Fortunately, this is the only Tomb in Ferozepur Jhirka that is not occupied, or encroached. Unfortunately, the state of the Tomb is no better even without occupation or encroachment. But, the Tomb is massive and has a striking resemblance to a Tomb in Tauru. The stone masonry Tomb is built inside a compound wall, which is broken and the surrounding is littered with debris of fallen stones and bricks. Locally referred to as Eidgah wali Gumbad or Qabristan ka Gumbad, the Tomb is magnificent in scale and intricacies. Lattice screens quite unlike any other in Mewat, battlements on the neck of an octagonal drum and at the base of the dome add to the grandeur. Though plasters have fallen off, and the interior of the Tomb with a cenotaph looks wounded, there is a palpable aura to the structure that is surrounded by by a green and haphazard cover. The identity of who lies buried here is unknown.
I have often wondered why such grand mausoleums are built? Is it a class issue? Or, is there any other reason? My colleague and a go to source for such doubts is @ayaz_ansar1 who often enlightens me on such issues. My question is if Islam allows for building Mausoleums? Originally in Islam it was strictly forbidden to decorate tombs or to visit somebody’s grave, not to mention building a construction above the tomb stone. However, mausoleums, tomb architecture covering graves developed despite the contradictions, and became one of the significant features of Islamic architecture. All Muslim tombs represent merely a temporary residence for the buried deceased until the final judgment is made. Some believe awliya’ (holy men) also enjoy the same status after death. During his lifetime, a saint exudes barāka (blessing) that continues to emanate from his grave. But, this kind of exalted reverence is discouraged; nevertheless, the practice has continued unabated and has turned into a bida’ (a tradition not based on the Koran).
It is believed that two angels Munkir and Nakīr visit the dead in the grave during the first night, so the vault should be big enough to allow the corpse to sit. Axial burial is a must. The body is laid horizontally and the face is turned toward Mecca. The word Maqbara occurs in the Koran in the plural form “maqābir”.
In other words, in the early days of Islam, graves enjoyed no special respect or sanctity.
AltExploit 