For the one who sends salutations on the grave and those buried in it, it is befitting that he faces them just as he would face them when they were alive as stated by scholars. As for supplication, he should face the direction of the direction of the Ka’bah, and raise his hands whilst supplicating. Raising the hands whilst supplicating is well known wherein numerous narrations testify to this meaning and among them is this situation. Thus, the person should raise his hands and make a lengthy supplication for the deceased, making it purely and sincerely for him. This is from the things that he can do to benefit his brother and from the benefits of visiting the graves. From the benefits also is that it is a reminder of the Hereafter, he benefits his brother, takes a lesson and reminder. There is no specific supplication; rather, he supplicates for Forgiveness and Mercy for the deceased, and that he is pardoned, and the like. As for him supplicating for himself at the graveside, this is an innovation, so he is not to supplicate for himself at the graveside; rather he does this in other than this place so as not to think that this place is special or specific for supplication or that the deceased plays a part in his supplication being accepted. Hence just as prayer is forbidden in the graveyards, every other act of worship is also forbidden, like supplication for oneself, and reading the Qur’aan. All of this is innovation.
Question
Where does one stand when sending salutations to the deceased? Does one raise his hands whilst at the graveside supplicating for the deceased? Is there a specific supplication when sending salutations to the deceased? Is one allowed to supplicate for himself whilst at the graveside?
Answer