Once the Prophet (ﷺ) stood over one of the high buildings of Medina and then said (to the people), "Do you see what I see?" They said, "No." He said, "I see afflictions falling among your houses as rain drops fall."
Afflictions and the End of the World
Sahih al-Bukhari 7060
The Prophetic Vision
The Prophet (ﷺ) standing upon a high building signifies his elevated spiritual insight into future events. His question "Do you see what I see?" demonstrates that divine knowledge of future tribulations was granted specifically to him as Allah's Messenger.
The Nature of Afflictions
The comparison to rain drops indicates that these trials will be numerous, widespread, and inevitable - just as rain falls upon all areas without discrimination. This metaphor suggests both the frequency and the pervasive nature of future tribulations that would affect the Muslim community.
Scholarly Commentary
Classical scholars explain that these afflictions include religious trials (fitna), political turmoil, sectarian divisions, and moral corruption that would emerge within Muslim societies. The vision occurred in Medina, indicating these trials would particularly affect the heartlands of Islam.
Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani comments that the Prophet's companions' inability to see what he saw shows that knowledge of the unseen belongs solely to Allah, who grants it to whom He wills among His messengers.
Contemporary Relevance
This hadith serves as a warning for Muslims to remain steadfast in faith during times of trial and to adhere firmly to the Quran and authentic Sunnah when confusion and division arise. It also teaches that tribulations are part of divine decree and tests from Allah.