Answered by: Imam Abdul-Malik Sheikh
Question
What is the ruling on women visiting the graveyard?
بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمنِ الرَّحِيْم
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
Answer:
The scholars have differed on this matter. Our scholars say that it is permissible for elderly women to visit the graves while it is disliked for young women.
However, it should not be done with the purpose of renewing their sorrows or to cry and wail while at the graves. Such practices are not allowed. Such are the cursed women mentioned by the Messenger of Allāh (May the Peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) in the following Hadith:
“Allah has cursed women who visit graves,” (Tirmidhi)
However, if they visit the graves for the purpose of reflection, mercy, and seeking blessings, then it is permissible if the women are of old age but disliked if they are young women.[1]
Only Allah knows best
Written by Imam Abdul-Malik Sheikh
Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah
Darul Ifta Birmingham
[1] Radd al-Muhtār of Ibn ‘Abidin Vol.2 p.242