What is the ruling on reciting the Quran at graves?

The scholars differed on the ruling of reciting the Qur’an at graves, holding three opinions:

1. It is absolutely disliked (makruh), and this is the view of Abu Hanifa, Malik, and a narration from Ahmad. This is because it was not transmitted in the Sunnah and resembles the prohibited prayer at graves.

2. There is no harm in it (la ba’s biha) absolutely, and this is the view of Muhammad ibn al-Hasan and a narration from Ahmad, based on the action of Ibn Umar and some of the Muhajirin who recommended reciting the Qur’an at the time of burial.

3. There is no harm in it only at the time of burial, and this is a narration from Ahmad, reconciling between the various opinions and evidences.

Ibn Abi al-Izz al-Hanafi preferred the third opinion, while the questioner preferred the first opinion, which states that the recitation of the Qur’an by the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, at the time of burial has not been reported; rather, he used to command seeking forgiveness and supplicating for the deceased.