The Seeing Of Rasoolullah In a Dream

Ash-Shama'il Al-Muhammadiyah 414

Hadith Text

"Allah's Messenger said (Allah bless him and give him peace): 'If someone sees me (meaning in his sleep), he has seen me truly!'"

Commentary on the Narration

This noble hadith establishes that whoever sees the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) in a dream has indeed seen him in reality, for Shaytan cannot assume his form. This is a special protection granted to the Prophet's noble person by Allah's wisdom.

Scholarly Interpretation

Imam al-Nawawi explains in his Sharh Sahih Muslim that this means the vision is true and corresponds to the Prophet's actual appearance, not that the dreamer has physically seen him while awake. The scholars agree that Shaytan is incapable of impersonating the Prophet in dreams due to divine protection.

Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani adds in Fath al-Bari that this privilege extends to seeing the Prophet in any state - whether young or old, in this world or the next - and the vision remains authentic and protected from satanic interference.

Spiritual Significance

This hadith brings great comfort to believers, indicating that even after the Prophet's earthly departure, the Ummah maintains a spiritual connection through truthful visions. Such dreams are considered glad tidings and a manifestation of Allah's mercy upon those who love His Messenger.

The scholars note that frequent visions of the Prophet indicate the dreamer's strong love and connection to him, and serve as encouragement to increase in sending blessings upon him and following his Sunnah.