Hadith.579 - The Commander of the Faithful Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib عليه السلام said:
"Whoever renovates a grave or creates a figure (idol/statue) has exited Islam."
There is a difference of opinion among our scholars regarding the meaning of this report. Muhammad ibn al-Hasan al-Saffar, may Allah سبحانه وتعالى have mercy on him, stated that the correct reading is jaddada (with a " ج") only, meaning "renovated."
Our elder Muhammad ibn al-Hasan ibn Ahmad ibn al-Walid, reported that He said : "It is not permissible to renovate a grave or apply clay over the entire grave after a period of time has passed, once it was initially covered. However, if a person dies and his grave is covered with clay, then it is permissible to repair other graves without renovating them."
It was also narrated that Sa'd ibn Abdullah, may Allah سبحانه وتعالى have mercy on him, said that the term should be read as haddada (with an "ha"), meaning "to raise" or "mark" a grave.
Ahmad ibn Abi Abdullah al-Barqi mentioned : that the term is jaddatha (referring to "grave" or "burial"). However, the exact meaning was unclear.
I prefer the interpretation of jaddada with a "j," meaning "to renovate a grave," as renovation would involve reopening or modifying the grave, thereby making it a disturbed site in need of renewal.
In addition, it is explained that the term "creating a figure" means introducing innovations or calling to them, or establishing an unlawful practice (e.g., creating or promoting a religion), which would lead one out of Islam. My interpretation aligns with that of my Imams عليه السلام; if it is correct, it is due to Allah’s سبحانه وتعالى guidance through their words, and if it is mistaken, it is from my own self.