We want a word on supplication at the graves of the awliya (close friends of Allah) and the righteous, and asking them for one's needs?
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The questioner : He says, "O esteemed Shaykh Muhammad, supplication at the graves of the awliya (close friends of Allah) and the righteous, and asking them for one's needs, is widespread in some Muslim lands, and unfortunately so. Is there a word regarding this bid'ah (religious innovation)? May Allah reward you with good?"
The Shaykh : This bid'ah (religious innovation) mentioned by the questioner, which is supplication at graves or asking the occupants of graves to fulfill needs, is a great and denounced bid'ah (religious innovation). As for supplication at graves, it is a bid'ah (religious innovation), but it does not reach the level of kufr (disbelief) if the person is calling upon Allah (Mighty and Majestic) but believes that his supplication in this place is better than in others.
As for supplicating to the occupants of graves and asking them for needs, this is kufr (disbelief) that expels one from the religion. Therefore, both groups, namely those who call upon the dead or those who call upon Allah at the graves of the dead, must refrain from this matter.
The best place for supplication is the mosques, and the best state for supplication is for the person to be in prostration. For this reason, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) encouraged supplication during prostration, and he (peace and blessings be upon him) said:Bulugh al-Maram 2:179 Yes.
The questioner : May Allah bless you.
The Shaykh : This bid'ah (religious innovation) mentioned by the questioner, which is supplication at graves or asking the occupants of graves to fulfill needs, is a great and denounced bid'ah (religious innovation). As for supplication at graves, it is a bid'ah (religious innovation), but it does not reach the level of kufr (disbelief) if the person is calling upon Allah (Mighty and Majestic) but believes that his supplication in this place is better than in others.
As for supplicating to the occupants of graves and asking them for needs, this is kufr (disbelief) that expels one from the religion. Therefore, both groups, namely those who call upon the dead or those who call upon Allah at the graves of the dead, must refrain from this matter.
The best place for supplication is the mosques, and the best state for supplication is for the person to be in prostration. For this reason, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) encouraged supplication during prostration, and he (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
I have been forbidden to recite the Qur'an while bowing or prostrating; so while in the bowing (position) glorify (the Perfection of) the Rabb (Lord), and while in the prostrating (position) be earnest in supplication, for it is fitting that your supplications may be answered.
ألا وإني نهيت أن أقرأ القرءان راكعا أو ساجدا فأما الركوع فعظّموا فيه الرب وأما السجود فاجتهدوا في الدعاء فقمِن أن يستجاب لكمThe questioner : May Allah bless you.