Regarding Graves of Saints... Whether visiting Durgahs [graves of saints] (Ziyarath) and having belief upon Auvliyas is a sin or not? What I mean is, people along with praying 5 times a day, go to Durgahs and pray over there. Is this act allowed in Islam? H. Panchpeer Mohamed, India Reply Visiting Durgahs , if not done with any religious reverence or veneration, is not prohibited per se . However, in view of the extreme reverence that such places have acquired in the eyes of the common Muslim [as you have also indirectly pointed out in your question], I do not like to visit these places and, for the same reason, would not recommend doing so either. There is no such thing as 'faith or belief in auliyaas ' recommended or even recognized by Islam. Moreover, the fact that a particular person can be labeled as a ' wali ' (singular of ' auliyaa ') is also something, which can only be decided by the All-knowing. We have neither the absolute knowledge (about the person concerned) nor any reason to label anyone a ' wali ' of God. Finally, the act of going to graves of people to pray for their salvation in the hereafter is not prohibited in Islam. The Prophet (pbuh) is actually reported to have encouraged people to visit graveyards regularly, as this provides a good reminder of our ultimate destiny in this world. However, visiting the grave of a particular person with the belief that due to the piety of that person, our supplications at his grave shall not be turned down by God, or to believe that the pious person shall intercede for us and get our supplications accepted by God is an act that is absolutely alien to Islam. Islam consists only of those acts of worship and veneration that were taught by the Prophet (pbuh) and we know that the Prophet (pbuh) did not teach us to do such an act. Such an act is based on an incorrect understanding of God's attributes, as they have been mentioned in the Qur'an. Such an act, therefore, cannot be considered as allowed in Islam. I hope this helps. In case any question remains unanswered or if any further detail is required on any specific aspect, please feel free in writing back to me at your own convenience. May the Almighty guide us all to the path of His liking. My fondest regards to you and those around you. The Learner