Among the most excellent of your days is Friday; so invoke many blessings on me on that day, for your blessing will be submitted to me. They (the Companions) asked: Messenger of Allah, how can our blessings be submitted to you, when your body has decayed? He (ﷺ) said: Allah has prohibited the earth from consuming the bodies of Prophets.
Hadith Commentary: Excellence of Friday & Prohibition of Earth Consuming Prophets' Bodies
This noble hadith from Sunan Abi Dawud (Book of Prayer, Chapter on Friday) contains two profound teachings: the virtue of Friday and the sacred status of prophets' bodies.
The Excellence of Friday
Friday (Yawmul Jumu'ah) is distinguished above all other days, containing the hour when supplications are accepted. The command to send abundant blessings (salawat) upon the Prophet ﷺ demonstrates this day's unique spiritual status.
Scholars explain that these blessings reach the Prophet ﷺ through angelic conveyance, bringing him honor and increasing his intercessory power for his ummah on Judgment Day.
The Submission of Blessings
When the Companions questioned how their blessings could reach the Prophet ﷺ after his physical departure, they demonstrated their keen understanding of worldly realities while seeking spiritual clarification.
The Prophet's response reveals that while his earthly form may appear absent, his spiritual presence remains accessible, and the connection between him and his ummah transcends physical barriers.
The Sacred Status of Prophets' Bodies
Allah has honored the prophets by prohibiting the earth from consuming their bodies. This divine protection reflects their elevated status as Allah's chosen messengers.
Classical scholars note that this preservation applies to all prophets, with their bodies remaining intact in their graves as if alive, though their souls reside in the highest realms of Paradise.
Practical Implications
Muslims should increase their sending of blessings upon the Prophet ﷺ especially on Fridays, recognizing that these spiritual gifts reach him directly.
This teaching reinforces the ongoing connection between the Prophet ﷺ and his ummah, affirming that death does not sever the spiritual bond between the Messenger and his followers.