Q: Recently, many people have been frequently visiting the grave of Aminah, mother of the Prophet (peace be upon him) in Al-Abwa', on the pretext that the Prophet (peace be upon him) visited it. Is it an act of Sunnah (supererogatory act of worship following the example of the Prophet) to visit her grave? Did the Sahabah (Companions of the Prophet) and Salaf (righteous predecessors) visit it? Did the Prophet (peace be upon him) visit it once or many times? We hope you will give us a satisfactory answer, as the matter is very problematic for it is surprising that some people frequently visit her grave. May Allah grant us success and help you benefit Islam and Muslims.

A: It is known that the Prophet (peace be upon him) visited the grave of his mother once and asked for Allah's Permission to seek His Forgiveness for her, but he was denied permission to do so. It was not reported that he (peace be upon him) ever visited his mother's grave again or that the Sahabah or the Salaf visited or traveled to her grave. Setting out on a journey to visit graves is prohibited as it is a means of Shirk (associating others with Allah in His Divinity or worship). (Part No. 7; Page No. 449) The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: Do not set out on a journey but to three Masjids (mosques)... It is not permissible to set out on a journey to visit the grave of the Prophet's mother or any other grave, based on the Hadith mentioned above. So it is worse to seek the help of the dead which is major Shirk (associating others with Allah in His Divinity or worship that takes the Muslim out of Islam). Accordingly, Muslims should adhere to the Sunnah (whatever is reported from the Prophet) and keep away from Bid`ah (innovation in religion), Shirk and all the means that lead to it. May Allah grant us all success and guide us to beneficial knowledge and righteous deeds.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.