He who saw me in sleep in fact saw me, for it is not possible for the satan to appear in my form; and he also said: When any one of you sees a hulm he should not inform anyone, for it is a sort of vain sport of devil in the state of sleep.
The Book of Dreams - Sahih Muslim 2268a
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, Lord of the worlds, and may peace and blessings be upon His final Messenger Muhammad.
Hadith Text
"He who saw me in sleep in fact saw me, for it is not possible for the satan to appear in my form; and he also said: When any one of you sees a hulm he should not inform anyone, for it is a sort of vain sport of devil in the state of sleep."
Commentary on the First Part
The statement "He who saw me in sleep in fact saw me" establishes that a true vision of the Prophet (ﷺ) in a dream is indeed a genuine encounter. This is because Satan is incapable of assuming the form of the Prophet (ﷺ) by the divine protection (ʿiṣmah) granted to him. Such a vision is considered a mercy and glad tidings for the believer, indicating the truthfulness of their faith and their connection to the Prophet (ﷺ). Scholars like Imam al-Nawawi affirm that this is the consensus of Ahl al-Sunnah.
Commentary on the Second Part
The term "hulm" refers to bad dreams or nightmares that originate from Satan. The Prophet (ﷺ) instructs believers not to relate such dreams to others. This prohibition serves multiple wisdoms: it prevents causing fear or distress to others, it avoids spreading the devil's vain sport, and it protects the dreamer from potential harm or evil eye. The recommended course of action upon experiencing a hulm is to seek refuge in Allah from Satan, spit lightly to one's left three times, and change the position one was sleeping in.
Distinction Between Ru'yā and Hulm
Islamic scholarship distinguishes between "ru'yā" (good dreams from Allah) and "hulm" (bad dreams from Satan). True dreams are one of the forty-six parts of prophethood, as established in authentic narrations. They occur when the soul is somewhat detached from the distractions of the body and worldly affairs, making it more receptive to divine inspiration. Bad dreams, however, occur when the soul is troubled or when Satan takes advantage of one's spiritual state.
Practical Guidance
When one experiences a true dream of the Prophet (ﷺ), they should thank Allah and increase in good deeds. They may share it with knowledgeable, righteous people for interpretation if they wish. As for bad dreams, they should not be narrated to anyone. Following the Prophetic guidance regarding dreams protects the believer from psychological distress and spiritual harm, while allowing them to benefit from the glad tidings that may come through righteous visions.