Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "While I was sleeping, I saw myself performing the Tawaf of the Ka`ba. Behold, there I saw a whitish-red lank-haired man (holding himself) between two men with water dropping from his hair. I asked, 'Who is this?' The people replied, 'He is the son of Mary.' Then I turned my face to see another man with red complexion, big body, curly hair, and blind in the right eye which looked like a protruding out grape. I asked, 'Who is he?' They replied, 'He is Ad-Dajjal.' Ibn Qatan resembles him more than anybody else among the people and Ibn Qatan was a man from Bani Al-Mustaliq from Khuza`a."
Interpretation of Dreams - Sahih al-Bukhari 7026
This profound hadith from Sahih al-Bukhari presents a significant prophetic vision containing crucial eschatological knowledge. The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) was shown two pivotal figures in human history through this divine dream revelation.
Vision of Prophet Jesus (عليه السلام)
The description of "whitish-red lank-haired man with water dropping from his hair" indicates Prophet Jesus (عليه السلام) in his purified state. The whitish-red complexion signifies purity and vitality, while the dripping water symbolizes blessings and spiritual purification. His position between two men during Tawaf demonstrates his submission to Islamic monotheism and his role as a worshipper of Allah.
Scholars interpret this vision as confirming Jesus' return to earth before the Day of Judgment, where he will perform Hajj and Umrah, follow the Islamic Shariah, and break the cross - thereby correcting the deviations that occurred in his message.
The Terrifying Vision of Ad-Dajjal
The description of Ad-Dajjal as "red complexion, big body, curly hair, blind in the right eye which looked like a protruding grape" contains profound warnings. His physical enormity represents his exaggerated claims and the magnitude of his fitnah (trial). The blind right eye symbolizes his spiritual blindness and inability to see divine truth.
The comparison to Ibn Qatan from Bani Al-Mustaliq serves as a tangible reference for the Companions to recognize Ad-Dajjal's features, while simultaneously warning against specific physical resemblances that may appear in future generations.
Scholarly Conclusions
This hadith establishes the authenticity of true dreams as a form of divine revelation, particularly for prophets. It confirms the physical return of Jesus son of Mary and provides the most detailed physical description of Ad-Dajjal in authentic sources.
The setting of this vision during Tawaf around the Ka'ba emphasizes the centrality of pure monotheism in confronting both the blessings of true prophethood and the trials of false messianism. This dream serves as eternal guidance for the Muslim Ummah until the Final Hour.