the well-known practice of the Muslims during the time of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, and his caliphs. Rather, it is reported from some of the Companions, such as Abū Umāmah and Wāthilah ibn al-Asqa'. Some imams, such as Imam Ahmad, permitted it, while some of his followers and those of al-Shāfi'ī considered it recommended. Other scholars regarded it as disliked, believing it to be an innovation.

There are thus three views on it: that it is recommended, disliked, or permissible. The last is the most balanced view. What is recommended, however, and what the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, commanded and encouraged, is supplication for the deceased.

As for reciting the Quran at the grave, Abū Hanīfah and Mālik regarded it as disliked, as did Ahmad according to one of the two reports from him. According to the other report, he did not regard it as disliked. He permitted it only because he had learned that Ibn 'Umar had instructed that the opening and closing verses of Surah al-Baqarah be recited at his grave. Recitation of Surah al-Baqarah has also been reported from some of the Companions. Thus, recitation at the time of burial has some basis in transmitted reports. As for recitation after that, no report has been transmitted concerning it. And Allah knows best.”