Constructing minarets on Masjids and building graves over them

A 1: It is not permissible to single out a certain part of the Masjid to bury the person who built (Part No. 6; Page No. 254) it or anyone else, for the relevant proofs indicating the impermissibility of building Masjids over graves. The basic rule in this regard is what is reported in the Two Sahih (authentic) Books of Hadith (i.e. Al-Bukhari and Muslim) on the authority of `Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) that Um Salamah told the Prophet (peace be upon him) about a church they saw in the land of Abyssinia decorated with images. He (peace be upon him) said, When a righteous man died among them, they would build a place of worship over his grave and put those images in it. They are the most evil of mankind before Allah. Similarly, the Four Compilers of Hadith reported on the authority of Ibn `Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them both) that he said, The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) cursed the women who visit graves and those who build Masjids (mosques) and place lights around them. There are also other authentic Hadith in this regard. A 3: There is nothing wrong with building minarets on the Masjids. Indeed, it is desirable, because it allows the voice of the Mu'adhin (caller to Prayer) to reach those who are being called to Salah (Prayer). This is indicated by the fact that Bilal recited the call to Salah at the time of the Prophet (peace be upon him) from the rooftops of some (Part No. 6; Page No. 255) houses that neighbored the Masjid. Moreover, scholars unanimously agree on this point.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.