The Shrines of Saints… Centers of Guidance

Islamic brethren! The shrines, monasteries, and centers of the religious elders are hubs of guidance, springs of spiritual blessings and grace, and are among the Symbols of Allah. Respecting and honoring them is obligatory upon every Muslim. From the first three golden generations until today, Muslims have continuously been visiting the shrines of saints to receive spiritual grace and solace. Visiting these shrines is included in the visitation of graves, which is not prohibited in essence; rather, it is proven by the Hadith. Hazrat Abdullah bin Buraidah (رضی اللہ عنہ) narrates from his father that the Prophet of Mercy, Mustafa ﷺ, said: “I had forbidden you from visiting graves, but now visit them!” (Sahih Muslim)

Those resting in these shrines are the beloved saints of Allah, His righteous servants, and those accepted in His court. Muslims supplicate to Allah, seeking the fulfillment of their needs through their intercession (wasila), believe that by divine grant they have some authority in the universe, and thus attain their heart’s desires. Holding such beliefs about the saints is perfectly in accordance with the Shari’ah, and there is no religious objection to it. However, the belief that the Prophets or saints independently or permanently control the system of the universe, or that Allah cannot run this system without their partnership or help, is pure disbelief and polytheism (Shirk). One who holds such a belief is a polytheist (Mushrik), an apostate (Murtad), and deserving of Hell!!

Causes of Superstitions at the Shrines

Respected beloved ones! It has always been the practice of evil-minded and anti-Islamic forces to instigate superstitions and religiously forbidden acts at the sacred places and Symbols of Muslims, in order to defame them. The aim is to erase the grandeur and respect for these places from the hearts of the new generation of Muslims. This is why today, at the shrines of our great saints and religious elders, superstitions and un-Islamic practices are being openly committed. In the vicinity of these shrines, centers of obscenity, nudity, and gambling are being established. Gatherings involving alcohol consumption, dance and music, cannabis, charas, and drum-beating are being arranged, yet there is no one to hold them accountable! Government officials, neglecting their duty for a bribe of fifteen hundred rupees, are equally complicit in this crime. As a result, these springs of guidance and spiritual grace are losing their importance and benefit!!

Similarly, some immoral and corrupt so-called ‘Pirs’ and their ignorant followers, due to their distance from religious knowledge, engage in absurd superstitions and forbidden practices at the shrines. These include circumambulating the shrines, performing prostrations of respect, intermingling of men and women, unnecessarily offering ceremonial covers (chadars) accompanied by drums, performing dances, making vows and lighting lamps on graves, constructing fake shrines and venerating them, and arranging gatherings for cannabis and charas.

Therefore, let it be clear to all, that these matters are purely the personal actions and misdeeds of those people, which lead to Hell. The true creed of Ahl-us-Sunnah wal-Jama’ah has no connection with such corrupt and ignorant people and their actions. Despite thousands of books of the Quran, Hadith, and our elders bearing just witness to the prohibition and evil of these matters, some people attribute these superstitions to the account of the Ahl-us-Sunnah wal-Jama’ah creed, launching criticism and trying to mislead simple-minded Muslims. This is sheer injustice and academic dishonesty, which does not befit any knowledgeable person!

Circumambulating the Shrines of Saints and Kissing Them

Honorable assembly! Among the superstitions that have become very common at the shrines of saints is circumambulating them and kissing them. According to the true creed of Ahl-us-Sunnah wal-Jama’ah, circumambulating the shrines of saints with the intention of showing respect, or kissing them, is prohibited. The Imam of Ahl-us-Sunnah, Imam Ahmad Raza Khan (رحمة الله عليه), prohibiting this, states: “Circumambulating a shrine, if done purely with the intention of respect, is impermissible; because respect through circumambulation is specific to the Ka’bah. The shrine should not be kissed; scholars differ on this, but it is better to avoid it, and in this lies greater etiquette!” (Fatawa Razawiyyah)

Etiquettes of Visiting Shrines

Beloved ones! The ruling prohibiting kissing graves and circumambulation is not limited only to the shrines of saints; rather, this ruling also includes the shrines of the Prophets. Our brothers who, after performing Hajj or Umrah, go to Madinah Munawwarah to visit the Sacred Court (of the Prophet ﷺ), and upon arriving in front of the blessed chamber (Muwaajaha), remain searching for an opportunity to kiss or touch the golden grilles of the Blessed Tomb (Rauza-e-Anwar), should know that doing so is contrary to etiquette and is prohibited. Explaining the etiquettes of visiting the Sacred Court, Imam Ahmad Raza Khan (رحمة الله عليه) said: “Beware! Avoid kissing or touching the blessed grille! For it is against etiquette. Rather, do not go closer than four arms-lengths distance from it. Is His mercy so little that He called you to His presence? He granted you a place in front of His Most Sacred Countenance!” (Fatawa Razawiyyah)

At another place, he further guided: “Do not perform circumambulation of the Blessed Tomb (Rauza-e-Anwar), neither prostrate, nor bow to the extent of Ruku’! The respect for the Messenger of Allah ﷺ lies not in excessive bowing, but in obeying Him (i.e., following his commands and guidance).” (Fatawa Razawiyyah)

Prostration of Respect (Sajda-e-Ta’zeemi)

Respected assembly! Among the superstitions ongoing at the shrines of saints by some ignorant people is the “Prostration of Respect.” Prostrating at the shrine of one’s Pir, Murshid, or any saint with the intention of respect is forbidden (Haraam) and a major sin. If done with the intention of worship, it is disbelief and polytheism. Even if there is no intention of either, it is still prohibited because it resembles idolatry and is similar in form to prostration.

Regarding prostration of respect for a Pir or Murshid, in answer to a question, Imam Ahmad Raza Khan (رحمة الله عليه) said: “O Muslim! O follower of the Shari’ah of Mustafa ﷺ! Know and be certain! That prostration is for none but Allah – Exalted is His Majesty. Prostration of worship to other than Him is, by consensus, subtle polytheism and clear disbelief. And prostration of greeting (respect) is also definitively forbidden and a major sin.” (Fatawa Razawiyyah)

At another place, he further stated: “Prostration of worship to other than Allah is Shirk. Prostration of respect is not Shirk but it is Haraam, it is a major sin. Its prohibition is proven by Mutawatir Hadiths and Mutawatir texts of Fiqh. We have narrated forty Hadiths in our Fatawa proving its prohibition, and the number of Fiqhi texts is countless.” He also mentioned, “It is stated in Fatawa ‘Aziziyyah that there is a consensus of the Ummah on its prohibition.” (Fatawa Razawiyyah)

Bringing Ceremonial Covers (Chadars) with Drums for the Shrine

Respected beloved ones! At some places, followers and devotees bring ceremonial covers (chadars) for the shrine on the occasion of a saint’s Urs (death anniversary), accompanied by drums and celebratory dances. These covers are often very expensive. A procession forms around it, with devotees holding it from all sides. In front of the cover, some immoral youth dance to the beat of the drum. This practice is extremely objectionable, un-Islamic, and one of the superstitions prevalent at shrines.

The Pure Shari’ah does not permit the use of drums at all. As for the unnecessary layering of covers, it is nothing but a superfluous act. Imam Ahmad Raza Khan (رحمة الله عليه), stating the Shari’ ruling regarding unnecessarily offering covers, says: “When a cover is already present, and it is not yet old or damaged requiring replacement, then offering a cover uselessly is wasteful (Fuzool). Rather, the money spent on it should be given to a needy person for the transfer of reward (Isal-e-Sawab) to the blessed soul of the Saint (Wali Allah).” (Fatawa Razawiyyah)

Constructing Fake Shrines, Using Cannabis/Charas, and its Trade

Honorable assembly! One of the superstitions committed in the name of the shrines of saints is constructing fake shrines, venerating them, using them as a cover for consuming cannabis and charas, and running their trade. This is a highly condemnable act, that one uses the shrines of saints as support to run their illegal and un-Islamic business!! The Auqaf Department should take immediate notice of this, shut down such absurd businesses operating under the guise of shrines, and give the responsible parties their due punishment so that no one dares to commit such degenerate acts in the future!

Stating the Shari’ ruling regarding fake shrines, Imam Ahmad Raza Khan (رحمة الله عليه) said: “Constructing a fake shrine and treating it like a real one (i.e., giving it respect and veneration) is impermissible and an innovation (Bid’ah)!” (Fatawa Razawiyyah)

Intermingling of Men and Women and Lack of Modesty at Shrines

Beloved ones! Among the common superstitions at the shrines of saints is the intermingling of men and women and the lack of modesty (Hijab). There is often a huge crowd of unveiled women at the shrines. It is often observed that, due to their lack of understanding and unawareness of essential religious teachings, they do not refrain from committing un-Islamic acts at the shrines. They should never leave their homes without a legitimate religious need and without a Mahram (male guardian), and should ensure complete adherence to the commandments of Shari’ah!

Regarding women’s attendance at shrines, Imam Ahmad Raza Khan (رحمة الله عليه), in answer to a question, said: “Do not ask whether it is permissible for women to go to shrines or not? Rather, ask how many curses befall such a woman from Allah? And how many from the person in the grave? The moment she intends from her home, the curses begin, and until she returns, the angels curse her!” He also cited the Hadith: “Allah has cursed the women who visit graves.” (Sunan Ibn Majah)

Lighting Lamps on the Shrines of Saints or Muslim Graves Without Need

Honorable assembly! Nowadays, lighting lamps, candles, or incense sticks on the shrines of saints or on the graves of loved ones in cemeteries has become a common practice. This is also one of the superstitions related to the elders or Muslim graves. Some people think that by lighting a lamp at the shrine, their vowed wish will be fulfilled. Similarly, some believe that it provides comfort to the deceased and illuminates their grave. This is entirely based on ignorance, innovation (Bid’ah), and superstition. Imam Ahmad Raza Khan (رحمة الله عليه), quoting Allamah Abdul Ghani Nabulsi (رحمة الله عليه), writes: “Taking candles towards graves is an innovation and a waste of wealth. This is all in the case when (lighting the lamp) is completely devoid of any benefit.” (Fatawa Razawiyyah)

Hanging Garlands on Trees or Vines and Making Vows

Respected beloved ones! Often, among the common people, a false notion becomes popular about a specific place, like a tree, wall, or vine, that a certain martyr or elder resides there. Without thinking, people start hanging garlands and flowers, burning incense, making vows, having Fatiha recited, and making offerings. This is an extremely irresponsible and ignorant act. Imam Ahmad Raza Khan (رحمة الله عليه), in answer to a similar question, states: “All these (matters) are absurdities, superstitions, and ignorant foolishness and nonsense. Their removal is necessary.” (Fatawa Razawiyyah)

Final Word

My dear friends, brothers, and elders! Whether a person is a Pir or a follower, no matter how seemingly miraculous he might be, if he does not adhere to the Shari’ah commandments concerning the shrines of saints, and does not refrain from committing disliked and forbidden acts in the name of love and devotion, then this is his personal action, which cannot be justified or deemed permissible in any way. However, based on this, declaring visiting shrines as forbidden and labeling them as centers of disbelief and polytheism is also sheer injustice and excess. Just as we do not stop going to every street and market despite the abundance of un-Islamic activities there, how can we turn away from these springs of guidance and spiritual grace because of some ignorant people?! Nevertheless, we can certainly request those in authority and the custodians (Gadi Nasheen) of these shrines and monasteries to use their respective powers to ensure the eradication of un-Islamic practices and superstitions at and around the shrines of saints; so that people seeking spiritual peace can worship and engage in spiritual practices with peace of mind and concentration, and benefit from the gracious gaze of these sacred personalities.

Dua

O Allah! Grant us the love of the religious elders and the beloved saints. Grant us the ability to respect and honor them. Bestow upon us the fortune of visiting their shrines with etiquette. Guide those who commit un-Islamic acts in the name of the saints. Make the custodians of these shrines adherents to the commandments of Shari’ah. Grant them the ability to follow in the footsteps of their predecessors.

O Allah! Purify our inner and outer selves from all impurities. Grant us the ability to reform our lives according to the Quran and Sunnah, acting upon the guidance of Your Noble Beloved ﷺ. Grant us the sincerity of true love and obedience for the Master of both worlds ﷺ and the noble Companions.

O Allah! Keep us loyal to the religion of Islam. Make us true, steadfast, and practicing lovers of the Prophet. Create an atmosphere of unity in our ranks. Make us regular in performing the five daily prayers in congregation; save us from laziness and slackness in this. Grant us the wealth of sincerity in every good deed. Grant us the ability to perform all obligatory and necessary duties in the best manner. Protect us from stinginess and miserliness. Grant us the ability to help the poor and needy cheerfully.

Grant us the fortune to serve and protect our country and nation. Strengthen our mutual unity, harmony, love, and affection. Grant us the ability to act correctly upon the commandments of Shari’ah. Accept our prayers in Your Court of the Helpless. We ask You for Your mercy, we seek forgiveness from You, we seek safety and deliverance from every sin, we ask You for all that is good. Remove our sorrows, pay off our debts, cure our sick, and fulfill our needs!

O Lord! Put blessings in our lawful sustenance. Always protect us from being dependent on the creation. Grant us the ability for true worship accompanied by Your love and obedience. Make our hearts soft and our chests broad for Your creation. O Divine! Make our character good and our works excellent. Accept our good deeds. Protect us from all sins. Grant freedom to our Palestinian and Kashmiri Muslim brothers and sisters who are victims of the oppression and barbarism of the disbelievers. Protect the life, wealth, honor, and dignity of the Muslims of India. Resolve their problems with goodness and blessings for them! Amen, O Lord of the worlds!

And may Allah, the Exalted, send prayers upon the best of His creation and the light of His Throne, our Master, our Prophet, our Beloved, and the apple of our eyes, Muhammad, and upon his family and all his companions, and send blessings and peace. And all praise is for Allah, the Lord of the worlds.