477 – Sahih Muslim also transmits from him : “The Messenger of Allah ﷺ forbade that a grave be plastered, sat upon, or built over.” (1)

Gloss of key terms
• “Be plastered”: jiss (gypsum) is a white substance—similar to lime—used to decorate buildings.

Points derived from the hadith

1. The Prophet ﷺ prohibited plastering a grave, erecting any structure over it, and sitting on it.

2. In legal methodology, a prohibition indicates impermissibility; therefore plastering, sitting upon, and building over graves are all forbidden acts.

3. These three rulings aim to prevent both disrespect and excess with regard to graves. Disrespect (jafāʾ) is to degrade the grave by sitting on it—far worse if one sits there to relieve himself. Graves are to be honored out of regard for those interred.
   Excess (ghulūw) is to plaster, smooth, decorate, or construct over a grave; such extravagance leads people to trial and temptation concerning the occupants of the graves.

4. The Prophet’s ban on building over graves is widely attested. Muslim records from Jābir ibn ʿAbd Allāh: “The Messenger of Allah ﷺ forbade plastering the grave and building over it.” Muslim (968) narrates from Faḍālah ibn ʿUbayd: “I heard the Messenger of Allah ﷺ command that they be leveled.” Muslim (969) narrates from ʿAlī ibn Abī Ṭālib that the Prophet ﷺ told him, “Do not leave any raised grave without leveling it.”