In many cultures, laying flowers on graves is considered a deed of respect and remembrance. In Islam, however, actions of worship need to be connected to the practices that are clearly conveyed in a Qur’an and Sunnah. So the question is: Can We Put Flowers On Grave in Islam?, or does it take on the status of imitation or being an innovation?

The article takes the Islamic position on scholars opinions from the Qur’an, Hadith, and scholars and ends with the conclusion that this practice is not from the Sunnah and should be avoided.

The Hadith of the Palm Branches: A Special Exception

A Hadith often brought up in defense of the practice is narrated by Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him):

“The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) passed by two graves and said: ‘They are being punished, but they are not being punished for something that was difficult to avoid. One of them used not to take precautions to avoid urine, and the other used to walk around spreading gossip.’ Then he took a fresh palm-leaf stalk, split it in two, and placed one on each grave. He said: ‘Perhaps their punishment will be lessened as long as these do not dry out.'”
—[Sahih al-Bukhari, 218]

While a few see it as an exception to put greenery or flowers on a grave, most scholars see this as exception of the Prophet (peace be upon him) having knowledge of the unseen and having special position. The companions did not do this after him and are not reported to put flowers or branches on graves.

Imam Nawawi, a classical scholar, emphasized this point:

“It is not a general Sunnah to place twigs or branches on graves. The Prophet’s action was specific to the situation, not something prescribed for all Muslims to imitate.”

Why Scholars See It as An Innovation (Bid’ah)

Bid’ah is defined as innovation in a religious sense – that is to say, introducing new practices that have no basis in the Qur’an and authentic Sunnah. It is important to note that Islam forbids introducing innovations in acts of worship and also warned from doing this after the Prophet passed away.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

“Whoever introduces into this matter of ours (i.e., Islam) something that is not part of it, it will be rejected.”

—[Sahih al-Bukhari and Muslim]

Putting flowers on graves has no established precedent in the Sunnah, and many scholars have deemed it as an unnecessary ritual that does not hold any equivalent in Islam, which belonged to the behavior other religions visiting the graves, which the Messenger of Allah also advised us not to imitate:

“Whoever imitates a people is one of them.”
—[Abu Dawood, 4031]

In doing so, he was implying any of their cultural or religious activities that go against strict doctrinal and indicatives of Islam. Since placing flowers on graves is a common practice seen in Christian and secular funerals, it raises concerns about someone adopting practices relating to funerals that have roots outside of Islam.

Also Read: What is Bidah in Islam?

More beneficial alternatives in Islam:

Rather than do symbolic acts such as flowers, the Islamic tradition encourages more beneficial actions such as:

• Making du‘a (supplication) for the deceased to be forgiven.
• Giving someone charity (sadaqah) on their behalf.
• Reading Qur’an by their grave (although in any case, this is a debated matter for the scholars).
• Visiting the grave, remembering death and the afterlife

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

“When a person dies, all his deeds end except three: ongoing charity, beneficial knowledge, or a righteous child who prays for him.”
—[Sahih Muslim, 1631]

None of these beneficial acts involve symbolic offerings like flowers.

Also Read: Can Muslim Women Go to Graveyard?

Conclusion: A Practice Best Avoided

Based on the above evidence and academic opinions, placing flowers on grave in Islam is not a Sunnah, and is inadvisable. While it may appear to be a harmless or respectable act, it is not grounded on any sound basis within Islamic tradition, and could fall under the definition of bid‘ah (innovation) or a non-Muslim practice. In Islam, the intention is important, but those intentions cannot acceptably guide actions that must, at least in part, be taken from authentic texts or some authentic knowledge.

Therefore, Muslims are instructed to maintain the Sunnah of making du‘a for the deceased, giving in their charity, and remembering them in ways that are meaningful and spiritually beneficial; not through superficial symbolic or cultural rituals that are inherently meaningless with respect to the Hereafter.