and the fourth: the Hereafter, the permanent abode, the final destination and ultimate goal—may Allah make us and you among those who triumph there.

This abode—namely, the realm of the graves—was at first declared off-limits by the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, out of fear that people might fall into polytheism with regard to the occupants of those graves. The people were only a short time removed from their pre-Islamic ignorance, so the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, forbade grave visitation as a precaution, blocking every path that could lead to shirk. The more serious a sin is, the more firmly its avenues must be closed. Adultery, for instance, is a vile offense, and its preludes—such as lustful glances, private seclusion, and the like—are therefore prohibited.

Similarly, associating partners with Allah is the greatest form of injustice. When the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, was asked, “Which sin is the gravest?” he replied, “To set up a rival to Allah while He created you.”

Because people used to venerate graves, the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, prohibited them from doing so; then, once faith had taken firm root in their hearts, he granted permission, saying, “I had forbidden you to visit graves; now visit them, for they remind one of the Hereafter.”

Thus the Prophet lifted the ban, made visitation permissible, and even encouraged it, for he said, “For they remind one of the Hereafter.” Whoever is reminded of the Hereafter ought to act upon that reminder, for when the heart forgets the Hereafter it becomes heedless, preoccupied with worldly affairs, and forfeits both this life and the next; for whoever neglects