Setting up pathways from bricks and cement in the cemetery

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Q: Some people in Shaqra' Governorate intend to volunteer to make pathways from bricks and cement in the cemetery for people to walk on. Now, the question your Eminence is: Is this legally permissible, or they should better make the pathways without using cement or bricks, which may give rise for later generations to take it as a tradition make other additions, thus gradually introducing Bid`ahs (heresies in religion)? Please give us a Fatwa on this matter, may Allah reward you!

A: You should keep the cemetery as it is without any changes. Whoever seeks to find his way through it to visit a grave or to achieve any other permissible reason, may pass between the graves and avoid stepping on them. Making pathways in the manner described in the question may lead to other unlawful practices and also because they will narrow spaces between the graves and take up part of the graveyard. The clear spaces in the cemetery may later be needed for burials.May Allah grant you success! May Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and his Companions!