THE FIQH DEPARTMENT

In the Name of Allah, The Most Beneficent, The Most Merciful.
Although every Fiqh opinion is based on evidence, often times, the scholars differ in their views. This room for differences is a mercy from Allah, and as long as there is evidence to support an opinion, then we must respect scholars' views, even if we may not always agree.
The Prophet (SAW) said:
"Whoever performs Ijtihad and errs will receive one reward. Whoever performs Ijtihad and arrives at the correct answer gets double the reward"
(Bukhari) 
Preparing Ones Own Grave PDF Print E-mail
Fiqh: Islamic Jurisprudence - Death
Written by Ibn Taymiyyah   
It is not recommended for a man that he digs his own grave before his death. For the Prophet (Sallalaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) did not do that; not him and nor his companions. Since the servant does not know where it is that he will die.

So if the intent of the person is that of preparation for death; then this is done by way of righteous actions.

 

Shaykh ul-Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah

Ikhtiyaaraat al-Fiqhiyyah min Fataawaa Shaikh ul Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah pages: 89-90