Interpretation of Dreams - Sahih al-Bukhari 6994

The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Whoever has seen me in a dream, then no doubt, he has seen me, for Satan cannot imitate my shape."

Scholarly Commentary

This noble hadith establishes the unique status of seeing the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) in dreams. The scholars explain that this is a special divine protection granted to the Prophet's noble personage, preventing Shaytan from assuming his form.

Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani, in Fath al-Bari, clarifies that this applies specifically to seeing the Prophet in his recognizable, known form as described in authentic narrations. If one sees someone claiming to be the Prophet but appearing in an unfamiliar form, this protection does not apply.

Imam al-Nawawi states in Sharh Sahih Muslim that this hadith indicates the truthfulness of the vision and confirms that the dreamer has indeed seen the Prophet himself, not a mere imagination or satanic deception.

The scholars further explain that this special privilege reflects the Prophet's elevated status and the completeness of his prophethood, as even in the realm of dreams, his sanctity is preserved from satanic impersonation.