Q: Please give me your Fatwa regarding
putting markers on graves;
how many should we place on the graves of males and how many should we place on those of females? Should we put them on the graves of males or females? Are they a Sunnah (action following the teachings of the Prophet) or are they merely used to identify graves? May Allah reward you!
A:
This practice is a Sunnah and its purpose is to prevent people from stepping on graves, and - being marked - they can be known and visited. The Prophet (peace be upon him) marked the grave of
`Uthman ibn Mazh`un with two stones; one at the head of the grave and the other at its foot. Grave markers must be either of stone or other similar material and nothing is to be written on them. Males and females are equal in this respect. Allah knows best.May Allah grant us success. May peace be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions!