What is the ruling on placing markers on a grave or colors on the stones to distinguish a deceased person?
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The questioner : I say, some people, O Shaykh, in the graveyards, proceed to place some colors at the stones and some markers, such as a piece of iron or wood, so that they can distinguish their father's grave from others when visiting. What is the ruling on that, O Shaykh?
The Shaykh : There is no harm in placing a marker, but I think plaster and lime should not be used, because the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) forbade plastering a grave. One should suffice with a marker, either by making the mark the mark of the tribe on it, or by placing, as I said, a stick, an iron rod, or something similar.
The questioner : ... ؟
The Shaykh : By Allah, I fear that it is of the same kind as plastering, or even worse, especially the large stick, because some people make every stone green or red. What is your suggestion? Now is the time for your suggestion.
The questioner : ... .
The Shaykh : What do you say? Hmm, the guests. No, I think the guests are more deserving, because they are coming from another place. But if you allow them five minutes, there is no harm.
The questioner : ... .
The Shaykh : Yes, the questions end, and it remains for the residents.
The questioner : I have an answer, O Shaykh.
The Shaykh : And it is.
The questioner : And it is that you arrive five minutes early, and we take it from your time.
The Shaykh : Fine, I gave you an hour. Open the door one hour before noon, whether it is twelve and a quarter, or a third, or twelve minus ten. The important thing is that your brother is asking for you. Do you agree or not?
The student: We agree.
The Shaykh : No, you are a resident.
The Shaykh : There is no harm in placing a marker, but I think plaster and lime should not be used, because the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) forbade plastering a grave. One should suffice with a marker, either by making the mark the mark of the tribe on it, or by placing, as I said, a stick, an iron rod, or something similar.
The questioner : ... ؟
The Shaykh : By Allah, I fear that it is of the same kind as plastering, or even worse, especially the large stick, because some people make every stone green or red. What is your suggestion? Now is the time for your suggestion.
The questioner : ... .
The Shaykh : What do you say? Hmm, the guests. No, I think the guests are more deserving, because they are coming from another place. But if you allow them five minutes, there is no harm.
The questioner : ... .
The Shaykh : Yes, the questions end, and it remains for the residents.
The questioner : I have an answer, O Shaykh.
The Shaykh : And it is.
The questioner : And it is that you arrive five minutes early, and we take it from your time.
The Shaykh : Fine, I gave you an hour. Open the door one hour before noon, whether it is twelve and a quarter, or a third, or twelve minus ten. The important thing is that your brother is asking for you. Do you agree or not?
The student: We agree.
The Shaykh : No, you are a resident.