No Praying in Graveyards

Question:

I argued with some of those who deem as lawful praying in cemeteries, and in the mosque which contains a grave, or graves. I defeated them by using the clear and authentic proofs. But they said: "Where did 'A'ishah pray after the Prophet died? And was his grave in the house or outside?" They also said: "How could the Prophet with Companions pray in Al-Masjid Al-Haram where Hajar, the wife of Ibrahim, and other Prophets were buried?" Is it true that 'A'ishah, may Allah be pleased with her, prayed in her room after the death of the Prophet, and the fact that the graves of Hajar and Ibrahim and other Prophets are in Al-Masjid Al-Haram?

Answer:

It is authentically reported in Al-Bukhari and Muslim that 'A'ishah, may Allah be pleased with her, said that the Messenger of Allah said in his death sickness:
"The curse of Allah is upon Jews and Christians who turned the graves of their Prophets into praying place, 'A'ishah, may Allah be pleased with her, said: "He was warning against what they do. Had it not been for that he would have raised his grave, but he hated it to be taken as a mosque." In another version: "But it was feared that it would be taken as mosque." And in the narration of Bukhari: "But I fear that it would be taken for a mosque."

With this we know that it is not permissible to pray in mosques that include graves, and building them is unlawful. As for the inquirer's question, "Where did 'A'ishah pray after the Prophet was buried in her room, or whether his grave is inside or outside her house?" The answer is that 'A'ishah was of those who narrated the traditions that signify the prohibition of taking graves for mosques. This indeed reflects the wisdom of Allah, the Exalted. Hence we know that she did not pray in the room which contained the graves. Had she prayed in it, she would have opposed those traditions that she reported, and that would not befit her. As to whether Hajar or some Prophets are buried in Al-Masjid Al-Haram, we do not know any proof of this assertion.

Source:
Fatawa Islamiyah, Vol. 1 Pages 80-81-82