Q: What is the ruling on visiting the graves, especially of the Awliya' (pious people) as called in some neighboring Arab countries and reciting AlFatihah? Nevertheless, some admit that they do not intend Shirk (associating others with Allah in His Divinity or worship), but claim that if they do not visit them, they will come to them in a dream asking them, why they had not come? What is the ruling on this action? May Allah reward you best.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: Visit the graves for they remind you of the Hereafter. (Related by Imam Muslim in his Sahih [Authentic Hadith Book])It was reported also by Muslim in his Sahihon the authority of Buraydah ibn AlHusayb (may Allah be pleased with him) that he said: The Prophet (peace be upon him) used to teach his Sahabah (Companions) to say the following when visiting the graves: Assalamu ' alaykum (May Allah's Peace be upon you), dwellers of the abode, from believers and Muslims; and if Allah wills, we shall join you. I beg of Allah safety for us and you.
It was authentically reported on the authority of 'Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) that the Prophet (peace be upon him) used to say when visiting the graves: Assalamu 'alaykum (May Allah's Peace be upon you), dwellers of the abode, from believers and Muslims. May Allah have mercy upon those who have gone ahead of us, and those who come later on. [According to another narration he (peace be upon him) added: O Allah, forgive the people of Baqi' A lGharqad.]
He (peace be upon him) did not recite Surah (Qur'anic chapter) AlFatihah or any other Surah when visiting the graves. Reciting it at the time of the visit is Bid'ah (innovation in religion). The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: Anyone who introduces something into this matter of ours (Islam) that is not part of it will have it rejected. (Agreed upon by Imams AlBukhari and Muslim)
No doubt! Verily, the Auliyâ' of Allâh [i.e. those who believe in the Oneness of Allâh and fear Allâh much (abstain from all kinds of sins and evil deeds which he has forbidden), and love Allâh much (perform all kinds of good deeds which He has ordained)], no fear shall come upon them nor shall they grieve. Those who believed (in the Oneness of Allâh Islâmic Monotheism), and used to fear Allâh much (by abstaining from evil deeds and sins and by doing righteous deeds).