Prayers and Surahs to Recite at Eyup Sultan Tomb

Etiquette of Tomb Visitation

Eyüp Sultan Tomb is the blessed grave of Khalid ibn Zayd Abu Ayyub al-Ansari. When visiting the tomb, one must first make an intention. The visit should be made for the sake of Allah; prayers should be directed only to Allah, not to the tomb. Tomb visitation is for honoring the memory of a righteous servant and benefiting from the spiritual atmosphere of the place.

When entering the tomb, one steps in with the right foot and recites the following prayer: "Bismillahi wa ala millati Rasulillah. Allahumma'ftah li abwaba rahmatik." (In the name of Allah and upon the religion of the Messenger of Allah. O Allah, open for me the doors of Your mercy.)

Surahs to Recite

Surah al-Fatiha: As the first step of tomb visitation, Fatiha is recited and its reward is dedicated to the soul of Abu Ayyub al-Ansari. The Prophet (pbuh) said: "When you visit graves, recite Fatiha."

Surah Yasin: Described as "the heart of the Quran," Surah Yasin is among the most recited surahs during tomb visits. If it is not possible to recite it in full, at least the first page can be read.

Surah al-Ikhlas: Surah al-Ikhlas, which earns the reward of a complete Quran recitation when read three times, should definitely be recited during the tomb visit due to its brevity.

Ayat al-Kursi: Verse 255 of Surah al-Baqarah, Ayat al-Kursi is among the verses recommended to be recited during the visit.

Tomb Visitation Prayer

After giving salutations, the following prayer may be recited:

"As-salamu alaykum ya Aba Ayyub al-Ansari. As-salamu alaykum ya sahaba Rasulillah. As-salamu alaykum ya ahla'd-diyari mina'l-mu'minina wa'l-muslimin. Yarhamullahu'l-mustaqdimina minna wa'l-musta'khirin. Inna insha'Allahu bikum lahiqun. Nas'alullaha lana wa lakumu'l-afiyah."

Translation: "Peace be upon you, O Abu Ayyub al-Ansari. Peace be upon you, O companion of the Messenger of Allah. Peace be upon you, O believing and Muslim inhabitants of this land. May Allah have mercy on those who went before us and those who will come after. We shall, God willing, join you. We ask Allah for well-being for us and for you."

Personal Prayer and Supplication

After the salutations and surah recitations, one prays from the heart. The following should be observed in personal prayer at the tomb:

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• Prayer is directed only to Allah; nothing is asked from the person buried in the tomb
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• Begin the prayer with praise and salawat
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• First make repentance and seek forgiveness
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• Then make beneficial wishes for this world and the hereafter
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• End the prayer with salawat as well
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When leaving the tomb, one steps out with the left foot and recites: "Allahumma inni as'aluka min fadlik." (O Allah, I ask You of Your bounty.)

Important Reminders

Inside the tomb, one should avoid speaking loudly, taking photographs, and touching the tomb while praying. During the visit, one should maintain reverence and respect, and show consideration for those waiting in line. Walking backwards when exiting the tomb is an ancient tradition practiced to avoid turning one's back to Abu Ayyub.