Ramadan 1445 AH — Day 24: Visiting Graveyards

“Remember often the destroyer of pleasures: death.” — Tirmidhi

Visiting the graveyard is a forgotten Sunnah in Islam with significant spiritual and practical lessons. It reminds us about death and our final abode, to make preparations for it. Allah’s Messenger ﷺ encouraged visiting the graveyard to remind oneself of death, the Hereafter, and to make supplications for the deceased.

There’s this narration by our mother ‘Aishah — may Allah be pleased with her, who said: “The Messenger of Allah ﷺ went out one night, and I sent Barirah to follow him and see where he went. She said, ‘He went towards Baqi’ al-Gharqad — the graveyard in Madinah, and he stood at the bottom of al-Baqi’ and raised his hands, then he went away.’ Barirah came back to me and told me, and when morning came I asked him about it. I said, ‘O Messenger of Allah, where did you go out to last night? He said, ‘I was sent to the people of al-Baqi’, to pray for them.’”

There are a couple of lessons which we could derive from this narration:

• Going to the graveyard serves as a reminder that life is temporary and death is inevitable.
• It encourages reflection on the purpose of life and the importance of preparing for the final abode in the Hereafter.
• Offering prayers for the deceased emphasizes the unity of the Muslim community and underscores the significance of praying for each other’s welfare, both in this worldly life and the afterlife.

When one visits the Muslim cemetery, it is recommended from the sunnah to make this supplication for the deceased:

السَّلَامُ عَلَيْكُمُ أَهْلَ الدِّيَارِ مِنَ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ وَالْمُسْلِمِينَ وَإِنَّا إِنْ شَاءَ اللَّهُ بِكُمْ لَاحِقُونَ نَسْأَلُ اللَّهَ لَنَا وَلَكُمُ الْعَافِيَةَ

“Assalamu ‘alaykum ahl al-diyar min al-muminin wa’l-Muslimin, wa inna in sha Allah bikum lahiqun, as alu Allaha lana wa lakum al-‘afiyah”

Meaning: “Peace be upon you O people of the dwellings — grave, from the believers and the Muslims. In sha Allah we will join you, I ask Allah to keep us and you safe and sound.”

What is the etiquette for visiting the graveyard?

1. Visitors to the grave may recite the supplication as mentioned above and any other recommended from the sunnah.
2. Visitors are strongly cautioned against stepping on or crossing over a grave, as well as sitting on it.
3. Visitors are strongly urged not to express their sorrow by loudly wailing hysterically.
4. Women are not permitted to visit the cemetery. However, they are allowed to say the janazah — funeral prayer.
5. Actions that have no basis in Islam are prohibited. Some of these superstitious practices include: circumambulating a grave, stroking its soil and obtaining some of it, grave worship, supplication directed to the deceased, etcetera.
6. Bringing food, beverages, and flowers as offerings in remembrance of the deceased.
7. Remember, the purpose of your visit is to reflect and remind yourself of death, as well as life in the grave. Reflect on the transient nature of life and resolve to increase acts of worship and good deeds.

In conclusion, visiting the graveyard is a Sunnah in Islam that offers profound spiritual lessons and reminders of the Hereafter. By reviving this sunnah of the Noble Prophet ﷺ, we can foster humility, reflection, and a deeper connection to Allah.

Action Points

1. After learning about this sunnah and its etiquettes, make your way to visit a Muslim cemetery within your locality.
2. Follow it up by inviting others to accompany you, and make it a group effort occasionally.
3. Ponder deeply on your purpose for visiting and consider your intentions beforehand. Remember, the occupants of the graves were once living like you, so make the most of your time in this world.

That’s it for today, take action on this Daily Revival and if you missed yesterday’s episode, you can find it here. I ask Allah to make it easy for you and me. Amin!

Yaumul Arba’ 24th Ramadan 1445 AH // Wednesday 3rd April 2024.

• If you’d like to support a charitable cause this Ramadan, donate to Rafeeqee Foundation
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• Finally, I made a practical video on how to crush your Ramadan goals using two non-conventional methodologies. You’ll find it on Pure Masculinity Podcast, don’t forget to subscribe.