Is it disliked to walk in the burial grounds wearing sandals?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Funerals
Primary text
Walking in sandals in the graveyard is disliked based on the command given by the Prophet, peace be upon him, to a man wearing two leather sandals ('sabatiyyayn') to remove them. The chain of narration for this hadith by Bashir ibn al-Khassasiyyah is considered good by Ahmad, though susceptible to a certain defect. The least effect of the Prophet's command is that the act is discouraged (mandub). Furthermore, removing sandals brings one closer to humility, aligns with the manner of the humble, and shows respect for the Muslim dead. The knowledge that the deceased hears the footsteps does not negate the dislike, as it confirms the act occurred despite the disapproval.
Supporting text
Most scholars do not consider walking in sandals to be disliked. Some argue that the Prophet's prohibition applied specifically to the sandals due to connotations of luxury, as the Sabt sandals were worn by people of ease. Others, like Abu al-Khattab, suggest the dislike was specifically due to arrogance, as Sabt sandals were associated with affluence. Additionally, if the walker has a valid excuse, such as fear of thorns or uncleanness on the sandals, walking in them is not disliked.