Q 5: What is the ruling on women visiting graves on Thursdays and distributing bread, dates, and meat there?

A: First, giving Sadaqah (voluntary charity) on behalf of the deceased is Mashru` (Islamically acceptable) because some Hadith are authentically reported to that effect. Nevertheless, distributing such Sadaqah by the graves is not permissible because this was not practiced either during the era of the Prophet (peace be upon him) or during the era of the Sahabah (Companions of the Prophet, may Allah be pleased with them). Thus, doing so is a detestable Bid`ah (innovation in religion) for it is authentically reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: He who innovates things in our affairs for which there is no valid (reason) (commits sin) and these are to be rejected. Moreover, allocating a specific day for giving Sadaqah is also a Bid`ah. Second, it is not permissible for women to visit graves on a Thursday or any other day because the Prophet (peace be upon him) cursed females who visit graves.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.