Answer:
In accordance with the directive of Sayyidunā Abū Bakr رضي الله عنه, the Prophet ﷺ was given ghusl (ritual bath) by his close family members (Ahl al-Bayt).To suggest that Sayyidunā Abū Bakr and ʿUmar رضي الله عنهما neglected the Prophet's ﷺ ghusl, shrouding, and burial is highly inappropriate and baseless.
They believed that those with blood relation to the Prophet ﷺ had a greater right to undertake this noble task. For this reason, they refrained from direct involvement—not due to negligence or lack of concern.
Sayyidunā Abū Bakr رضي الله عنه stated:
عِندَكُم صَاحِبُكُم، يَأمُرُهُم أَنْ يَغْسِلُوهُ بَنُو أَبِيهِ
“You have your (beloved) companion among you; I instruct that his paternal relatives be the ones to bathe him.”
[al-Awsaṭ fī al-Sunan wa al-Ijmāʿ wa al-Ikhtilāf: 5/324, ḥadīth no. 2934 | Chain: Ḥasan]
Conclusion:
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was bathed after his demise by his family members upon the instruction of Sayyidunā Abū Bakr رضي الله عنه. The respected companions honored the rights of kinship and observed due respect throughout this sacred process.
