Investigation of the Hadith “My Soul Returns to My Body” and the Proof of the Prophet’s ﷺ Life in the Grave
Source: Fatawa Ilmiyah, Vol. 1: Principles, Authentication, and Investigation of Narrations – Page 621
Question
Regarding a Hadith reported in Abu Dawood رحمه الله:
“Whoever sends salutations upon me, my soul is returned to my body, and I respond.”
How authentic is this Hadith? Some Barelvi scholars use it as proof that the Prophet ﷺ is alive in his grave.
Sources of the Hadith
This narration is found in the following works:
✿ Sunan Abi Dawood
- Kitab al-Manasik, Bab Ziyarat al-Qubur, Hadith No. 2041
✿ Musnad Ahmad
- Vol. 2, Page 527
Scholarly Opinions and Investigation
✿ Ibn al-Mulaqqin classified it as Sahih in Tuhfat al-Muhtaj, Hadith No. 1151.
✿ Other hadith scholars also discussed its authenticity.
Chain Analysis and Weakness
- Although some scholars consider it authentic, the stronger scholarly view (raajih) is that the chain of this narration is weak (da‘if).
Narrator:
✿ Yazid ibn Abdullah ibn Qusait narrated it from Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah رضي الله عنه.
Evidence of Direct Hearing (Sama‘):
✿ Yazid ibn Abdullah did have direct hearing from Abu Hurairah in general.
(Source: Al-Sunan al-Kubra by al-Bayhaqi, Vol. 1, Page 122 – this chain is classified as Hasan).
Issue in this Specific Narration:
✿ In this particular narration, there is no explicit proof of direct hearing (sama‘) from Abu Hurairah.
✿ Yazid’s narrations generally come via the Tabi‘in from the Sahabah.
✿ The lack of explicit mention of sama‘ creates a possibility of a discontinuity (inqita‘) in the chain.
Imam Ibn Taymiyyah’s Research
✿ Imam Ibn Taymiyyah رحمه الله highlighted the discontinuity in this chain.
✿ Therefore, it is not correct to classify this narration as Hasan.
Conclusion
- The chain of this Hadith is weak, so it cannot be used as direct evidence for the life of the Prophet ﷺ in the grave.
- The virtue of sending salutations (Durood and Salaam) upon the Prophet ﷺ and its spiritual effect is undisputed.
And Allah knows best.
