What is the ruling on visiting the graves of the Ahl al-Bayt, such as Hussein and Sayyida Zaynab, and dedicating Friday night to praying for them and reciting al-Fatiha for them? And what is the legal text that supports prohibiting that?
The permissible etiquette for visiting graves and the ruling on forbidden visits have been clarified in previous fatwas. If visitors say, "O Allah, send prayers upon them," this is a beneficial supplication for the deceased, as it is proven that the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, supplicated with the word "salat" (prayer) for others. As for performing the funeral prayer at graves, it is permissible for those who missed the prayer, provided that no more than a month has passed since the burial. This is the opinion of the majority of scholars. Regarding the recitation of Al-Fatihah and dedicating its reward to the deceased, scholars have differed on whether the reward of reciting the Qur'an reaches the deceased, and its details are found in other fatwas.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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