Is it permitted to ask the dead in the graves to make dua for us?

In a Nutshell: Yes it is permitted to ask the dead in the graves to make dua to Allah (alone) for us. Asking the deceased to make dua (supplicate) for us is a practice that is found in many cultures and religions around the world. Some people believe that the dead can intercede on behalf of the living, while others see it as a way to honor and remember their loved ones. Asking the dead to make dua (supplication) is permitted, however, the supplications are to Allah who decides on the request in the dua. The Islamic belief about the dead According to Islamic belief, after a person dies, their soul is taken to the grave where it remains until the day of resurrection. In the grave, the soul is judged and punished or rewarded for its deeds in this life. The dead are not able to influence or affect the affairs of the living in any way. Therefore, it is not possible for them to make dua for the living or to intercede on their behalf. In Islam, dua is a form of worship and communication with God. It is a way for believers to express their needs, hopes, and fears to God and to seek His help and guidance. Dua can be made at any time and in any place, and it is an important part of daily life for Muslims. In Islam, the dead are given a high status and are to be treated with respect. It is considered a virtue to visit the graves of loved ones and to pray for their forgiveness and well-being. However, this should not be confused with the belief that the dead can intercede or make dua for the living. The importance of seeking help from God Muslims are encouraged to seek help and guidance from God at all times, and to rely on Him for all their needs. It is important to remember that God is the only One who can truly help and guide us, and that all other sources of help and guidance are ultimately dependent on His will. Dua has the power to bring about change and to bring blessings into one's life. However, this belief should not be used as a substitute for seeking help and guidance from God. Instead, it should be seen as a way to strengthen one's faith and trust in God, and to remind oneself of His power and mercy. The role of the Prophet (saw), saints and righteous people In Islam, the Prophet (saw) is seen as a role model and an intermediary between God and the believers. Muslims are encouraged to seek his intercession and to make dua through him. However, it is important to remember that the Prophet's intercession is dependent on God's will and cannot be guaranteed. In some Islamic traditions, it is believed that certain saints and righteous people have a special connection with God and that their dua is more likely to be accepted. However, this belief is not universally accepted within Islam and is not based on any explicit teachings of the religion. Relevant Evidences Here are some relevant evidences from the Qur'an and hadith: "Every soul shall have a taste of death: And only on the Day of Judgment shall you be paid your full recompense. Only he who is saved far from the Fire and admitted to the Garden will have attained the object (of Life): For the life of this world is but goods and chattels of deception" (Qur'an 3:185). "And when My servants ask you, [O Muhammad], concerning Me - indeed I am near. I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls upon Me. So let them respond to Me [by obedience] and believe in Me that they may be [rightly] guided" (Qur'an 2:186). "The Prophet said, 'When a man dies, his deeds come to an end except for three things: Sadaqah Jariyah (continuous charity), knowledge which is beneficial, or a righteous child who prays for him'" (Sahih Bukhari). Misconceptions Here are some misconceptions about this practice: Some people believe that the dead can intercede on behalf of the living and that their dua is more likely to be accepted. However, this goes against the belief that God is the only one who can truly help and guide us, and that the dead are not able to influence or affect the affairs of the living. Some people may see asking the dead to make dua as a way to honor and remember their loved ones. While it is important to remember and honor the deceased, this practice goes against the teachings of Islam and should be avoided. Some people may believe that the dead have a special connection with God and that their dua is more likely to be accepted. However, this belief is not based on any explicit teachings of Islam and is not universally accepted within the religion. Conclusion It is permitted to ask the dead in the graves to make dua for us in Islam. The dead however are not able to influence or affect the affairs of the living, and seeking their help or intercession is permitted subject to they ask only Allah as the only source of help and guidance. Muslims are encouraged to seek help and guidance from God at all times and to rely on His power and mercy. The Prophet (saw) and other righteous people can serve as intermediaries and role models, but their intercession is ultimately dependent on God's will. FAQs about Asking the Dead in the Grave to Make Dua for Us FAQ 1: Is it permissible to ask the deceased to make dua for us in Islam? Yes, it is considered permissible by many scholars to request the dua (supplication) of the deceased. This practice is based on the belief that the deceased, if righteous, may intercede on behalf of the living by asking Allah for His mercy and blessings. FAQ 2: Can we ask anyone who has passed away to make dua for us? While it is permissible to ask for the dua of the deceased, it is recommended to seek intercession from individuals known for their piety and righteousness. Prophets, scholars, and virtuous individuals are often considered suitable intercessors. FAQ 3: Is seeking intercession from the deceased a form of worship? No, seeking intercession from the deceased is not an act of worship directed towards them. It is a request for their supplication on our behalf, recognizing that only Allah has the power to answer prayers. FAQ 4: Are there specific occasions or times when it is recommended to seek the dua of the deceased? Muslims often engage in this practice when visiting the graves of loved ones, during times of distress or need, and on special occasions like the annual visit to the graves (ziyarat) or after offering funeral prayers for a deceased person. FAQ 5: Is seeking intercession from the deceased mentioned in the Quran or Hadith? The concept of intercession (shafa'a) is mentioned in the Quran and Hadith, but the specifics of seeking the dua of the deceased are based on scholarly interpretations and practices within the Islamic tradition. It is not explicitly mentioned in the Quran or Hadith that one should ask the deceased for their dua, but the broader concept of intercession is recognized. FAQ 6: Are there any specific etiquettes to follow when seeking intercession from the deceased? While there are no strict guidelines, it is recommended to be respectful and sincere in one's supplication. Muslims often visit graves, recite Quranic verses, and offer prayers for the deceased as part of this practice. It is essential to maintain the belief that only Allah can answer prayers and that the deceased are intermediaries seeking His mercy.​​​​​​​