The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Name yourselves with my name (use my name) but do not name yourselves with my Kunya name (i.e. Abul Qasim). And whoever sees me in a dream then surely he has seen me for Satan cannot impersonate me. And whoever tells a lie against me (intentionally), then (surely) let him occupy his seat in Hell-fire."
Hadith Text & Context
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Name yourselves with my name (use my name) but do not name yourselves with my Kunya name (i.e. Abul Qasim). And whoever sees me in a dream then surely he has seen me for Satan cannot impersonate me. And whoever tells a lie against me (intentionally), then (surely) let him occupy his seat in Hell-fire."
This profound hadith from Sahih al-Bukhari (Book: Knowledge, Hadith: 110) contains three distinct yet interconnected rulings of immense importance for the Muslim community.
Prohibition Against Using the Kunya "Abul Qasim"
The prohibition against taking the Kunya "Abul Qasim" was specific to the Prophet's lifetime to maintain the unique honor of his parental title. Scholars explain this prevented potential confusion when he was called in public gatherings. After his passing, the majority scholarly opinion permits using this Kunya, as the primary reason for prohibition (confusion during his life) no longer exists.
This ruling demonstrates the wisdom of Islamic law in addressing specific circumstances while encouraging the use of the blessed name "Muhammad" and other prophetic names to maintain spiritual connection.
Authenticity of Seeing the Prophet in Dreams
The declaration that "Satan cannot impersonate me" establishes that any true vision of the Prophet (ﷺ) in a dream is authentic. This is a special divine protection granted to the Seal of the Prophets. Scholars clarify that this applies only to seeing his actual form as described in authentic narrations.
This teaching provides comfort to believers and confirms the spiritual reality that the Prophet's noble soul can appear to the righteous in their dreams, offering guidance and intercession.
Severe Warning Against Fabricating Hadith
The stern warning about occupying a seat in Hell-fire for intentionally lying upon the Prophet represents one of the most severe threats in Islamic texts. Scholars emphasize this applies to anyone who attributes to the Prophet words he did not say, actions he did not do, or approvals he did not give.
This ruling established the foundation for the rigorous science of Hadith criticism, ensuring the preservation of authentic Islamic teachings and protecting the religion from corruption through false attributions.
Scholarly Consensus & Practical Application
Throughout Islamic history, scholars have unanimously agreed on the gravity of fabricating hadith, considering it among the major sins. The preservation of the Prophet's authentic teachings remains the community's collective responsibility.
This hadith continues to guide Muslims in proper etiquette regarding the Prophet's name, understanding dream interpretation, and most importantly, maintaining the purity of Islamic teachings from fabrication and distortion.