What to Say When Visiting The Graves
Imam An-Nawawi states that it is loved that one visit the graves of the Muslims especially the people who were known for of spiritual virtue (fadl) and goodness (khayr). He states that one should recite much Qur’an as well as perform ritual dhikr. He also states that du’aa (supplication) should be made for the people of the grave one is visiting, the rest of those around him, and of the Muslims. In fact he wrote an entire chapter regarding the different words and actions one should say or perform at the grave. ((See Al-Adhkaar page 235 Editor: Suba’y Hamza Haakimi ))
He records that the Prophet Muhammad used to say when visiting the graveyards,
عن عائشة رضي اللّه عنها، قالت: كان رسول اللّه صلى اللّه عليه وسلم كلّمَا كان ليلتُها من رسول اللّه صلى اللّه عليه وسلم يخرجُ من آخر الليل إلى البقيع فيقول: ”السَّلامُ عَلَيْكُمْ دَارَ قَوْمٍ مُؤْمِنينَ، وَأتاكُمْ ما تُوعَدُونَ، غَداً مُؤَجَّلُونَ، وَإنَّا إنْ شاءَ اللَّهُ بِكُمْ لاحقُونَ؛ اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لأهْلِ بَقِيعِ الغَرْقَدِ
‘A’ishah reported that on her night with Rasulullah he would go out at night to Al-Baqi’ (the Medinan Graveyard) and would say,
“As-Salaamu ‘Alaykum abode of the believers. What was promised has come to you. Insha’allah we shall be with you soon. Oh Allah! Forgive the people of Baqi’ Al-Gharqad.” ((Sahih Muslim 974, An-Nasaa’i 493 ))
Imam An-Nawawi reports nearly the same thing from Abu Hurayrah:
عن أبي هُريرة رضيَ اللّه عنه أن رسول اللّه صلى اللّه عليه وعلى آله وسلم خرج إلى المقبرة فقال: ”السَّلامُ عَلَيكُم دَارَ قَوْمٍ مُؤْمِنِينَ، وإنَّا إنْ شاءَ اللَّهُ بِكُمْ لاحِقُونَ”
Abu Hurayrah reports that Rasulullah would state when going to the graveyard, “As-Salaamu ‘Alaykum abode of the believers. Certainly, insha’allah, we shall be with you soon.” ((Reported by Abu Daawud 3237, Ibn Maajah and An-Nasaa’i : Al-Haafith stated ‘It is also reported by Muslim in a very long narration.’ )) Similar was reported from Ibn ‘Abbas and others by Imam At-Tirmidhi with the wording , “…يَغْفِرُ اللَّهُ لَنا وَلَكُمْ، Allah forgive us and you…”. Imam An-Nasaa’i adds: أسألُ اللَّهُ لَنَا ولَكُمُ العافيَةَ “…I ask Allah for us and you for pardon…”.
There are many different narrations that can be implemented. The point is that the scholars agree that it is recommended to visit the graves, “Because it reminds one of death” ((See Al-Majmu Sharh Al-Muhadhdhab Nawawi/Abu-Is-Haaq Shiraazi )). Visiting the graves should cause one to reflect upon the realities of this world and the next. That everything save Allah is in fact baatil. The benefits of visiting the graves are obvious for those who reflect. Oh Allah send your Blessings on our beloved Nabi Muhammad, his family, and followers Amin!
what is the proof to recite quran at graveyard. the hadith mentioned only specifies dua.
i have been told that it is dislikes to recite quran in graveyard