Q 2: A man told me that a Hadith states, Do not set out on a journey but to three Masjids (mosques)... He inquired whether it is Haram (prohibited) to visit the grave of Al-Husayn or Al-Sayyidah Zaynab with the sole intention of visiting the grave, not to offer Salah (Prayer) in the Masjid or seek the blessing of the deceased.

A: It is permissible for men to visit graves without traveling specifically to visit them, according to the statement of the Prophet (peace be upon him), Visit the graves, for they remind you of the Hereafter. Related by Imam Muslim in his Sahih (authentic) Book of Hadith. However, it is Haram to travel especially to visit them, seek blessings in them (Part No. 1; Page No. 143) and those buried in them, or offer Salah there, according to the Prophet's statement, Do not set out on a journey but to three Masjids: Al-Masjid al-Haram (the Sacred Mosque), this mosque of mine (the Prophet's Mosque), and Al-Aqsa Mosque (in Jerusalem). The Prophet (peace be upon him) also stated, May Allah curse the Jews and the Christians, for they have taken the graves of their Prophets as places of `Ibadah (worship). The Prophet (peace be upon him) also cursed the women who visit the graves. It was reported on the authority of Ibn `Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) that he said, The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) cursed the women who visit graves, and those who build Masjids and place lights upon them. In another narration reported on the authority of Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him), The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) cursed the women who frequent graves. Accordingly, it is not permissible to travel to visit the grave of Al-Husayn and Zaynab. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.