The True Essence of Shrines (Mazar) According to the Qur'an, Hadith, and Sufism

Islam has both an external and an internal dimension—Shari'ah and Tasawwuf. Shari'ah teaches us the outward rules and regulations, while Tasawwuf guides us toward spiritual purification and nearness to Allah. One of the most discussed subjects in Tasawwuf is the "Mazar" (shrine)—which some consider merely a "grave", while others revere it as a "spiritual court" (Ruhani Darbar).

The Deeper Meaning of the Word ‘Mazar’

The word "Mazar" is composed of four Arabic letters:

"Meem (م)": Refers to Muhammad (Praised One)—he who is adorned with the Divine Essence and Attributes (Sifat), colored with the light (Nur) of Allah. That’s why flowers and rose water are offered at shrines, symbolizing beauty and fragrance of Divine presence.

"Zaa (ز)": Derives from "Zariyat" (flowing)—signifying a spiritual being who continuously calls towards the path of truth, being a means of benefit for humanity, eternal in influence.

"Alif (ا)": Symbolizes one who has annihilated themselves (Fana) in the Divine Presence and adopted the essence of Oneness with Allah.

"Ra (ر)": Denotes enlightenment and one who has received Divine provisions (Rizq) and spiritual treasures, standing as a witness for all ages.

That is why in Surah Aal-Imran (3:169), Allah says: “And do not think of those who are killed in the way of Allah as dead. Rather, they are alive with their Lord, receiving provision.”

When a person visits a Mazar, they must adopt the symbolism of these four letters, "Meem" Bowing one's head in humility, resembling prostration (Sajdah), recognizing the one who is colored in the Divine hue. "Zaa" Accepting signs and offering salutations with reverence. "Alif" Attaining purity and uprightness, reflecting spiritual alignment. "Ra" Achieving enlightenment and awakening Divine love within. At this moment, the visitor seeks nearness from the one enshrined, who has united with Allah in Divine Love and remains present spiritually.

1. Qur’anic Basis of Mazars

In Surah Al-Kahf (18:21), it is said: “Those who prevailed over their affair said: ‘We shall surely build a place of worship over them.’”

Context: Refers to the Companions of the Cave (Ashab al-Kahf).

Tafsir (Exegesis) Insights, Scholars like Imam Qurtubi and Ibn Kathir interpret this verse to affirm the Shari'ah-compliant practice of building sacred spaces in memory of spiritual figures. This serves as a foundational basis for the tradition of Mazars in Islam.

2. Reality of Visiting Graves in Light of Hadith

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “I had previously forbidden you from visiting graves, but now you may do so, for it reminds you of the Hereafter.” (Sahih Muslim, Hadith: 976)

🔹 The righteous (Awliya) do not die in the conventional sense, but remain alive in the presence of Allah: “When the pious among my Ummah die, they remain alive in their graves and are provided sustenance.” (Musnad Ahmad, Hadith: 10457)

🔹 The Prophet himself permitted visiting graves and seeking blessings (du’a), affirming the spiritual activity of righteous souls within their graves by Divine Will.

3. The Sufi Understanding of Mazar

According to Sufis, a Mazar is:

• A center of spiritual grace (Faiz)
• A court of Divine presence through Awliya (saints)
• A source of healing and inner peace
• A fountain of knowledge (‘Ilm) and Divine gnosis (Ma’rifah)
• A sacred bridge between this world and the Hereafter

Why do shrines transmit spiritual blessings?

Sufis believe: “The soul of a Wali (friend of Allah) remains alive after death, honored by Allah and engaged in worship. Their soul leaves behind a spiritual imprint at their place of burial.”

Thus, supplications are more likely to be accepted at such places, and the soul finds tranquility.

4. Etiquette and Purpose of Visiting a Mazar

Valid purposes for visiting a Mazar:

• To honor a friend (Wali) of Allah
• To hope for acceptance of du’a through their blessings
• To seek spiritual purification and learning
• To spend time in remembrance of Allah

Invalid purposes:

• Treating the Mazar as a deity (Shirk)
• Making irrational or superstitious expectations
• Practicing un-Islamic rituals

When visited with the correct intention and Aqidah (belief), visiting a Mazar is not worship, but a spiritual interaction and a means of seeking Allah’s mercy.

5. Views of Prominent Sufi Scholars

✦ Imam Al-Ghazali (RA): “Visiting the graves of saints is very effective for spiritual purification.”

✦ Shaykh Abdul Qadir Jilani (RA): “The Mazar of a Wali is a door of Divine Mercy. They are Allah’s representatives, and through them, people receive spiritual blessings.”

✦ Hazrat Ali Hujwiri (RA): “One who cannot grasp the reality of a saint’s shrine can never become a true Sufi.” — (Kashf al-Mahjub)

6. Misconceptions About Shirk and Shrines

Some accuse shrine visitation and seeking intercession as Shirk (polytheism), but:

✅ Sunni and Sufi belief:

Seeking help from Awliya means asking Allah through their du’a, not from them independently.

As stated in the Qur’an:“Seek a means of approach to Allah.”(Surah Al-Ma’idah: 35)

👉 The Wali is such a wasilah (means), by Allah’s permission, for the acceptance of prayers.

Summary: The Reality of Mazar at a Glance

 

Aspect                     Explanation    

Qur’an                     Building memorials for spiritual figures is permissible    

Hadith                     Visiting graves is allowed and spiritually beneficial    

Sufism                     Mazars are centers of divine light and prayer    

Misconception     Mazars ≠ Shirk. Rather, they express love for Allah’s beloved ones  

Conclusion

A Mazar is not something outside Islam; it is a door to the inner, spiritual realm of Islam. In light of the Qur’an, Hadith, and Sufism, a Mazar is a sacred spiritual station (Maqam) that plays a vital role in a believer’s spiritual development. Those who visit shrines with sincere love and intention not only touch history but also connect with a deeper spiritual reality.