There are graves next to the mosque. Is it permissible for us to pray in it, given that the only barrier between the graveyard and the mosque is the mosque's wall, which faces the qiblah?

The questioner : There are graves next to the mosque. Is it permissible for us to pray in it, given that the only barrier between the graveyard and the mosque is the mosque's wall, which faces the qiblah?

The Shaykh : If the graveyard is to the right or left of the person facing the qiblah, or behind him, there is no harm. However, if the mosque was built on the graveyard, it is not permissible to pray in it; rather, it is obligatory to demolish it and leave the land for burial. Demolishing it is not the responsibility of individual people, but the responsibility of the authorities. In other words, if it is not demolished, the people are not sinful; the sin is on the authority who has the power to order its demolition, so it is demolished. As for if the graves are in the direction of the qiblah, the matter is more severe. Were it not for the mosque's wall that separates the mosque from the graves, we would say that the prayer is invalid in all cases, because the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: This is the answer to this issue. And I repeat that demolishing the mosque, when demolition is obligatory, is not up to the individuals of the people, but to the officials in the government.

The questioner : May Allah reward you with good.