Is it permissible to write the name of the deceased on the grave for identification due to the large number of graves and their similarity?
The default ruling is that writing on graves is forbidden and impermissible. However, some scholars have permitted writing only the name out of necessity to identify the grave, a view held by the Hanafis and Al-Subki from the Shafi'is.
Sheikh Ibn Uthaymeen holds that writing to establish the name is permissible, but writing that resembles the actions of Jahiliyyah (pre-Islamic ignorance) by mentioning praise and commendation or Qur'anic verses is forbidden and must be removed.
Sheikh Hamad bin Abdullah Al-Hamad permitted placing the name as a marker to identify the grave when needed, if one cannot place any other marker, citing the action of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) in placing a stone to mark the grave of Uthman ibn Madh'oon.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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