What are Graves and Shrines According to Islam and Sufism, and What is the Difference Between Them?

 

The Concept of Grave (Islamic Perspective)

A grave (Arabic: قبر) is a place where a deceased person is buried according to Islamic rituals. Graves hold significance in Islam mainly because of the belief in resurrection and the Day of Judgment.

Islamic perspective on graves:

A Hadith states, “The grave is the first stage of the Hereafter.” (Tirmidhi)

Visiting graves is permitted:

“I had forbidden you from visiting graves; now you may visit them, for they remind you of death.” – (Sahih Muslim)

It is allowed to pray standing before a grave, but any form of worship, prostration, or excessive devotion directed toward the grave is discouraged in Islam.

The Concept of Shrine (Sufi Perspective)

A shrine (Mazar) — a Persian word meaning “a place to visit” — is a burial site of a Wali (saint), Dervish, Pir, or Sufi spiritual leader, which is deeply revered by the public. Shrines are considered sacred places. There is a vast difference between a grave and a shrine. The Almighty Allah has declared that the one who has attained annihilation (Fana) in Him is eternally alive. Thus, the burial place of such a perpetually living being is called a shrine.

Main features of a shrine:

• Shrines usually develop in societies following Sufism.
• These places are considered centers of spiritual power.
• People visit them for pilgrimage (Ziyarat), prayer, making vows (Manat), religious gatherings (Milad), Qawwali (spiritual music), and Urs (death anniversary of a saint).

Importance of Shrines According to Sufis

Sufis believe that graves of Allah’s close servants (Awliya) possess a kind of spirituality (Ruhaniyat). Following their teachings and developing love for Allah through them is possible.

Differences Between Graves and Shrines

Aspect : Definition

Grave : Grave of any Muslim

Shrine (Mazar) : Honored grave of a Wali, Pir, or spiritual leader

Aspect : Importance

Grave : Religious and personal

Shrine (Mazar) : Spiritually and socially highly respected

Aspect : Usage

Grave : Reserved for burial

Shrine (Mazar) : Place for pilgrimage, vows, meditation, Qawwali, and Urs

Aspect : Visitors

Grave : Generally relatives or acquaintances

Shrine (Mazar) : General public and devotees

Aspect : Islamic Guidance

Grave : Respect is commanded; worship-like acts forbidden

Shrine (Mazar) : Controversial — some Muslims see it as innovation (Bid’ah), others view it as a means of spiritual progress

History of Shrine Culture

In the early period of Islam, shrine culture did not exist. However, after the era of the Caliphate, especially with the spread of Sufism, shrine culture developed in India, Persia, Turkey, and Africa.

Notable shrines include:

• Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti (Ajmer, India)
• Hazrat Shah Jalal (Sylhet, Bangladesh)
• Hazrat Baba Shah (Lahore, Pakistan)

Controversies and Differences of Opinion

Different Islamic sects and movements hold various views on this issue. Shrines are sacred places, and there is a vast difference between graves and shrines. The Almighty Allah has firmly declared that the one who is annihilated in Him remains eternally alive, so the resting place of such a one is called a shrine. However, grave worship is forbidden in Islam because the deceased is in the grave.

Islam has already divided into 73 sects, each with its own philosophy, and every group claims to be based on the Quran and Sunnah. Many disputes arise over these claims, sometimes resulting in conflicts, even killings, which continue today — between Sunnis and Ahmadis, Sunnis and Shias, and Sunnis and Wahhabis.

Conclusion

A grave is the final resting place for every Muslim, while a shrine is the burial place of spiritually revered individuals in society, considered by many as a source of hope and inspiration to attain closeness to Allah. However, it is essential to maintain balance in light of Islam’s core teachings so that devotion never turns into blind fanaticism or misguidance.