Kitab At-Tauhid (The Oneness of Allah)

CHAPTER No: 21

Exaggeration in the Graves of the Righteous Persons

tends them to become Idols worshipped besides Allah

 

Imam Malik (May Allah be pleased with him) recorded in his book Muwatt ' that the Prophet (May the peace and blessing of Allah be upon him) said:

 

"O Allah! Never turn my grave into an idol to be worshipped. Allah's, wrath intensified on a people who turn their Prophet's graves into Masjid."

 

Concerning the verse:

 

 

      "Have you then considered Al-Lat and Al-Uzza."

(53:19)

Ibn Jarir (At-Tabari) reported from Sufyan, from Mansur, from Mujahid:

 

 

"He (Lat) used to serve the pilgrims by preparing Saweeq (fine flour of barley or wheat mixed with water and ghee) for them. After his death, the people began to stay and confine at his grave for the purpose of reward."

 

The same was reported by Abul-Jawza (May Allah be pleased with him) from Ibn Abbas (May Allah be pleased with him).

Ibn Abbas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:

 

"Allah's Messenger (May the peace and blessing of Allah be upon him) cursed the women who visit the graves. He (May the peace and blessing of Allah be upon him) also cursed those who set up mosques and lights over graves". [This Hadith has been confirmed by Abu Dawud, At- Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah and An-Nasa'i].

 

Important issues of the Chapter

 

1) Explanation of idols.

2) Explanation of worship.

3) The Prophet (May the peace and blessing of Allah be upon him) did not seek refuge in Allah except from that which he feared would occur.

4) The Prophet's joining this supplication i.e., "O Allah! Never turn my grave..." with taking the graves of Prophets as Masjid.

5) Mention of the intense wrath of Allah (on those who indulge in such activities).

6) Of most importance is the description as to how the worship of Lat, one of the major (pre-Islamic) idols, was started.

7) The knowledge that Lat was the grave of a righteous man.

8) Lat was the name of a person buried in that grave and the mention of the meaning behind (the idol) being named such.

9) Curse (of the Prophet (May the peace and blessing of Allah be upon him) ) on the women who visit the graves.

10) The Prophet's curse upon those who put up lights on the graves.