`Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her): reported Whenever it was her turn to spend with Messenger of Allah (PBUH), he used to go to the Baqi` (graveyard in Al-Madinah) at the last part of night and say, "May you be safe, O abode of the believing people. What you have been promised has come to you. You are tarried till tomorrow and certainly we shall follow you if Allah wills. O Allah, forgive the inmates of the Baqi`-al-Gharqad."[Muslim].
Commentary:
The example of Messenger of Allah (PBUH) shows that it is right to visit the graves even at night. But the visitor is required to pray the Prophetic prayer there as it invokes Divine blessing on and pardon to the dead. It may be emphasized here that to greet the dead is a prayer for them. It is not necessary that they should hear it and also respond to it. Allah has the power to make them hear it, too. But ours should not be the belief that the dead do hear and reply. The exact position is known to Allah Alone. We are only supposed to follow the example of Messenger of Allah (PBUH) and say the greeting and prayer as mentioned above.
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