A comprehensive explanation of the hadith stating that prophets remain alive in their graves and perform prayers, accompanied by an in-depth discussion based on reliable sources.
Hadith Regarding the Life of Prophets
Several authentic narrations state that prophets are alive in their graves and continue to perform prayers. This is based on a hadith narrated by Anas bin Malik (RA), which was authenticated by Sheikh Al-Albani in Silsilah Al Ahadits Ash Shahihah. The hadith reads:
الأنبياء أحياء في قبورهم يصلون
Meaning: "The prophets are alive in their graves, praying." (Narrated by Abu Ya'la)
Another Narration About Prophet Musa (AS)
In another narration, Prophet Muhammad (SAW) mentioned seeing Prophet Musa (AS) praying in his grave during the night of Isra Mi'raj. The hadith states:
مَرَرْتُ عَلَى مُوسَى لَيْلَةَ أُسْرِيَ بِي عِنْدَ الْكَثِيبِ الْأَحْمَرِ وَهُوَ قَائِمٌ يُصَلِّي فِي قَبْرِهِ
Meaning: "I passed by Musa (AS) on the night of Isra by the red sandhill, and he was standing and praying in his grave." (Narrated by Muslim)
Scholars' Explanation of Life in Barzakh
Scholars such as Ibn Taymiyyah and Ali Muhammad Ash-Shallabi have elaborated on these hadiths. According to Ibn Taymiyyah, the souls of the prophets possess characteristics similar to angels, enabling them to move swiftly. This aligns with the nature of life in Barzakh, which differs from worldly life.
Ali Muhammad Ash-Shallabi emphasizes that the life mentioned in these hadiths refers to Barzakh, not the physical world. Therefore, Muslims are not allowed to seek help from prophets at their graves, as highlighted in Allah’s command:
وَلَا تَدْعُ مِنْ دُوْنِ اللّٰهِ مَا لَا يَنْفَعُكَ وَلَا يَضُرُّكَ ۚفَاِنْ فَعَلْتَ فَاِنَّكَ اِذًا مِّنَ الظّٰلِمِيْنَ
Meaning: "Do not invoke besides Allah that which neither benefits you nor harms you, for if you do so, you will surely be among the wrongdoers." (Surah Yunus: 106)
The Significance and Wisdom Behind the Hadith
These hadiths remind Muslims of the exalted status of the prophets, who continue to devote themselves to Allah (SWT) even after their passing. It also inspires believers to enhance their worship and faith without delving into the unseen matters known only to Allah (SWT).
Muslims are encouraged to understand the boundaries of seeking intercession or assistance, always prioritizing tawheed (monotheism) as the core of Islamic teachings.
Conclusion
The hadith about prophets being alive in their graves and performing prayers is authentic and supported by scholars. This life exists in the realm of Barzakh, not the physical world, so Muslims should refrain from asking for their help. As believers, it is sufficient to trust the words of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) without questioning matters of the unseen.
To strengthen faith, it is recommended to frequently read the Quran and hadiths and deepen one’s understanding of Islam through reliable scholarly sources.
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