Miscellaneous Queries Regarding Graves
Q1) How high can one make the sand above the grave? Is one hand span or more acceptable?
A1) The height of the grave should be one hand span. It should not be flat to the ground nor higher than one hand span.
Q2) Are we allowed to plant on the grave?
A2) The planting of flowers and other plants on graves is not established in the Shari’ah. Therefore, we must abstain from planting on graves.
Q3) Many people construct cement brick boxes around the grave, while others also add pebbles. Is this permissible?
A3) It is not allowed to build around the grave.
Q4) Is the of pouring water on the grave established anywhere in Shar’iah?
A4) It is Mustahab to sprinkle water on the grave so that the soil settles and does not move about. This act of sprinkling water on the grave is not an act of Bid’ah. However, it must be noted that the act of sprinkling water on the grave is only at the time of burial. This does not mean that every time a person visits the grave, he must sprinkle water on the grave.
Q5) Are we allowed to erect a headstone and if so, how much information should it contain?
A5) It is permissible to have a headstone with the basic information of the Mayyit such as his name and father’s name, etc. However, it is Makrooh to write verses of Quraan, poetry and praises on the headstone.
Q6) Is the burning of incest sticks or oud at the grave permitted?
A6) It is not allowed to burn incense sticks or oud by the grave.
Q7) Can we erect a tomb on a grave?
A7) It is not permissible to build a tomb on a grave.
Q8) Should all the graves have a uniform look like that of Jannatul Baqi and Malaa?
A8) There is nothing established that all of the graves must have a uniformed look. However, the graves must be in its natural form.
Q9) What time delay is suitable after a person passes away, to perform the Janaazah Salaah?
A9) When a person passes away, there should not be any unnecessary delays in performing the Janaazah Salaah. As such, the Janaazah Salaah and burial must be done as quickly as possible.
Q10) If a person passes away outside of his hometown, can his body be transported back home for burial?
A10) It is disliked to transport the body to a far location for burial. This causes unnecessary delays in the burial process.
Q11) Can females visit their parents or spouse’s grave?
A11) It is not permissible for women to visit the graveyards.
Q12) Can females join a separate Janaazah Salaah behind the men?
A12) It is advised that women should not join the Janaazah Salaah behind the men.
ALLAH TA’ALA ALONE IN HIS INFINITE KNOWLEDGE KNOWS BEST!
ANSWERED BY:
Mufti Muhammad Isa Ali
Date: 15 Shabaan 1447 / 04 February 2026
CHECKED AND APPROVED BY:
Mufti Yacoob Vally Saheb