Is there a merit to standing before the Prophet's grave (peace and blessings be upon him) to greet and pray for him, for which one should strive, and what are the proofs for that?

Visiting the grave of the Prophet (peace be upon him) and greeting him and his two companions is among the desirable acts of proximity [to God], but it must be an act of worship directed to Allah alone, and the visitor must believe that the Prophet possesses no power to benefit or harm himself or others.

Etiquette of Visiting: 1. Legitimate Standing: Intending to draw near to Allah by visiting the grave and greeting him. 2. Avoiding Innovations: Avoiding supplicating the Prophet, or asking him for needs, or seeking intercession through him, or facing the grave to supplicate there. 3. Not Prolonging the Stay: Do not prolong standing at the grave, as this is contrary to the guidance of the righteous predecessors. 4. Manner of Greeting: Stand facing the grave and say: "Peace be upon you, O Prophet, and the mercy and blessings of Allah. O Allah, send Your peace and blessings upon him, and reward him on our behalf with the best reward You have given to a Prophet on behalf of his nation." Then take one step to your right and greet Abu Bakr, then take another step and greet Umar, then depart. 5. Not Undertaking a Journey Specifically for the Visit: The correct view among scholars is that undertaking a journey is for visiting the Prophet's Mosque, and visiting the grave is secondary to it. The greetings of someone far away are conveyed by angels, and the prayers of the nation reach the Prophet wherever they may be.

Legitimate and Innovative Visits: Legitimate: Is with the intention of greeting him without performing prayers or supplication at his grave. Innovative: Is with the intention of supplicating the dead and asking them for needs, or believing that supplication at the grave is superior, or swearing by them to Allah, and this is forbidden.

Warnings: Do not turn the Prophet's grave into a festival (a place repeatedly visited for worship). Do not exaggerate in glorifying the Prophet at his grave; the Companions did not do this. Do not follow innovative customs in visiting, such as supplicating at the grave or facing the grave with a bowed head. The glorification of the Messenger is through loving him and following him outwardly and inwardly, not through an illegitimate visit.