Prayer TimesVisiting cemeteries, remembering death on such occasions, and taking lessons from those who are buried there are among the practices recommended by our religion.
When visiting graves, a person should remember the Hereafter, reflect on the temporary nature of this world, and consider that one day he or she will also die. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) used to visit the Baqi’ cemetery at night and pray, “Peace be upon you, O inhabitants of the land of the believers. God willing, we will join you. I ask Allah for well-being for us and for you; O Allah, forgive those buried in the Baqi’ cemetery.” (Muslim, Janaiz, 102 [974]). It is appropriate for someone visiting a grave to pray for the deceased and to recite the Qur’an, dedicating its reward to the souls of those buried there.
However, during visits to graves and shrines, one must avoid attitudes and behaviors that contradict the essence of Islam and the concept of tawhid, as well as those that are harmful from a doctrinal perspective. Wailing loudly or making noise at the grave, kissing the railings or stones of the grave, or clinging to them and crying are not compatible with Islam. Considering those buried in shrines as superhuman beings, believing that their prayers are accepted or that they possess divine powers, presenting certain needs and wishes to them, seeking help from them, regarding such visits as a religious obligation, tying cloths, lighting candles, sacrificing animals, or distributing sweets and other foods to seek their help—such behaviors are also incompatible with Islam, which is a religion of tawhid. Expecting help from the deceased or waiting for something from them is a dangerous act in terms of faith.
Source: T.C. Diyanet İşleri Başkanlığı, Din İşleri Yüksek Kurulu
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