Does the dead recognize and listen to the visitor of his grave? When a person who is alive visits the grave (i.e. go for Ziyarat) of an acquaintance (such as a relative, friend etc.), according to Ahadith it is evident that the latter recognizes his visitor.

One man asked Hazrat Abu Ishaq Fazari (R), “Would a shroud-thief *(a person who steals burial garment) be forgiven?” He replied, “If his intention is pure and Allah Taala accepts it as sincere.”

We, the Muslims believe it and hold firm faith that right after death starts the transitory life of Alam-e-Barzakh, the life of Grave. Mufti Taqi Usmani (DB) related a very interesting story which was narrated by his noble father, Mufti Shafi Saheb (R) regarding the life of Grave. It is indeed very interesting and worthy

Hazrat Shah Ishaq (R) once intended to visit the grave of Hazrat Moinuddin Chisti (R) (in Ajmeer, India) while going to Hajj. A student of Hazrat Shah Ishaq (R) lived in Ajmeer. Hazrat informed his student that he is going to visit Ajmeer mentioning the purpose. In response to his Shaykh (R), the student replied