Standing by the grave of a deceased person in an attempt to remind them to say: “La ilaha illa Allah”

Q 1: What is the ruling on reminding the soul of the deceased to say: “La ilaha illa Allah (there is no god but Allah)" after burying them? How high above ground level should a grave be?

A: Reminding the soul of the deceased to say: “La ilaha illa Allah" after burying them is a Bid`ah (innovation in Islam) and so is not permissible. Moreover, the Hadith reported in this regard is not authentically reported from the Prophet (peace be upon him) and so it is not permissible to act upon it. However, what is Mashru` (Islamically prescribed) after the burial is to stand by the grave and ask forgiveness for the deceased. The Prophet (peace be upon him) is authentically reported to have urged this in the Hadith that reads: Seek forgiveness for your brother, and beg steadfastness for him, for he will be questioned now. As for what is Mashru` regarding how high above ground level a grave should be, it should be approximately a hand-span.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.