No one greets me except that Allah restores my soul to me so that I return his greeting

Explanation

The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) informs that his soul is restored to him to return the greeting of whoever greets him, whether he is near or far. Life in the Barzakh (the period between death and resurrection) and the grave is a matter of the unseen, and no one knows its reality except Allah, Who is Competent over all things.

Lessons

• Encouraging the act of frequently invoking Allah's blessings upon the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him).
• The Prophet's life in his grave is the most perfect life a man can have in his Barzakh and no one knows its reality but Allah Almighty.
• This Hadīth is not proof that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) has a life like the one we have, so the people of Shirk would not take this as a pretext for seeking relief from him (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him). Rather, it is a Barzakh life.