Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Sarah, Rabʿa and Labqa will be granted lasting honour and abundant, enduring provision in this world through that visit. Allah, Mighty and Majestic, will raise him to the stations of the righteous. He will not return home without his sins having been forgiven, nor will he depart this world before seeing Allah’s intimate friend, who will give him the glad tidings that Allah has forgiven him.”
It is related that ʿAbd Allāh ibn Salām said that, in his view, visiting the grave of Allah’s intimate friend, peace be upon him, is the pilgrimage of poverty, or the ranks of the prophets. Whoever wishes to visit should therefore make his intention sincere, ask Allah Most High for guidance and assistance, pray two units of prayer, and avoid behaving disrespectfully during his visit, for the prophets are alive in their graves.
He should then approach the place with dignity and tranquillity, remembering Allah and seeking His forgiveness. He should enter the mosque with his right foot first, saying: “In the name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Especially Merciful. I seek refuge in Allah the Magnificent and in His noble Face. O Allah, bless Muhammad and the family of Muhammad. O Allah, forgive my sins and open for me the gates of Your mercy.” He should say this in every mosque and pray two units of prayer to greet the mosque.
He should then proceed to the grave of Allah’s intimate friend and face it from whichever side he wishes. He should greet the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, while standing. It is also mentioned that he should place his hand upon the grave and embrace it. He should stand and offer his greeting as he would greet someone living, with dignity and tranquillity, as though he could see him, may Allah bless him and grant him peace. It is recommended that he supplicate abundantly there and seek Allah’s favour through him, for no one has sought Allah’s favour through him without Allah Most High answering him.
When he has finished, he should proceed to the grave of our master Jacob and do as he did before. He should then proceed to the grave of Lady Sarah and to Rabʿa, and likewise to the ʿudhr of Līfa, visiting the men before the women. He should then proceed to the grave of our master Joseph the ever-truthful, peace be upon him, which lies outside the cave on the valley floor, and do as he did before.