The Ruling on Slaughter, Supplication, and Recitation at Graves

Question:
In the last of her questions, the questioner from Yemen asks: There are graves that are visited by some people. Is it permissible for them to do so, given that they slaughter animals at them? And is it permissible for them to eat the meat at these graves?

Answer:
Slaughter at graves is not permissible, nor is sitting at them for recitation and supplication. Rather, one must beware of this, for it is one of the means to shirk (associating partners with Allah). If one slaughters to draw near to the occupants of the graves, or calls upon them, or seeks their aid, or makes a vow for them, this is major shirk. This is major shirk; we seek refuge in Allah.
As for visiting graves to greet the deceased and make supplication for them, there is no harm in it; it is a recommended practice (sunnah). The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: So if a believer visits them to make supplication for them, greet them, and seek forgiveness for them, there is no harm. But if he visits them to slaughter at their graves, or to recite at their graves, or to make supplication at their graves, this is reprehensible and not permissible, and it is one of the means to shirk. If he slaughters for them, or calls upon them, or seeks their aid, or makes a vow for them, this has become major shirk; we seek refuge in Allah.
As for women, they do not visit graves. They make supplication for their deceased while they are in their homes; there is no need to visit graves. Yes.

The presenter: May Allah reward you with good.