What is the ruling on women visiting graves in general, and the grave of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) in particular?
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The questioner : His EminenceThe Shaykh : What is the ruling on women visiting graves, specifically the grave in particular and graves in general? Please explain in detail, as this is common among us in Madinah. And what is the ruling on women visiting the grave of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), given that a prayer area is provided for them near the grave?
The Shaykh : Visiting graves is a recommended practice (sunnah). The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) commanded it after initially forbidding it. He (peace and blessings be upon him) said:Sunan an-Nasa'i 5652Sahih (Darussalam) The Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) explained that it serves as a reminder of the Hereafter. Therefore, it is said: "Visiting graves reminds one of the Hereafter, and visiting the sick softens the hearts." When a person visits his sick brother, his heart becomes soft, he remembers Allah’s blessing of health upon him, and he feels compassion for his brother. This hadith, "I used to forbid you from visiting graves, but now visit them," is directed specifically at men. As for women, the correct view is that it is not permissible for them to visit graves. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) cursed those who visit graves and those who build mosques and place lamps on them. Women visiting graves entails:
First: exposure to this punishment, which is the curse. The curse is being driven away and kept distant from the mercy of Allah (Mighty and Majestic).
Second: women are quick to emotion and tender; they may not be able to control themselves when visiting graves, leading to wailing, mourning, slapping cheeks, tearing clothes, and the like.
Third: allowing women to visit graves, especially in cemeteries that are far from the city, poses a danger to the woman that she may be exposed to a wicked person from among the wicked, or otherwise. Thus, there are harms involved. Therefore, we say: it is not permissible for a woman to visit graves.
As for the grave of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), some scholars have granted a dispensation (rukhsah) for women to visit the grave of the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him). They justified this by saying: "The grave of the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) is surrounded by three walls, and it is not possible to visit it in the customary manner where the visitor stands at the grave or at the graves and offers the salam." However, the view that is stronger in my opinion is that the most cautious course for a woman is to avoid visiting graves entirely. We tell the woman: your salam to the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) reaches him wherever you are. So praise Allah for this, as long as the reward will be obtained for you. If you go and visit the grave of the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him), you will fall into disagreement among the scholars and expose yourself to sin according to those who say that she has committed a sin. So praise Allah for your well-being and do not expose yourself to that. This issue is a matter of disagreement among the scholars (may Allah have mercy on them).
The Shaykh : Visiting graves is a recommended practice (sunnah). The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) commanded it after initially forbidding it. He (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
I used to forbid you to visit graves, but (now) visit them.
كنت نهيتكم عن زيارة القبور فزوروهاFirst: exposure to this punishment, which is the curse. The curse is being driven away and kept distant from the mercy of Allah (Mighty and Majestic).
Second: women are quick to emotion and tender; they may not be able to control themselves when visiting graves, leading to wailing, mourning, slapping cheeks, tearing clothes, and the like.
Third: allowing women to visit graves, especially in cemeteries that are far from the city, poses a danger to the woman that she may be exposed to a wicked person from among the wicked, or otherwise. Thus, there are harms involved. Therefore, we say: it is not permissible for a woman to visit graves.
As for the grave of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), some scholars have granted a dispensation (rukhsah) for women to visit the grave of the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him). They justified this by saying: "The grave of the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) is surrounded by three walls, and it is not possible to visit it in the customary manner where the visitor stands at the grave or at the graves and offers the salam." However, the view that is stronger in my opinion is that the most cautious course for a woman is to avoid visiting graves entirely. We tell the woman: your salam to the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) reaches him wherever you are. So praise Allah for this, as long as the reward will be obtained for you. If you go and visit the grave of the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him), you will fall into disagreement among the scholars and expose yourself to sin according to those who say that she has committed a sin. So praise Allah for your well-being and do not expose yourself to that. This issue is a matter of disagreement among the scholars (may Allah have mercy on them).