Prayers for Visiting Graves Before Ramadan Along with Their Meanings, Let's Review the Procedure

Kapanlagi.com - As the holy month of Ramadan approaches, the atmosphere in the cemetery becomes more lively. Many Muslims visit graves to pray for relatives and loved ones who have passed away. Often, families from out of town also participate, making the cemetery a gathering place full of memories. This tradition has deep roots in the religious culture of various regions, with varying names such as nyadran, nyekar, arwahan, or munggahan. All of this is done as a form of respect and a reminder of the importance of remembering those who have departed.

Visiting graves is not just a ritual, but also a means to contemplate the meaning of life and death. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) encouraged his followers to visit graves as a form of reflection and prayer. This activity is expected to enhance the solemnity in performing the upcoming fasting worship.

So, what is the correct procedure for visiting graves? What prayers should be recited? To answer these questions, we present a complete guide on prayers for visiting graves before Ramadan. Check out the sequence summarized from various sources by KapanLagi.com, Saturday (22/2).

1. Visiting Graves According to the Prophet Muhammad

Visiting graves before Ramadan is not just a tradition, but a practice rich with virtues in Islam. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) encouraged this activity, which not only benefits the visitors but also the souls that have departed.

Through this visit, we are reminded of the reality of death and the importance of preparing ourselves for the afterlife, while praying that the deceased receive mercy and forgiveness from Allah SWT. This activity also serves as a moment to strengthen family ties, especially when done together with family, and of course, it brings abundant rewards.

There is an interesting story where the Prophet Muhammad initially prohibited visiting graves, but later permitted it, as stated in a hadith narrated by Imam Muslim, Ahmad, Nasa'i, and others:

"I used to forbid you to visit graves, but now visit them, for indeed it softens the heart, sheds tears, and reminds one of the hereafter, and do not speak ill." quoted from NU Online.

2. Recommended Procedures for Visiting Graves

In order for grave visits to be in accordance with Islamic teachings, there are several etiquettes and procedures that must be observed. Quoted from merdeka.com, here are the recommended steps:

Procedures for Visiting Graves

• Sincere intention, solely seeking the pleasure of Allah and not due to misguided beliefs.
• Performing ablution before visiting, as a sign of personal purity before praying.
• Greeting the inhabitants of the grave, as taught by the Prophet Muhammad (SAW): "Assalamu’alaikum dara qaumin mu’minin, wa atakum ma tu’adun ghadan mu’ajjalun, wa inna insya-Allahu bikum lahiqun." (Meaning: Peace be upon you, O inhabitants of the graves of the believers. The promise of Allah that was delayed has come to you, and we, God willing, will follow you.)
• Reciting prayers for forgiveness for the deceased, asking for mercy for them.
• Reciting verses from the Qur'an, such as Al-Fatihah, Al-Ikhlas, Al-Falaq, and An-Nas.
• Avoiding excessive behavior, such as wailing or asking for something from the deceased.

3. Prayer for Visiting Graves According to Sunnah

Visiting graves is not just a ritual, but also a moment full of meaning that reminds us of the importance of praying for those who have passed away. In this solemn atmosphere, we are encouraged to recite beautiful and hopeful prayers.

The Prayer for Visiting Graves reads:

In Latin: Allahummaghfirlahu warhamhu, wa’afihi wa’fu’anhu, wa akrim nuzulahu, wa wassi’madkholahu, waghsilhu bil-ma’i wats-tsalji wal-baradi, wa naqqihi minal khataya kama yunaqqats-tsaubul abyadu minad-danas, wa abdilhu daran khairan min darihi, wa ahlan khairan min ahlihi, wa adkhilhul jannata, wa a’idzhu min ‘adzabil qabri wa ‘adzabin nar.

4. Recommended Reading Sequence in Cemetery Visits

• Recite Al-Fatihah three times.
• Recite Surah Al-Ikhlas three times.
• Recite Surah Al-Falaq and An-Nas.
• Recite Ayat Kursi to seek Allah's protection.
• Recite tahlil, tasbih, and tahmid.
• Offer a special prayer for the deceased.

By following this sequence, cemetery visits become more meaningful and provide greater spiritual benefits.

5. Questions About Cemetery Visits Before Ramadan

1. Is visiting graves before Ramadan obligatory?

Visiting graves is not an obligatory act of worship, but a recommended sunnah to remember death and pray for the deceased.

2. What are the benefits of visiting graves before Ramadan?

Visiting graves helps remind people of the afterlife, strengthens family ties, and brings rewards to those who do it.

3. Can women visit graves?

The majority of scholars permit women to visit graves as long as they do not excessively cry or wail.

4. How should the prayer for cemetery visits be correctly recited?

The prayer for cemetery visits should be recited facing the qibla, accompanied by prayers for forgiveness for the deceased and oneself.

(kpl/mni)