also shirk, because nothing is to be asked of the deceased. Yes.

The questioner:
He says: Honorable Shaykh, may Allah grant you success, what is the difference between them?

The Shaykh:
At his grave, there are three things: making du'a' to him, making du'a' through him, and making du'a' at his place. There are three things. As for making du'a' to him, this is explicit shirk. And making du'a' through him while he is dead—making du'a' through him is bid'ah (religious innovation), meaning you make du'a' to Allah and make him a means for the acceptance of your du'a'. This is bid'ah. And making du'a' at his place—making du'a' to Allah at the grave—is a means to shirk. Making du'a' at his place, making du'a' to Allah at the grave, is a means to shirk. Yes.