The Ruling on Building Over Graves and Decorating Them

Question:
Abu Mustafa says: It is customary in our village to build over graves and decorate them. What is the effect of this on the life of the Muslim?

Answer:
This is forbidden and not permissible, and it is one of the means of shirk (associating partners with Allah). The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said to 'Ali ibn Abi Talib, "Do not leave an image or " and 'Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) explained this to the people.
Likewise, in other hadiths, it is stated that it is not permissible to build over graves, nor to construct them, nor to write on them, nor to plaster them. Rather, they should be like the graves of the Companions and the righteous Salaf, buried in the earth and raised from the ground by the height of a hand-span, with a mound of earth. This is the sunnah (recommended practice) upon which the Muslims are. So, do not build over graves, do not write on them, and do not light them with lamps. All of this is among the means of shirk, and it is a forbidden matter. Yes.

The presenter:
May Allah reward you.