Riyad Us-Saliheen (Gardens of the Righteous)

Chapter 348
Prohibition of Plastering and Building over the Graves

1767. Jabir (May Allah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) 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.