Q 4: Is it permissible for us to stand or sit at the grave to supplicate to Allah for the deceased?

A: The permissible visit to graves is to go there to take heed, to consider and to remember death not to attain blessings from righteous people who are buried there. When a person goes to visit the graves, he should greet those who are buried there saying: Peace be upon you, the inhabitants of the abodes of believers, and Muslims, and Allah willing we shall join you. I beg of Allah well-being for us and for you. If he wishes, he may supplicate to Allah for the dead with other Ma'thur (supplication based on transmitted reports) Du`a' (supplication). However, one should not seek help from the dead or supplicate to them to reveal harm or to bring about a benefit. Du`a' is an act of worship and it must be for Allah Alone. There is no harm in standing at the grave or sitting in order to supplicate to Allah for the dead but not to seek blessing. It is permissible to stand at the grave after burying the deceased to ask Allah to keep him firm on the truth and seek forgiveness for him. It was authentically reported from the Prophet (peace be upon him) that when he buried the deceased, he used to stand at his grave and say: Seek forgiveness for your brother and ask Allah to make him stand firm for he (Part No. 9; Page No. 112) is being questioned now. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.