Hadith Text & Reference

Sulaiman bin Buraidah narrated on the authority of his father (RAA) that the Prophet (ﷺ) taught us that when we visit graves we should say, "Peace be upon you, O believing men and women, O dwellers of this place. Certainly, Allah willing, we will join you. We supplicate to Allah to grant us and you well being." Related by Muslim.

Book: Funerals | Author: Bulugh al-Maram | Reference: Bulugh al-Maram 594

Scholarly Commentary

This noble hadith establishes the proper etiquette for visiting graves, which serves multiple spiritual purposes: reminding of the afterlife, softening the heart, and making supplication for the deceased.

The greeting "Peace be upon you" (As-salamu 'alaykum) is addressed to all believers buried in the cemetery, demonstrating the unity of the Muslim community across life and death. The phrase "O believing men and women" includes all Muslims without distinction.

"Certainly, Allah willing, we will join you" expresses the certainty of death and the temporary nature of this worldly life, serving as a powerful reminder of our ultimate destination.

The supplication for well-being (al-'afiyah) encompasses protection from the punishment of the grave and trials of the afterlife, benefiting both the visitor and the visited through shared spiritual concern.

Legal Rulings & Benefits

Visiting graves is recommended (mustahabb) for men, as it softens the heart and increases remembrance of the Hereafter. The specified supplication should be recited aloud but not excessively loud.

This teaching demonstrates the Prophet's wisdom in transforming pre-Islamic practices into acts of worship that strengthen faith rather than cause despair.

The conditional phrase "Allah willing" (in sha' Allah) when speaking of joining the deceased teaches proper speech etiquette and recognition of divine decree in all matters.