Islam is a complete code of life that guides every aspect of human existence. The Awliya (friends of Allah) are the pious servants of Allah who devoted their lives to worship, service, and spreading the message of Islam. Their sacrifices and contributions are cherished by the Muslim Ummah, which is why visiting their shrines has been a tradition for centuries. However, questions are often raised about the Islamic ruling on visiting the shrines of Awliya Allah—whether it is permissible, recommended, or prohibited. This article explains the matter in the style of Fatwa QA, clarifying its position in light of Islamic teachings.

Who Are the Awliya Allah?

The Awliya Allah are those who lived their lives in obedience to Allah and the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Allah describes them in the Qur’an:

“Indeed, the friends of Allah will have no fear, nor will they grieve.”
(Surah Yunus: 62)

This verse highlights the honor and rank of the Awliya in the sight of Allah.

The Islamic Ruling on Visiting the Shrines of Awliya Allah

According to Islamic scholars, the Islamic ruling on اولیاء اللہ کے مزارات پر حاضری is that it is permissible, provided the visit is within the limits of Shariah. Visiting such shrines is an expression of love and respect, but worship belongs only to Allah alone.

Permissible Practices:

1. Reciting the Qur’an and conveying its reward (Isal al-Thawab).
2. Making du’a to Allah, since supplication is directed only to Him.
3. Reflecting on the life and legacy of the Awliya to gain inspiration.

Impermissible Practices:

1. Believing that Awliya themselves fulfill needs or remove difficulties.
2. Directly asking them for help or sustenance.
3. Performing acts that involve shirk or innovations (bid’ah).

Therefore, visiting shrines with the intention of remembering Allah, reciting Qur’an, and learning from the lives of the righteous is allowed. But if one considers the saint himself as the fulfiller of needs, this is against Islamic teachings.

Fatwa QA Perspective

According to many Fatwa QA rulings, the Islamic ruling on visiting the shrines of Awliya Allah is that it is permissible as long as it does not involve any act of shirk. For example, Dar al-Ifta Ahl al-Sunnah (Barelvi school of thought) has clarified that visiting shrines, offering Fatiha, and making du’a are valid practices.

On the other hand, some scholars from different schools of thought warn against practices that may lead to shirk, such as seeking help directly from the deceased. Thus, the ruling depends on the intention and manner of the ziyarat (visit).

Benefits of Visiting the Shrines of Awliya Allah

1. Increase in spiritual awareness: Shrines remind believers of how Awliya lived lives of piety and sacrifice.
2. Reward for the deceased: Reciting Qur’an and offering du’a benefits the souls of the Awliya and others.
3. Self-reformation: Visitors are inspired to reform their lives by following the examples of the saints.
4. Inner peace: The atmosphere of remembrance of Allah at shrines often brings tranquility to the heart.

Addressing Misconceptions

A common misconception is that anyone visiting a shrine automatically engages in shirk. This is incorrect. In Islam, actions are judged by intentions. If the visitor prays to Allah alone and seeks His mercy, then it is permissible. But if they turn directly to the deceased for help, that is not allowed. Hence, scholars emphasize maintaining the right beliefs and etiquette.

Etiquettes of Visiting Shrines

1. The intention should be purely for Allah’s pleasure.
2. Greet the deceased with the prescribed Islamic salutation: “As-salamu ‘alaykum ya ahl al-qubur” (Peace be upon you, O people of the graves).
3. Recite Qur’an and make du’a, conveying reward to the deceased.
4. Do not treat the shrine as a place of worship or as a source of fulfilling needs.

Conclusion

In summary, the Islamic ruling on visiting the shrines of Awliya Allah is that it is permissible when observed within the framework of Shariah. Visiting shrines is a way to honor the righteous, seek inspiration, and pray for their souls. However, worship must remain exclusively for Allah, and acts leading to shirk must be avoided. According to Fatwa QA, the correct purpose of ziyarat is to seek Allah’s pleasure and strengthen one’s faith by remembering the lives of His beloved servants.