To remind oneself of the reality of death, visiting graves is considered as the best practice in Islam. It is narrated by Buraidah that Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said that, “Visit graves, for in visiting them there is a reminder (of death)” – Sunan Abu Dawood Book 21 Hadith 3229.

In another narration Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “Whoever wants to visit a graveyard, let him do so because it reminds us of the Hereafter.” – 
Riyad Us Saliheen Book 1 Hadith 582

It has been quoted in different hadiths that visiting graveyard was forbidden previously because people of those times weren’t able to refrain themselves from the ignorant customs and traditions. They committed some deeds which didn’t belong to Islam. But when people adapted Islamic rules completely, Holy Prophet (PBUH) permitted Muslims to visit the graveyard.

Narrated by Abu Said that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) had said, “I forbade you before to eat the meat of the sacrifice after three days, but now eat, give sadaqa and store up. I forbade you before to make nabidh (by soaking raisins or dates in water), but now make nabidh, but remember every intoxicant is haram. I forbade you to visit graves, but now visit them, and do not use bad language.” – Muwatta Imam Malik Book 23 Hadith 8

On the other hand, there is a big controversy which lies among Islamic scholar about visiting graveyards by women. According to some scholars, it is completely haram and for some, it is allowed for women to visit the graves of their loved ones.

According To Shafai, Maliki And Hanafi School Of Thought, Visiting Graveyards By Women Is Haram!

The scholars of these school of thoughts provide this hadith to prove their stance.

It was narrated that Ibn Abbas said: “The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) cursed women who visit graves and those who take them as Masjid and put lamps on them.” – Sunan an-Nasa’i Book 21 Hadith 2045

Visiting Graveyards By Women Is Allowed According To Hanbali, Shia And A Few Hanafi Scholars

These scholars use following hadiths to prove their stance.

It is narrated by Abdullah Abu Mulaika that one day Bibi Aisha (RA) was returning from the graveyard. I asked her: ‘O, the mother of the believers! Where are you coming from?’. ‘I am coming from a visit to the grave of my brother Abdurrahman.’, she answered. I asked: ‘Did the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) not ban visiting the graves?’ She stated: ‘Yes, he banned visiting the graves, but he ordered it later.’ – Translation and Explanation of Ibn Majah, 4:439

Another hadith says that,

According to Imam Jaffar Sadiq, Bibi Fatima Zahra used to visit Hazrat Hamza’s (R.A) grave very often. She used to perform namaaz and cry near it. – Ahya Uloom Al-deen, Volume 4, page 1632

And verily Allah knows the best!