THE QABRUSTAAN
GRAVEYARDS SHOULD NOT BE MADE INTO PARKS
While working to clean and upkeep the graveyard is permissible and the earning too is permissible, it is not in the best interests of the Amwaat (Deceased) to convert the Qabrustaan into a park.The graveyard should be kept forlorn, desolate, wild bush and ‘untidy’. The pathways should be cleared to facilitate walking, but the graves themselves should be left to a forlorn state. The Rahmat of Allah Ta’ala settles on such graves. The following episode confirms this:
FORLORN GRAVES
When Hadhrat Nabi Isaa (Alayhis salaam) once passed through a Qabrustaan, he saw some newly made graves. When he went near to the graves it was revealed to him that the inmates were being severely punished. He made dua for them, then proceeded with his journey. On his return he saw that the same graves had caved in, were unkempt and desolate. It was a forlorn sight. When he went near to the graves, it was revealed to him that all had been forgiven and were in enjoyment in gardens of flowers. Bewildered and astonished, Nabi Isaa (Alayhis salaam) supplicated: “O Allah! After death they had not rendered any good deeds. What is the reason for their forgiveness?” Allah Ta’ala revealed: “When their graves became dilapidated and desolate, and there was no one to show any concern for them, I became merciful on them and forgave them.”
The Qabrustaan is an Abode to visit for remembering Maut and that one day soon, very soon one will be lowered into the grave. Will it be an abode of torment or an abode of comfort for one? This is the issue to meditate on in the Qabrustaan. Rasulullah (Sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said:
“The Grave is either a Garden from the Gardens of Jannat or a PIT from the PITS of Jahannam.”
The graveyard is not a park for sitting, relaxing and enjoying scenery. In the Graveyard reflect on the imminence of your Maut and make Dua for the inmates of the Qabrustaan.
28 Rajab 1446 – 28 January 2025