The status of Visiting the Grave of Rasulullaah SAW.

Q: Ilm-12: The Ghayr Muqallideen say that it is not permissible to undertake a journey to visit the grave of Rasulullaah SAW. Is this correct? If so, what is the proof? What then is the opinion of the Ulema of Deoband on this issue?

Answer: The Ghayr Muqallideen are of the opinion that it is not permissible to undertake a journey to visit the grave of Rasuiullaah SAW. Their leader Moulana Noorul Hasan Khan wrote this in his book Urful jaadi (P5.257).
This is however not the view of the Ulema of Deoband. Their view is that visiting the grave of Rasulullaah SAW. is the best of all Mustahabbaat and close to Waajib (compulsory). Hadhrat Moulana Khaleel Ahmad Ambetwi RAH. states: "In our opinion and the opinion of our seniors, visiting the grave of Rasulullaah SAW. is amongst the best of all good deeds, the most important of all Mustahab acts and most effective in attaining high ranks. In fact, it is really close to Waajib (compulsory)." He states further that when embarking in the journey, one should make the intention of visiting the grave of Rasulullaah SAW. together with visiting the Masjid and other important sites. In fact, he says, the best is to do as Allaama lbn Humaam RAH. says when he stated that one should make the express intention of visiting Rasulullaah SAW.'s grave and then visit the Masjid when there. This shows more reverence to Rasulullaah SAW. and also complies better with the Hadith in which Rasulullaah SAW. says, "When a person comes to visit me with no motive other than visiting me, it becomes compulsory for me to interced for him on the Day of Qiyaamah.

Hadhrat Moulana Rasheed Ahmad Gangohi RAH. also states that it is best to intend visiting Rasulullaah SAW.'s grave when undertaking the journey. Hadhrat Moulana Husayn Ahmad Madani RAH. also concurs with this and states fufther: "Therefore, I am of the opinion that one should visit Madinah before Hajj and secure the medium of Rasulullaah SAW. to have one's Hajj or Umrah accepted. Although visiting the Masjid is also visited at the same time, the best is to visit with the express intention of visiting Rasulullaah SAW. so that one could concur with the Hadith that states: with no motive other than visiting me.?

Fatawa Rahimiyyah (Vol.1)