Commentary on the Hadith of Visions

This profound narration, recorded in the esteemed collections of Bukhari and Muslim and referenced in Mishkat al-Masabih 4610, originates from the chapter on Visions. The statement, "He who sees me in a dream has indeed seen me truly, for Satan cannot assume my form," demands a meticulous scholarly interpretation.

The Nature of the Vision

The scholars, such as Imam al-Nawawi in his Sharh Sahih Muslim, clarify that this hadith specifically pertains to visions seen during sleep. The phrase "has seen what is genuine" (or "has seen me truly") is a divine guarantee from Allah, the Exalted, that the form of the Prophet (ﷺ) appearing in the dream is protected from Satanic impersonation.

This is a unique honor bestowed exclusively upon the person of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). No other human being, no matter how righteous, is granted this divine safeguard in dreams. If one sees another individual, it could be a true vision, a psychological manifestation, or a deception by Satan.

Scholarly Interpretation of "Seeing"

The commentators emphasize that "seeing" in this context is not equivalent to seeing the Prophet (ﷺ) in his physical, worldly life. Those Companions who saw him in wakefulness attained a rank that cannot be paralleled. Rather, the dream-vision is a form of mercy and a connection for the later generations of the Ummah who did not have that privilege.

Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani in Fath al-Bari explains that the vision is "true" in its essence and representation. It is genuinely the spirit (ruh) of the Prophet (ﷺ) or an angel in his form that is presented to the sleeper, conveying a meaning or a message that is truthful and authentic.

Significance and Ruling

The majority of scholars hold that seeing the Prophet (ﷺ) in a dream is a praiseworthy and blessed event, often interpreted as a sign of the dreamer's sound faith and upright character. However, it does not elevate the dreamer to the status of a Companion (Sahabi), as the defining condition of being a Sahabi is to have believed in and seen the Prophet (ﷺ) while awake and alive.

This hadith serves as a great consolation and a spiritual gift for the believers, affirming that the connection to the Prophet (ﷺ) transcends time and physical presence, sustained through the barakah (blessing) of sincere love and adherence to his Sunnah.