The scholars of Medina under threat and compulsion gave...

The scholars of Medina under threat and compulsion gave replies to the questions of Shaykh as follows: أما البِناء على القبور فهو ممنوع إجماعاً لصحة الأحاديث الواردة في منعه ولِهذا افتى كثير من العلماء بوُجوب هَدمه مستندين بحديث عليُّ رضي الله عنه أنه قال: لأبي الهياد ألا ابعثُك على ما بعثتني عليه رسول الله (صلى الله عليه وأله) أن لا تدع تمثالاً إلا طمسته ولا قبراً إلا سوَّيته Construction over the graves is forbidden.

Based on some traditions proving its prohibition, a group have given verdict (fatwa) for the destruction of the same. In this matter they have made use of the tradition which Abu al-Hayyaj has narrated from ‘Ali (r). The latter told him - I am entrusting you with a work which the Messenger of God (s) had entrusted me with the same. Don't see any picture but that you erase it and don't see any grave but that you level it.

Shaykh Najdi in an article, which was published in the newspaper Umm al-Qura No. Jamadi al-thani 1345 AH, says: Construction of dome and structure was in vogue from 5th century AH. These are a few examples of the sayings of Wahhabis about renovation of graves and mostly they put forth two reasons in support of their sayings: Consensus of the scholars of Islam about its being prohibited. Tradition of Abu al-Hayyaj from Ali (‘a) and some other similar ones.

It should be known that our discussion at present is about renovation of graves and construction of bower or ceiling over them. However the matter of ziyara - visitation to graves - will be discussed separately. For making the matter clear, we will discuss this issue from three perspectives: What is the view of the Qur’an regarding this matter? Can we derive the judgement from the Qur’an?

Does the Islamic ummah in reality have consensus in its being prohibited or is it that in all the Islamic ages the matter was something else and renovation of graves and construction of house was in vogue during the period of the Holy Prophet (s) himself and his companions? What is the derivation of the tradition of Abu al-Hayyaj, Jabir, Umm Salama and Na’im which the Wahhabis utilise? A.

Qur’anic View-Point Regarding Renovation Of Graves The Qur’an has not directly passed a judgement about this matter but it is possible to derive its ruling from some of the relevant verses. The details follow. 1- Renovating and protecting the graves of the Prophets is nothing but paying respect to the Divine Rites.