Q: After burying the dead, some people recite Surah (Qur'anic chapter) Yasin at the grave and put a plant such as aloe and plant the surface of the graves with barley or wheat, on the pretext that the Messenger (peace be upon him) put those on the graves of two of his fellows. What is the ruling on this act? H.A. AlDammam
A: It is not prescribed to recite Surah Yasin or any other Surah of the EverGlorious Qur'an over the grave during or after burial. The Prophet (peace be upon him) did not do this nor did the RightlyGuided Caliphs. Likewise, it is not permissible to pronounce Adhan (call to Prayer) or Iqamah (call to start the Prayer) at the graves, all this is Bid`ah (innovation in religion).
It is authentically reported that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: He who does any act for which there is no sanction from our behalf, that is to be rejected. (Related by Imam Muslim in his Sahih (authentic) Book).
Similarly, it is not permissible to plant trees on graves, whether aloe or barley or wheat. The Messenger (peace be upon him) did not do this at the graves nor did the RightlyGuided Caliphs (may Allah be pleased with them). However, he (peace be upon him) planted palm branches on the two graves about which Allah informed that their owners were being tormented; this act was particular for the Prophet (peace be upon him) and the two graves, for he did not do this for any one else. Muslims should not innovate good deeds that Allah (Exalted be He) has not prescribed, based upon the abovementioned Hadith.
Allah (Glorified be He) says: Or have they partners (with Allâh — false gods) who have instituted for them a religion which Allâh has not ordained? May Allah grant us success.