This is the wording of the question and the Shaykh’s reply to it (1):
What do the noble scholars, the leaders of the religion—may Allah cause the Muslims to benefit through them—say about a man who intends (2) to visit the graves of the prophets and the righteous (3), such as our Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, and others? May he shorten the prayer during that journey? And is such a visitation sanctioned by the Sacred Law or not?
It has been reported from the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, that he said, “Whoever performs the Pilgrimage and does not visit me ⦗119⦘ has shown me discourtesy,” and, “Whoever visits me after my death (4) is like one who visited me during my life.” It is also related that he, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “Mounts are not to be readied for travel except to three mosques: the Sacred Mosque, this mosque of mine, and the Aqsa Mosque.”
Kindly issue for us a ruling, and you will be rewarded (5).