ভূমিকা

Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books The Shi'a and Their Beliefs The Building of Shrines The Sh:!a believe that it is permissible to erect building around the tombs and that it is recommended to build mosques and domes and shrines around the graves of the Prophet (N), the Pure Imams (a.s.), the faithful of the Prophet (N), and the great Islamic personalities. Indeed, this is considered to be one of the best ways of drawing near to Almighty Alla>h.

This is part of what is meant by Alla>h’s words: eAnd whoever magnifies the symbols of Alla>h it is surely of the piety of the heartsf173, and also his words regarding the youths of the cave: eAnd those who prevailed over their affair said: we shall surely build over them a place of worshipf174 This is also confirmed by traditions.

Building over tombs and graves was practiced by Muslims throughout the generations from the beginning of Islam, and the grave of the Prophet (N) in the holy city of Medina and the graves of the Imams (a.s.) and those of the righteous scholars in various Islamic lands are the best testimony to this.175 The Visiting of Graves The Sh:!a believe that is permissible, rather, meritorious to visit graves.

This is because the practise of visiting graves provides a lesson for those who wish to take heed or fear Alla>h. There are many traditions on this subject.176 Women and the Visiting of Graves The Sh:!a also believe that it is religiously recommended for women to enter the graveyard of Baq:! or other graves of Prophets, Imams, and righteous persons since women are equal to men in divine law except where there is a clear evidence to the contrary.

In this case there is no evidence to the contrary and in fact the evidence points to it being permissible.177 Prayer in the cemetery of Baqi! The Sh:!a also believe that prayer in the cemetery of Baq:!

or in the resting places of the Prophets or Imams and righteous persons is religiously recommended in Islam and that there is no evidence for the prohibition of this.178 Almighty Alla>h has said in the story of the people of the cave: eWe shall surely make over them a prayer placef179 Weeping and Mourning for Imam Husayn The Sh:!a believe in the permissibility, indeed, the merit of weeping for the tribulations of the Prophet (N) and his pure family (a.s.) and it is for this reason that they hold mourning ceremonies particularly for the martyred Imam .usayn ibn !Ali ibn Ab: ھ"lib (a.s.).