Hadith Text & Context

"It is better that one of you should sit on live coals which would burn his clothing and come in contact with his skin than that he should sit on a grave."

This narration is recorded in Sahih Muslim (Book of Prayer - Funerals) under hadith reference Sahih Muslim 971 a, transmitted from the noble Companion Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him).

Prohibition & Severity

The Prophet (peace be upon him) employed this powerful analogy to emphasize the gravity of sitting on graves. The imagery of choosing burning coals over sitting on graves demonstrates the extreme prohibition, as both actions cause harm - one physical, the other spiritual.

This prohibition falls under respecting the sanctity of graves and preventing practices that may lead to shirk (associating partners with Allah) or excessive veneration of the deceased.

Scholarly Commentary

Imam An-Nawawi comments in his Sharh Sahih Muslim that this hadith contains explicit prohibition of sitting on graves. The scholars agree this applies to all graves, whether of prophets, righteous people, or others.

Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani explains that the severity stems from multiple wisdoms: maintaining respect for the deceased, avoiding imitation of non-Muslim practices, and preventing actions that could lead to grave worship.

The Hanafi scholar Ibn Abidin states this prohibition includes leaning against, sleeping on, or using graves as seating places, as all constitute disrespect to the deceased.

Practical Rulings

The prohibition extends to walking over graves unless necessary, as this also shows disrespect. Cemeteries should be entered with reverence and remembrance of the afterlife.

Exceptions are made for necessary maintenance or when passing through crowded cemeteries where avoiding graves completely is difficult. In such cases, one should seek forgiveness for the deceased and make sincere intention.

This ruling complements other funeral regulations ensuring proper respect for the deceased while maintaining pure Islamic monotheism.