What is Ziyarat/Pilgrimage?

 

1. What is Ziyarat?

"Ziyarat" (زيارة) is an Arabic word that means visiting, meeting, or visiting sacred places or graves.

From an Islamic perspective, Ziyarat refers to visiting the graves or historically significant places of Allah’s beloved and pious servants with reverence, in order to strengthen one's faith (iman), God-consciousness (taqwa), and spiritual development.

2. Types of Ziyarat:

1) Ziyarat of Ka'ba Sharif, Rawdah Sharif, and Holy Sites:

·         Ziyarat of Ka'ba Sharif:

Visiting the Ka'ba Sharif in accordance with Islamic injunctions is known as Hajj.

Since Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam, the importance and supremacy of visiting the Ka'ba Sharif is evident.

·         Ziyarat of Rawdah Sharif:

Located in Madinah Sharif, this city holds immense importance for several reasons — especially because it is the residence and resting place of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

Visiting the Rawdah Sharif is a highly meritorious act, a means of attaining nearness to Allah, and a path of spiritual enhancement.

Some scholars have even stated that for capable individuals, visiting Rawdah Sharif is nearly obligatory (wajib).

The Prophet (PBUH) himself encouraged people to visit his grave, and those who are capable but neglect it are referred to as "inhuman".

Prophet (PBUH) said:

“Whoever visits me will be counted among my neighbors on the Day of Judgment.”

— Mishkat

He also said:

“Whoever performs Hajj and then visits my grave is as if he visited me while I was alive.”

— Mishkat

Another narration says:

“Whoever visits my grave, it becomes my duty to intercede for him.”

— Fathul Qadeer, Mu’allimul Hujjaj, p. 333–334

When visiting the Prophet’s Rawdah Sharif, one should recite the following:

As-salamu 'alayka ya Rasulullah, As-salamu 'alayka ya Aba Bakr, As-salamu 'alayka ya Umar

·         Ziyarat of other sacred places:

Makkah and Madinah have many mosques, mountains, wells, and locations associated with the Prophet (PBUH) and his companions (RA).

Visiting these places, with the intention of spiritual inspiration, is considered a meritorious act.

2) Ziyarat of Graves of Righteous Individuals and Ordinary Muslims:

·         Grave visitation: Considered a Sunnah in the Muslim Ummah, especially visiting the graves of the Prophet (PBUH), Sahabah, Awliya (saints), and pious believers.

·         Mazar visitation: In many countries, people visit the shrines of saints (Pirs and Awliya).

If done within the bounds of Sharia, it can be a form of worship.

·         Local ziyarat: Some people visit historical and Quranic locations like Badr, Uhud, Karbala, and Jannat al-Baqi for spiritual reflection.

3. Hadiths Regarding Grave Visitation:

·         Hadith 1 (Sahih Muslim 977): “I had previously forbidden you from visiting graves, but now you may do so, for it reminds you of the Hereafter.”

·         Hadith 2 (Musnad Ahmad, Tabarani): “Whoever visits me (the Prophet), I will intercede on his behalf.”

·         Another narration (Bayhaqi): “Whoever visits the grave of their parents or either of them on Fridays, will be forgiven and counted among those who served their parents.”

·         Note: The Arabic term Rawdah (روضة) means garden, meadow, or greenery.

The word Mazar (مزار) means a place of visitation.

The Quran says (Surah Baqarah 2:154):

“Do not say of those who are killed in the path of Allah that they are dead. Rather, they are alive, but you do not perceive it.”

4. Purpose and Benefits of Ziyarat:

Visiting the graves of righteous and ordinary Muslims serves the following purposes:

Purpose	Explanation
Spiritual uplift	Visiting the graves of pious individuals purifies the soul
Reflection	Seeing graves reminds one of death and deters from sin
Supplication	Praying for the dead is a rewarding act in Islam
Love and respect	Showing respect for Allah’s beloved is a sign of strong faith

Hadith (Hakim): “Visit the graves, for it softens the heart and promotes righteous deeds. It makes the eyes weep and reminds one of the Hereafter.”

Another Hadith: “Visit the graves, for it lessens the love for this world and reminds you of the Hereafter.”

5. Etiquettes of Ziyarat:

Things to do:

·         Offer Salam (e.g., "As-salamu 'alaykum ya ahl al-qubur")

·         Remember death and the Hereafter

·         Recite Quran (e.g., Surah Fatiha, Yasin, Ikhlas)

·         Make du’a for the deceased: اللهم اغفر لهم وارحمهم وعافهم واعف عنهم

(O Allah, forgive them, have mercy on them, protect them, and pardon them)

Things to avoid:

·         Prostrating at the grave or shrine

·         Kissing the grave or walls

·         Calling directly upon the deceased for help

·         Engaging in music, frivolous acts, or innovations (bid'ah)

6. Ziyarat of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH):

·         While visiting Masjid an-Nabawi, many Muslims also visit the blessed tomb of the Prophet (PBUH) in Madinah.

·         Recite salutation:

As-salamu 'alayka ya Rasulullah, As-salamu 'alayka ya Nabi Allah, As-salamu 'alayka ya Habib Allah

(Peace be upon you, O Messenger of Allah. Peace be upon you, O Prophet of Allah. Peace be upon you, O Beloved of Allah.)

7. Regarding Women Visiting Graves:

·         Many scholars say that women may visit graves if it is for reflection and spiritual benefit, while maintaining proper hijab and etiquette.

·         Others discourage it under certain circumstances due to emotional sensitivity or potential impropriety.

Conclusion:

Ziyarat is a noble, spiritual, and culturally significant practice in Islam. If conducted within the boundaries of Sharia, it becomes an act of worship and a means to enhance faith.

However, it must not lead to grave worship, superstition, or innovation (bid’ah). Caution, knowledge, and sincerity are essential when undertaking Ziyarat.