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The question

What is the ruling on visiting graves and praying in them? And is it permissible to attend a "wedding" held annually in Pakistan, where attendees believe that the deceased was a saint of God and can convey their prayers?

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Source: FtawySummarized from the full answer at Ftawy · imported Sep 2, 20261 min readAlso available in العربية
The answer

Visiting graves is divided into two types: a permissible and desirable visit for supplication and remembrance of the Afterlife, and an innovative (bid'i) visit, such as supplicating to the inhabitants of the graves or seeking their aid, which is major (polytheism).

As for praying at graves: If it is a funeral prayer (Salat al-), it is permissible. However, any other prayers, whether obligatory or supererogatory, are forbidden, due to the Prophet's (peace and blessings be upon him) prohibition of taking graves as places of worship and praying towards them.

As for the annual celebration (ʿurs) in the cemetery: It is not permissible to attend it if it involves unlawful acts of worship, sins, or the belief that the spirit of the saint (wali) is present, or if acts of worship are added to it, because it is considered an innovation (bidʿah).

As for seeking supplication from righteous people during their lifetime, it is permissible. However, after their death, it is not permissible because their deeds in this world have ceased, and it is a door to shirk. Therefore, it is not permissible to ask for that which only Allah Almighty can grant from any creature, whether living or dead.

Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · imported

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Where this answer came from
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Ftawy
Original fatwa ID
19721
Imported
Translation status
Source text, unreviewed
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