Chapter 348 - Prohibition of Plastering and Building over the Graves

Jabir said: The Messenger of Allah forbade that the graves should be plastered (made into permanent structures), used as sitting places (for the people) or building over them. [Muslim].

Commentary: We learn the following points from this Hadith:

1. The construction of permanent graves is sheer extravagance because they do not benefit the dead. This act is `disliked' and reaches the level of prohibition when graves are ornamented and embellished.

2. Sitting on the graves is a disliked act, as has been made clear in the previous Hadith.

3. It is such a respect for the dead which inclines people to Shirk. Construction of dome etc., over the graves have also the same effect.