Ruling on building over graves

A: Building on graves is an abominable Bid‘ah (innovation in religion) that involves excessive veneration of those who are buried there. It is also a means that can lead to Shirk (associating others with Allah in His Divinity or worship). It is therefore obligatory for a Muslim ruler or his representative to order the removal of these buildings on graves and that they be leveled to the ground, to end this Bid‘ah and to block the means to Shirk. (Part No. 1; Page No. 414) Muslim reported in his Sahih (Book of Authentic Hadith), on the authority of Abu Al-Hayyaj Hayyan ibn Husayn, that `Aly, (may Allah be pleased with him) said to him, “Shall I send you on the same mission that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) sent me? Do not leave an image without erasing it or a high grave without leveling it.” It is also authentically reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) forbade building on graves, plastering them, or sitting on them.However, you should not do this by yourself, so that you will not get harmed without removing them. You should, instead, refer this matter to a judge or the leader in your area to take the necessary actions of demolishing them and warn Muslims against this evil, as they are the ruler’s representative in such matters.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.