copied off an email received from the Jamiatul Ulama - KZN

1. Hazrat ibn Abbas (Radiallahu anhuma) narrates, Rasulullah (Sallallahu alayhi wasallam) passed by some graves in Madinah, he turned his attention towards them and said, "Peace be upon you O' dwellers of the grave, may Allah forgive us and you - you have preceded us to the grave and we are following in your footsteps. (Mishkaat)

2. Rasulullah (Sallallahu alahi wa sallam) said, " I initially prohibited you from visiting graves, you may visit them (from now), for it certainly creates abstemiousness for the world and reminds one of the hereafter. " (Mishkaat)

3.Rasulullah (Sallallahu alahi wa sallam) said, "Whosoever visits the grave of his parents, or one them, every Friday, his (minor) sins are forgiven and he will be counted amongst the righteous. (Mishkaat)

Commentary: Due to our absorption and indulgence in day to day activities the Sunnah practice of visiting the graveyard has become somewhat non-existent. We learn from hadith the great virtues and benefit of this practice. Visiting the graveyard not only earns reward and pardon but also serves as an effective reminder of our final abode, destination and life after death. Reminding oneself of death helps to bring about a balance in one's life, preventing one from over indulging in worldly pursuits and futile exercises. Furthermore visiting the graveyard is also a source of benefit and happiness for the deceased.