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The majority of scholars say it is discouraged (makruh) for women to accompany the body to the cemetery, especially if there is fear of excessive crying, wailing, or emotional scenes.
Umm ‘Atiyyah said:
“We were forbidden to follow the Janazah, but it was not made absolute on us.”(Sahih al-Bukhari, 1278; Sahih Muslim, 938)
Scholars interpreted this hadith to mean the prohibition was lifted, but it remains discouraged if it may lead to emotional disturbance.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“I had forbidden you from visiting graves. Now, visit them, for they remind you of the Hereafter.” (Sahih Muslim, 977)
This hadith allowed the general permissibility of visiting the graves. This ruling was initially addressed to men, but many scholars extended the ruling to women.
Some scholars, like Imam Al-Shafi‘i and many contemporary scholars, allow it conditionally, if:
1. There is no wailing or improper behavior
2. The woman is covered properly
3. She maintains dignity and composure
