Table Of Contents
The Islamic View on Seeing Prophet Muhammad in a Dream
There is no way prescribed in Shari`ah for the one who wants to see the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) in a dream.
It is appropriate here to comment on a number of matters that have to do with this question:
Recognizing the True Image of the Prophet in Dreams
- The one who sees the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) in a dream has to see him in his true form , at any stage of his life. So if a person claims to have seen light or a man with a completely white beard or a man wearing pants for example, these are not attributes of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), so this is not the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him).
The Shaytan cannot appear in the true image of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), but he can appear in other forms.
It was narrated that Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) said: I heard the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) say, “Whoever sees me in a dream will see me when he is awake, and the Shaytan cannot take my shape.” Al-Bukhari said: Ibn Sireen said: If he sees him in his true image. (Narrated by Al-Bukhari, 6592 and Muslim, 2266)
What the Scholars Said about Seeing the Prophet in Dreams
If a man told Ibn Sirin (may Allah have mercy on him) that he had seen the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) [in a dream], he would say, “Describe to me the one whom you saw.” If he gave a description that he did not recognize, he would say, “You did not see him.” Its chain of narration is authentic.
Al-Hakim (may Allah have mercy on him) narrated via `Asim ibn Kulayb (who said), my father told me: I said to Ibn `Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him), “I saw the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) in a dream.” He said, “Describe him to me.” He said, “I mentioned Al-Hasan ibn `Ali and said that he looked like him.” He said, “You did indeed see him.” Its chain of narration is sound. (See Fat-h Al-Bari, 12/383, 384)
Focus on Worship, Not Dreams: A Key Islamic Principle
- The Muslim should not concern himself with dreams and visions, basing his affairs on them and forgetting about the state of wakefulness in which Allah has enjoined rulings and acts of worship on him.
The Role of the Sunnah in Seeing the Prophet
- The Muslim who is following the Sunnah sees the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) in his heart; the more he follows him the more he will see him.
- So when he goes out of his house or goes to the mosque or does Wudu, he remembers what the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) used to do.
- When he prays or performs Hajj he follows his Sunnah.
- When he buys and sells or interacts with people, he acts according to the teachings of his Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him).
- When he is at home with his family and children he follows the teachings of his Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him).
This is what the Muslim should seek and strive to achieve.
For more details, please refer to the following answers: (14096, 25768, 31833, 70364)
And Allah is the Source of strength.