Ruling on Designating Certain Parts of the Cemetery for Women

Q: Is it permissible to designate certain parts of the cemetery for women and others for men, so that it is easier to identify the people in the graves?

A: I am not aware of any basis for this. Rather, what is prescribed is that the cemetery be for everyone, because of the facilitation and ease in that, and because this is the practice that Muslims have followed from the time of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) to this day, as far as we know. Al-Baqi' was shared between men and women during his time (peace and blessings be upon him), and all good lies in following the methodology of him (peace and blessings be upon him) and his Companions (may Allah be pleased with them), and whoever follows their path with excellence.