When I was attending my father’s funeral, my sisters went to the cemetery on the morning of 'Id al-Adha to visit my father’s grave, but I advised them not to go.

The questioner : When I was in Sudan attending the funeral of my father (may Allah have mercy on him) and all the deceased Muslims, my brothers and sisters went to the cemetery on the morning of 'Id al-Adha to visit my father’s grave, a week after his passing. I asked them not to go, despite my grief at his departure from us, especially since I was far from him, as I mentioned. I asked them not to go to the cemetery on the first day of the festival, because it is a day of joy for Muslims, and it is not permissible to be sad on it; rather, one should express happiness and faith in the divine decree and destiny. I also asked my brothers and the women who accompanied them not to go, because women visiting graves in general brings no good at all, especially in our time. However, they went with my brothers, following the common traditions and customs. I ask you, if I am correct in what I told them about not going to the cemetery on that day, especially the women, may Allah reward you with good?

The Shaykh : The truth is with you, if Allah wills, in this matter, and you have fulfilled the obligation upon you by advising them. What you mentioned, that it is not permissible for women to visit graves, is the truth. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him and his family) said: , and indeed: .
As for visiting graves on the day of the festival specifically, that is a religious innovation (bid'ah). It is not reported from the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him and his family) that he would single out the day of the festival for visiting the cemetery. Rather, he (peace and blessings be upon him and his family) would visit the cemetery whenever the opportunity arose, and he commanded the visiting of graves in general at any time. He said (peace and blessings be upon him and his family): , and in another narration: .

The questioner : May Allah bless you.