Placing of Ghilafs on the Mazar-e-Shareefs of Awliya Allah Rizwan allahi thaalah

1. Ghilaf or Chadar (cloth) is placed on the grave of a Wali or pious Muslim for the benefit of the visitors so that they may understand and respect the muqam of awliyas and for pious muslims ghilaf is placed so that people can understand and realise the status of the deceased Muslim.

2. It is allowed to put on a Ghilaf on the graves of Awliya and Ulema when it is recognised that the majority respect the person in the grave. People are also aware of the holy person's status and gain auspiciousness from the holy person who is resting in the grave.

3. In the famous book, "Raddul Mukhtaar", it is stated: "It is permissible to place a cloth on the Qabar of a Wali or pious Muslim so that visitors be more respectful when visiting the grave. We should also realise that the basis of action is upon the intention".

Topic : Question : Why Flowers Chadars are put on the Mazar-e-shareefs of Awliya Allah ? or why do you put flowers on graves ?

Answer :
The Chaadar and Sandal procession is a public event designed to reflect love and respect of the soul of the wali. It is an event whereby homage is paid to the wali, and to his success in the hereafter. Trays are decoratively laden with many Ghilaaf (sheets of material used to cover the grave of the wali), flowers, Itr, Niyaaz and sandal powder. These trays are carried on the head as a mark of respect (This does not constitute Ibaadat in any way). The mureedeen and other devotees of the saint normally prepare the trays. A Shaamyaana (roughly translated as a four - handled shade, awning or umbrella) usually in the colours of the Silsila to which the saint belongs; is held aloft by those who are taking part in the procession. It is there to shelter on from the natural elements, viz. The sun and rain. It also lends dignity to the procession

Chaadars are placed on the grave of the Aulia Allah. This is an act of Sunnah. After the demise of the Prophet ( sal-lal-lahu alai hi wa sallam) a sahaabiyah came to Sayyida Ayesha Siddiqah  (Rahmatullahi Allaih) and requested her to show the grave of the Prophet ( sal-lal-lahu alai hi wa sallam). Sayyidah Ayesha Siddiqah  (Rahmatullahi Allaih) then raised a Gilaf (sheet of fabric) from the grave of Sayyiduna Rasoolullah ( sal-lal-lahu alai hi wa sallam). The sahaabiyah became very, very emotional, wept beyond control, finally collapsed and passed away. (Baihaqi Shareef). Fatawa Shami, Volume 5. The Chapter on Libaas also states that it is good to place Chaadar on graves of Aulia Allah.

The grave is then sprinkled with sandal, Itr and covered with flowers. To place flowers and other fresh branches on the graves is also a Sunnah. (Bukhari Sheriff Vol.1). Itr is sprinkled onto the grave, as perfume (itr), has a certain degree of affinity with the rooh and spirituality. The Holy Prophet ( sal-lal-lahu alai hi wa sallam) loved perfume. One of the three things made for Huzoor ( sal-lal-lahu alai hi wa sallam) to prefer in this world is perfume, (Hadith). The sprinkling of Itr is for our benefit. The spiritualised precincts of a wali's tomb are sprinkled with itr so that it ushers us into calmness and serenity. It tends to purify our thoughts and is also synonymous with the state the wali is in. Aulia Allah is a special servant of Allah.

Their graves are covered with a Ghilaaf just as we cover the Quran and Kaabah with Ghilaaf. The heart of a believer is the throne of Allah (Hadith). Even up to this day the walls housing the grave the Prophet ( sal-lal-lahu alai hi wa sallam) is laden with Ghilaaf bearing Kalima Sharief and other Quranic verses which can be seen clearly from the outside also. This Sunnah is in practice from the days of the sahaaba and maintained even by the present Wahaabi regime. The Fuqahaae Kiraam have stated that the intentions behind covering the graves of Aulia Allah is love and respect for their spiritualized souls.

It also displays recognition of the achievement and success of the departed soul. It also dawns on the observer that this is the grave of a beloved of Allah who has reached the ultimate goal of nearness to Allah. The Fuqaahae Kiraam (Islamic jurists) have stressed that chaadars should not be placed on the graves of the general Muslim public.

To further highlight the status and honor of the Aulia Allah, let us take into account the following ayah of the Holy Quran: Thus, then, if he be of nearest to Allah, (there is for him) rest and satisfaction, and a 'Garden of Delights'. (S.56.V88/89.)