Construction of Shrines on Graves: A Study of the Views of Shiites and Salafists

Shiites believe that construction of shrines on graves not only isn’t illicit, but it also is an indication of reverence for religious rituals and respect and affection for the owner of the shrine. Contrary to this perspective, Salafists disallow construction of shrines on graves referring to a narration from Imam Ali (a.s.), narrated from Abu al-Hayyaj in Moslem Nishaburi’s book. In this paper, following an exploration on this hadith based on the Quranic verses, life story of the Infallible and the conducts of the Companions, the claim of Salafists is probed into and finally it is concluded that Muslims have customarily constructed shrines on the graves of eminent figures during the history.