Here is a dua to recite when visiting graves, in Arabic, transliteration, and English translation.
Visiting graves can help us think about the afterlife and remember to live a good life. Just be sure to show respect and avoid saying things that might displease Allah, such as:
- Asking the person in the grave for help or guidance (instead of asking Allah)
- Calling out to the person as if they can hear you
- Assuming the person is definitely in Paradise (only Allah knows for sure)
Dua For Visiting Grave In Arabic
The dua for entering graveyard in Arabic Text is:
السَّلَامُ عَلَيْكُمُ أَهْلَ الدِّيَارِ مِنَ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ وَالْمُسْلِمِينَ وَإِنَّا إِنْ شَاءَ اللَّهُ بِكُمْ لَاحِقُونَ نَسْأَلُ اللَّهَ لَنَا وَلَكُمُ الْعَافِيَةَ
Dua For Visiting Grave Transliteration
The dua is transliterated as Assalaamu alaykum ahlad-diyaari, minal-mu’mineena walmuslimeena, wa ‘innaa ‘in shaa’ Allaahu bikum laahiqoona. Nas’alullaaha lanaa wa lakumul- ‘aafiyata.
Dua For Visiting The Grave In English
The duaa for visiting graves in English is Peace be upon you O people of the dwellings, believers and Muslims, In sha Allah we will join you, I ask Allah to keep us and you safe and sound.
It’s allowed to raise your hands when reciting this prayer because of a story about the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
One night, his wife ‘Aishah sent a servant to follow him and see where he went. The servant saw the Prophet stand at the graveyard in Madinah, raise his hands, and pray for the people buried there.
When ‘Aishah asked him about it in the morning, he explained that he was sent to pray for the people in the graveyard. This shows that raising hands during prayer is a permissible and meaningful gesture.
READ ALSO: Dua For Thunder In English, Arabic & Transliteration
Hadith Text
Sulaiman b. Buraida narrated on the authority of his father that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to teach them when they went out to the graveyard.
One of the narrators used to say this in the narration transmitted on the authority of Abu Bakr: ” Peace be upon the inhabitants of the city (i. e. graveyard).” In the hadith transmitted by Zuhair (the words are):”
Peace be upon you, the inhabitants of the city, among the believers, and Muslims, and God willing we shall join you. I beg of Allah peace for us and for you.”
Muslim 2:671, Ibn Majah 1:494
You should also supplicate in a manner that is easy for you, You may say:
O Allah forgive them, have mercy on them, O Allah do not deprive us of their rewards, and do not make them trials for us after they have gone, forgive us and them’.
Purpose Of Visiting The Graves
Visiting graves serves two purposes:
- For the visitor: Remembering death and the afterlife helps us reflect on our own destiny, whether we’ll end up in Paradise or Hell. This is the main reason for visiting graves.
- For the deceased: Visiting graves also benefits the person who has passed away. When we:
- Greet them with peace (salams)
- Make du’a (prayers) for them
- Ask for forgiveness on their behalf
Etiquette Of Visiting Graves
When visiting graves, remember to:
- Face the direction of the Ka’bah (in Mecca) when making du’a (prayers) for the deceased, not the grave itself. This is because the Prophet (peace be upon him) taught us not to face graves during prayer, and du’a is a central part of prayer.
- Remove your shoes when walking between the graves of Muslims. This shows respect and care for the deceased and their final resting place.”
You should not walk between the graves of the Muslims wearing your shoes.
It was narrated that ‘Uqbah ibn ‘Amir (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: “The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:
‘If I were to walk on hot coals or on a sword, or if I were to mend my shoes using my feet, that would be better for me than if I were to walk on the grave of a Muslim.
And it makes no difference to me if I were to relieve myself in the midst of the graves or in the middle of the market-place [i.e., both are equally bad].’”(Narrated by Ibn Majah, 1567)
The condition of people when visiting the graves
When people visit graves, their intentions can be categorized into four types:
- Recommended Visit: This type of visit serves as a reminder and lesson. Visitors supplicate for the deceased, asking Allah to forgive and have mercy on them, and reflect on their own mortality.
- Disapproved Innovation: Visitors supplicate for themselves and loved ones at the graveyard, believing it’s a more effective way to get their prayers answered.
- Forbidden Innovation: Visitors use the deceased as a medium to supplicate to Allah, saying, “I ask You through the status of so-and-so.” This approach can lead to polytheism.
- Major Polytheism: Visitors supplicate directly to the deceased, seeking help, aid, or assistance from them. This approach is considered a rejection of Islam’s core teachings.”