57- Ruling on Tabarruk from the Dust of the Graves of the Awliya
Q: A Muslim brother asks, "Is it permissible to seek blessings from the dust on the graves of the Awliya (pious people)? Can this dust virtually benefit us in any thing? What is Your Eminence's opinion on this matter?"
A: Tabarruk (seeking blessings) from the dust on graves is not permitted in Islamic law. It is also one of the forbidden practices of Shirk (associating others with Allah in worship) because it is not permissible for a Muslim to practice Tabarruk from the dust on the graves of a Waliy (a pious person) or any other grave. It must be emphasised that blessings come from Allah (Exalted be He) alone, and they are sought from things which He (Exalted be He) has made as lawful objects for Tabarruk, such as the water of Zamzam which Allah (Exalted be He) had made blessed, according to the Ahadith of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). Similarly, a person can ask Allah (Exalted be He) to bless his property or offspring, because it is from Him alone blessings are to be sought. The Companions did not practice Tabarruk from the remains of Abu Bakr Al-Siddiq, `Umar, `Uthman or `Aly. Tabarruk was something exclusively granted to the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). The Companions were in the habit of seeking blessings from the Prophet's (ﷺ) sweat and saliva. So, it should not be practiced with the remains of the generation after the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). Similarly, Tabarruk should not be practiced with pious people, as it was especially granted to the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). In conclusion, Tabarruk from the dust or remains of people is not permissible and is a form of committing major Shirk.
[Vol. 2, Page No. 165]