Virtue of throwing sand at the grave
Question:-
Is there any virtue for throwing sand at the grave of the deceased?
Answer:-
In regards to assisting at the graveyard, generally one is required to assist with throwing of sand into the Qabr.
Hadrat Abu Umaamah Radhiallahu Anhu narrates that a person passed away who didn’t possess any good deeds except the reward of three handfuls of sand which he threw in a grave. His sins were forgiven on this account. [Baihaqi Pg.410 Vol.3]
The act of pouring sand in the grave is such a meritorious deed that it was carried out by Rasulullah ﷺ himself. Hadrat Aamir Bin Rabi’aa Radhiallahu Anhu states, “I observed Rasulullah ﷺ at the time of the burial of Hadrat Uthmaan Bin Maz’oon Radhiallahu Anhu, He performed the Janaazah Salaah with 4 Takbeers and he poured three handfuls of sand upon him whilst standing at his headside. [Dar-e-Qutni Pg.76 Vol.2 / Baihaqi Pg.410 Vol.3]
When Umme Kulthum Radhiallahu Anha, the daughter of Rasulullah ﷺ was placed in the Qabr, the Nabi of Allah ﷺ recited,
منها خلقنكم وفيها نعيدكم ومنها نخرجكم تارة اخري (طه 55)
It is therefore Mustahab to recite منها خلقنكم when throwing the first handful, وفيها نعيدكم with the second handful, and ومنها نخرجكم تارة اخري with the third handful. [Re:- Haashiyatut Tahtaawi Ala Maraaqil Falaah 335]
However, flowers should not be placed in the Qabr or on the Qabr. [Re:- Fataawa Mahmoodiyyah Pg.411 Vol.13]