95- Ruling on making Tawaf around graves
Q: What is the ruling on making Tawaf (circumambulation) around graves and invoking Allah there? It is worth mentioning that this practice is common in some specific locations.
A: Tawaf is one of the best forms of "Ibadah (worship) that must be dedicated to Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) Alone. Also, Tawaf is not to be made around anything other than the Ka'bah. Besides, whoever makes Tawaf around graves aiming at drawing close to their dwellers commits an act of Shirk (associating others with Allah in His Divinity or worship). The same ruling applies to invoking the dwellers of graves, seeking their protection, and offering them vows. On the other hand, making Tawaf around graves while intending to draw close to Allah (Exalted be He) and thinking that doing so is permissible is a Bid`ah (innovation in religion) and Munkar (that which is unacceptable or disapproved of by Islamic law and Muslims of sound intellect). Whoever indulges in this practice has to make Tawbah (repentance to Allah) though they are not considered Mushriks (those who associate others with Allah in His Divinity or worship). Performing Tawaf around graves aiming at drawing close to their dwellers to obtain their Shafa`ah (intercession), or vowing or offering sacrifices for the latter is an act of major Shirk (associating others with Allah in His Divinity or worship that takes the Muslim out of Islam). The same applies to addressing the deceased with statements like: "O my master! Protect me, cure the ill, or grant me your help!"
[Vol. 2, Page No. 350]
