Fatwaa ID: 421

Question:
Selam Alejkum va Rahmetullah respected scholars, I pray you are all having a great week. When visiting the graves of Muslims who have passed away is it permissible to extend the Salam to them, and is it the case that they hear us and can return the Salam? If so, are we allowed to speak to them?

Answer:
In the Name of Allaah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
As-salaamu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullaahi wa-barakaatuh.

1. When visiting the graves of Muslims, it is from the sunnah to extend one’s salaam to them. Rasulullaah (S) taught us to say,

السَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكُمْ أَهْلَ الدِّيَارِ، مِنَ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ وَالْمُسْلِمِينَ، وَإِنَّا إِنْ شَاءَ اللَّهُ بِكُمْ لاَحِقُونَ

وَيَرْحَمُ اللَّهُ الْمُسْتَقدِمِينَ مِنَّا وَالْمُسْتأْخِرِينَ. نسْاَلُ اللَّهَ لَنَا وَلَكُمُ الْعَافِيَةَ
يَغْفِرُ اللَّهُ لَنَا وَلَكُمْ. أَنْتُمْ سَلَفُنَا وَنَحْنُ بِالأَثَرِ

“Peace be upon you, O inhabitants of the grave from the believers and the Muslims! If Allaah wills, we shall join you. May Allaah show mercy to those of us who go before and those who go later. We beseech for ‘aafiyah for us and for you. May Allah forgive us and you; you are our predecessors and we are to follow you.”

2. There is a legitimate difference of opinion amongst the scholars regarding whether the dwellers of the grave, and the dead in general, can hear or not. There are texts that allude to both views. Allaah Ta’aala knows best what the reality is. This issue is not something that is of benefit to us. When you remember the deceased or visit their grave, make du’aa for them and do isaal thawaab for them. That will be of benefit to you and them.

And Allaah Ta’aala knows best.
Mufti Muajul I. Chowdhury
Darul Iftaa New York
https://askthemufti.us/

06/25/1444 AH – 01/18/2023 CE | AMG3-3196

وصل اللهم وسلم وبارك على سيدنا محمد وعلى ءاله وصحبه أجمعين

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