Visiting graves before Ramadan is a tradition that is far from taboo for Indonesian communities. Beyond sending prayers, a visit can serve as a reminder that death will come, at a time no one can know. So what is the ruling on this tradition in Islam? Is it obligatory, prohibited, or recommended?
The Ruling on Pre-Ramadan Grave Visits
Although it is a common practice in society, grave visits before fasting were once forbidden. However, this was not without reason. The prohibition arose because, in the past, many people who came to graves engaged in excessive behavior, such as shouting, striking their bodies, and weeping.
During the time of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), he also did not permit his companions to visit graves. At that time, the world was still in the age of jahiliyyah, so there was a risk of wrong beliefs arising, which could lead to shirk. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) feared that people might have improper intentions.
However, after he was assured of the faith of his companions, grave visits were finally permitted. In fact, today visiting graves is a recommended (sunnah) act for Muslims. Based on this, a pre-fasting visit can be made with the aim of sending prayers to the deceased so that they may find peace.
In general, visiting graves is recommended (sunnah). It is therefore not an obligation. Furthermore, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) also reminded that this practice is not limited to a particular time. This means Muslims may do it outside the month of Ramadan, on ordinary days, since the time for prayer is flexible.
Etiquette of Grave Visits Based on the Sunnah of the Prophet
Having understood the ruling on pre-Ramadan grave visits, you should also learn the etiquette to observe when coming to a grave. It is not strictly obligatory, but this etiquette is important and is in line with the sunnah of the Prophet. The following are these etiquettes:
1. Perform Ablution
The first etiquette of visiting a grave is to perform ablution. Many people think ablution is only for prayer. In fact, its benefits are not limited to that.
Even though you will visit a cemetery or graveyard, it is best to purify yourself beforehand. This can be done at home or at the nearest public restroom.
2. Offer Greetings
Once you arrive at the cemetery, be sure to offer greetings. The ruling on greeting the dead for visitors is recommended (sunnah), and this greeting is specifically for the residents of Muslim graves. It is also best to offer the greeting while facing the deceased.
3. Face the Qiblah
The third recommended etiquette for pre-fasting grave visits is to face the qiblah when praying. You may begin by reciting prayers for the deceased, as well as reciting tasbih, tahmid, takbir, and dhikr. In addition, some people also recite Surah Yasin when visiting graves.
4. Do Not Sit or Walk on Graves
Although the distance between graves is very narrow, visitors are not permitted to sit or walk on graves.
The ruling on sitting or walking on graves is prohibited (haram). Moreover, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) gave the comparison that it is better for a person to sit on hot embers than to sit on a grave.
In Islam, the living are obligated to continue honoring the dead. One way to do this is by not sitting or walking on graves. Passing beside a grave is better and more respectful. So, try to pass graves carefully.
5. Recite Passages from the Qur'an
Reciting passages from the Qur'an is also recommended for visitors while at the grave.
According to a narration by Al-Marwazi from Ahmad bin Hanbal, there are four surahs that you should at least recite. These surahs are Al-Fatihah, Al-Ikhlas, and Al-Mu'awwidhatain (Al-Falaq and An-Nas). Then, to conclude, you may recite Al-Fatihah.
The History of Tahlil
Having learned the ruling and etiquette of pre-fasting grave visits, you should also understand the history of tahlil. The event of death is certain. Everything that lives will surely die. This is a law of nature that humans cannot predict.
Through generations, the tradition of holding tahlil gatherings to commemorate loss is certainly familiar to you. Historically, tahlil emerged since Islam arrived in the land of Java.
This tradition takes place in sequence: on the seventh night, the fortieth day, the hundredth day, pendak pisan (one year), pendak pindo (two years), and up to the thousandth day after a person's death. Once these commemorations have ended, tahlil can be held periodically every year, more precisely on the same date and month as the loss.
The Purpose of Tahlil
As explained above, tahlil aims to send prayers for the deceased so they may receive forgiveness and the best place in the presence of Allah SWT. In its recitation, tahlil may be offered for one person only, or it may name several people who have passed away at the same time.
The Benefits of Tahlil
Meanwhile, purpose and benefit are different. If pre-fasting grave visits have benefits, then tahlil does too. Some of its benefits are as follows:
A. A Way to Pray for the Deceased
The first benefit of tahlil is that it serves as a means of sending prayers for the deceased. Usually, prayers are offered not by one person alone, but by several, with a religious leader often leading them. This is what makes tahlil more blessed and devout.
B. More Opportunities to Recite the Qur'an
Reading a story or a chat on WhatsApp feels easier, given that increasingly advanced technology has made people neglect reading the Qur'an. Well, through tahlil you can read the Qur'an in a more relaxed way, since several surahs are recited together during tahlil.
Such as Al-Fatihah, Yasin, and other short surahs. Through tahlil, you can also set aside time for recitation. It can be said that tahlil becomes a means for the community to gradually learn to recite the Qur'an.
C. Strengthening Ties Among Neighbors
The final benefit of tahlil is that it strengthens ties among neighbors. You should know that tahlil is mostly held together with a gathering of people. Indirectly, this togetherness can help neighborly relationships grow closer.
Beyond strengthening relationships, those who take part will also earn reward for joining in praying for the deceased.
Now That You Know the Ruling on Pre-Ramadan Grave Visits?
Having learned the explanation of the ruling and etiquette of pre-fasting grave visits, take the time to simply pray for those who have passed away. Meanwhile, if you need on demand funeral services, you may choose a funeral service provider from Kamboja.
Funeral services from Kamboja will help you manage all funeral arrangements completely and professionally, so that the family will not be burdened amid the grief they are going through. You can be assured of receiving the best service!
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The Kamboja team writes guides on bereavement, funeral arrangements and funeral planning to help families in Indonesia.
