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832 Are we allowed to put flowers on a grave? Reason for this question is that I have recently been handed documentation produced by Shaykh Gibril F Haddad stating that it is Bid'at (innovation) to put flowers on graves and that it is not written anywhere in the Hadith that we are allowed to put flowers on a grave. Its stated that we can place two green stalks on a grave. is this true as someone has also mentioned that you can place a rose on the grave as the scent of a rose is from the Prophet (S.A.W)?
Imam al-Bukhari narrates (Book of Ablution; Hadith no. 211) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) once passed by two graves. He remarked, ‘they are both being punished in their graves; one of them never used to take due care when urinating and the other would tell-tale.’ The Prophet then took a twig from a date-tree, snapped it in two and inserted them on each grave. The Companions asked, ‘O Prophet of Allah! Why did you do that?’ He replied, ‘Perhaps their punishment will be lightened so long as the twigs do not dry.’

From this Hadith, we understand that the practice of placing plants at the graves is permissible, as proven from the actions of the Prophet. Sheikh Jibrael Haddad –a great modern scholar and outstanding Muhaddith- is perhaps referring to the practice when non-Muslims place bouquets of flowers on the grave, without actually planting them. This is a practice of no Islamic importance and significance and it is merely resembling their actions. Therefore, Muslims should plant flowers and plants at the graves, rather than merely placing them on top.

(Answered by: Alims at Islamic Centre, Leicester, UK.)
Category (Death / Doomsday / Graveyard)
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