Ruling on visiting graves which require setting out on a journey
My father died and was buried in Abu Dhabi which is as far as 350 kilometers from the city where we live. Is visiting his grave considered setting out on journey (for a religious service)? Does he grieve if no one visits his grave? However, I see him in my dreams visiting us and, when I ask him, he tells me that he is in Abu Dhabi and should return and could not stay longer with us.
Visiting graves is valid under Sharee‘ah and even favorable because it reminds the visitor of the Hereafter. This is why the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, commanded doing it after having previously forbidden it. It is narrated that the Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said: “ Meanwhile, surpassing the mentioned distance is regarded a journey and setting out on a journey only to visit graves belongs to what is forbidden of journeys (for a religious service) except the three masjids. We advise you, after fearing Allaah The Almighty, to supplicate to a good effect for your father, give in charity on his behalf, maintain his ties of kinship and deal generously with his friends. It is narrated that the Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said: “ It is narrated that a man asked the Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, “ We ask Allaah The Almighty for mercy and forgiveness for your father and all deceased Muslims. Allaah Knows best.