Is the visitation of graves by women permissible or discouraged?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Funerals
Primary text
The visitation of graves by women is regarded as disliked (Makruh). This position is supported by the narration from Umm 'Atiyyah, stating, 'We were forbidden from visiting graves, though it was not firmly insisted upon,' narrated by Muslim. Furthermore, the Prophet (peace be upon him) stated, 'God has cursed the women who frequently visit graves,' a narration graded as Hassan Sahih by Al-Tirmidhi. The rationale is that this prohibition is specific to women, as an earlier prohibition was general and potentially abrogated for men. Additionally, women are often characterized by impatience and excessive grief, and visiting graves might incite their sorrow and renew their affliction, potentially leading them to forbidden actions such as wailing, which women were specifically singled out for prohibition regarding shaving the head or tearing garments.
Supporting text
Another view holds that visiting graves is not disliked, based on the general statement of the Prophet (peace be upon him): 'I had previously forbidden you from visiting graves; now visit them.' This indicates a preceding prohibition that was subsequently abrogated, thus including both men and women in permission. This is corroborated by the report that Aisha (may God be pleased with her) confirmed that the Prophet first forbade grave visitation and then commanded it, even though she later stated she would not have visited the grave of her brother had she witnessed him being buried.