At the Graveyard

Rasulullah (p.b.u.h.) encouraged visits to the graveyard primarily to remind us of our final abode and resting place. It is to bring fear into the heart of the day when every soul will stand for reckoning. In addition, it instills craving for the hereafter and makes one distance ones self from the love of this world which is temporary as opposed to the eternal life of the hereafter.

The visit to the graveyard is simple and void of any celebratory moods and fanfare. However the un-Islamic practices of some creates a kind of show. Recently a complaint was received that some people recite the Noble Quran loudly at the graveside – this causes disturbance to others wishing to offer duas, etc. at the respective graves. Therefore it’s best to recite for the deceased without disturbing others. In another instance, a person purchased flowers worth R 500.00 to place on the grave of a relative and this was done at the expense of his family – not having enough food at home. These acts should be avoided.