Seventh Issue: Is it permissible to visit graves, kiss (taqbīl) them, and circumambulate them like the circumambulation of the Ka’ba? What does the visitor say?

Regarding the visitation of the graves—We have previously addressed this and it is permissible according to us. And now we will come to the proof of its legitimacy.

Regarding the kissing—There‟s no prohibition (al-māni’) in doing so except if one believes that it is a sunnah.

Regarding the circumambulation—If a person does this action and believes that it is sunnah or considers (qašada) it as worshipping the grave, it is not permissible. Consequently, this could be labelled as shirk if one intends worship thereby. Otherwise, there is no prohibition in doing so. But it is preferable to avoid it because of the possible charge [of worshipping it].

Regarding what the visitor should say—One should give the greetings of peace (taslīm) to the dead and make supplication for him/her. One should recite things that are easy to the spirit and stick to that. Imam Zayd bin „Ali narrated—his father—‟Ali, upon him be peace, said:

When the visitor approaches the grave he should say, “Peace be upon the people of the graves; from amongst the believers and Muslims. You are to us a surplus while you have a right over us. We are desirous of Allah and We seek acceptance with our Lord.”

He also narrated on the authority of his father—the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him and his progeny, commanded a funeral to be conducted at the grave. He commanded them to make supplication. Then he placed them in the earth and urged them with three urgings. Then he made supplication from what Allah willed. He said: ((O Allah, the earth is dry from his contents, his spirit has risen, and you will meet him in Paradise)). When he completed the funeral rites, a man came up to him and said: “O Messenger of Allah, I did not reach you in time to make the prayer (as-salāt) over him, should I pray over his grave?” He replied: ((No, but stand over his grave, supplicate for your brother, and ask forgiveness and mercy for him)).

„Ali ar-Riža bin Musa al-Kādhim on the authority of his father said:

The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him and his progeny: ((One should stand over a grave and recite “Say Allah is One” [Q. 112] eleven times and give the reward to the dead person. That one will be given the reward to the number of the dead people there)).

It is also narrated on his authority, peace and blessings be upon him and his progeny: ((Recite Surah YāSīn over your dead)).

Regarding its legality and virtue, the great Imam Zayd bin „Ali narrated on the authority of his ancestors, upon him be peace: ((Consistently returning to and visiting the funerals and graves will remind one of the Hereafter)).

Sayyid Imam Abu Tālib narrated on the authority al-Hussein bin „Ali, upon him be peace:

The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him and his progeny, said: ((Verily, my beloved, Gabriel came to me and informed me that you will be killed and