Women Visiting The Grave

A Muslim female may visit the home of the deceased.

However, as regards to visiting the graveyard, Abdullah ibn Mas'ud RA narrates that Rasulullah SAW said:

"I used to stop you from visiting graves, (now) visit the graves for it creates abstention (against love) for the world and reminds of the hereafter." (Mishkaat)

From the above hadith, it is clear that visiting graves was initially prohibited for all (men and women), and thereafter the prohibition was abrogated.

However, with regard to females, Abu Hurairah RA narrates a hadith that Rasulullah SAW cursed women who visit the graveyards. (Mishkaat)

Aishah RA said to Rasulullah SAW:

"Oh Prophet of Allah, what should I say when visiting the graves?"

Rasulullah SAW said:

"Assalaamu Alaa ahlud diyaar minal mu'mineena wal muslimeena wayarhamu Allaahu al-mustaqdimeena minnaa wal must'akhireena, wa innaa inshaa'a Allaahu bikum lalaahiqoona."

While Rasulullah SAW taught Aishah RA the du'a when visiting the graves, he also cursed females from doing so.

The reason for prohibiting females from visiting graves is due to our corrupted environment in this age wherein women who do not adhere to the Laws of Hijab and hence strange men are attracted towards them. Therefore, it is not permissible for young females to visit the graveyard.

However, if the laws of the Shari'ah (hijab, intermingling, crying, etc.) are not violated, then the prohibition may be set aside. Since generally the women visiting the graves are not free from the above aspects, they should refrain from doing so. If a female visits the grave to remember death and soften without crying . there is nothing wrong if they are old. Young women must refrain from visiting graves.