"The Messenger of Allah(ﷺ)said: 'Do not pray toward graves and do not sit on them.'"
Hadith Text & Context
"The Messenger of Allah(ﷺ)said: 'Do not pray toward graves and do not sit on them.'" (Sunan an-Nasa'i 760)
This prohibition from the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) establishes fundamental principles regarding the sanctity of worship and respect for the deceased, recorded in The Book of the Qiblah from Sunan an-Nasa'i.
Prohibition of Praying Toward Graves
Praying in the direction of graves is strictly forbidden as it may lead to shirk (associating partners with Allah) by giving the appearance of worshipping the deceased. The qiblah must be solely toward the Ka'bah in Makkah.
This prohibition preserves tawhid (monotheism) and prevents practices resembling those of earlier nations who fell into idolatry through grave worship.
Prohibition of Sitting on Graves
Sitting on graves shows disrespect to the deceased and violates the honor due to them. The dead possess dignity and should not be treated with contempt or disregard.
This teaching instills proper etiquette toward burial sites and prevents actions that may cause distress to the deceased's family or demonstrate irreverence.
Scholarly Commentary
Imam an-Nawawi explains this hadith establishes two distinct prohibitions: one concerning acts of worship (prayer direction) and another concerning general behavior (sitting on graves).
Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani notes these prohibitions serve to distinguish Islamic practice from pre-Islamic customs and prevent any means that could lead to excessive veneration of the dead.
Practical Application
Mosques and prayer areas should be situated away from gravesites to avoid any confusion regarding prayer direction.
Muslims should maintain graves with respect but avoid any actions that might resemble worship or disrespect, including sitting, stepping on, or leaning against graves.