Mu' meneen Brothers and Sisters,

As Salaam Aleikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh. (May Allah's Peace, Mercy and Blessings be upon all of you)

 

One of our brothers/sisters has asked this question:

can one build building/villas on a 200 years old grave-yard, which is not in use?   can a muslim stay on it.

 

your answer will be appreciated

 

jazakallah

 

(There may be some grammatical and spelling errors in the above statement. The forum does not change anything from questions, comments and statements received from our readers for circulation in confidentiality.)

 

Answer:

 

Build houses on graveyards

In the name of Allah, We praise Him, seek His help and ask for His forgiveness. Whoever Allah guides none can misguide, and whoever He allows to fall astray, none can guide them aright. We bear witness that there is none worthy of worship but Allah Alone, and we bear witness that Muhammad (saws) is His slave-servant and the seal of His Messengers.

 

If a place is dedicated as a graveyard for burying the believing deceased, the absolute majority of the scholars and jurists in Islam are of the opinion that it is only fitting for the believers who are alive to respect and honor the dedicated graveyards where their believing brethren lie buried.

 

But if the place is not dedicated as an active graveyard of the believers, and perchance centuries have elapsed or passed since when the place might have once been a graveyard….the majority of the scholars and jurists are of the opinion that there is no harm if the area is used for building structures and living in them, for such places can no longer be considered as active graveyards.  And Allah Alone Knows Best.

 

Whatever written of Truth and benefit is only due to Allah’s Assistance and Guidance, and whatever of error is of me alone.  Allah Alone Knows Best and He is the Only Source of Strength.

 

Your brother and well wisher in Islam,

 

 

Burhan