Ziyarah of the grave of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa Sallam)

Clarification of ‘Allama Ibn Taimiya

‘Allama Ibn Taimiya has clarified in this regard that when presenting one’s Salaam, we should face the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) and the back should be turned towards the Qiblah.  This was the practice of the Companions as well:

Translation: The Companions would present their Salaam in this manner only.  They would face the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) and turn their back towards the Qiblah.  This is the opinion of the majority of the scholars, like Imam Malik, Imam Shafa‘ee and Imam Ahmed Bin Hambal (May Allah shower His mercy on them).  (Mukhtasar Mansik Shaykh Ul Islam Ibn Taimiya)