Analysis of the Hadith on the Prophet’s ﷺ Soul and Life in the Grave

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.