IS IT POSSIBLE TO SEE ALLAH IN A DREAM?

The question of whether it is possible to see Allah in a dream has been answered differently by scholars: some say it is impossible, while others say it is possible.

Imam Nawawi (may Allah have mercy on him) states: "Al-Qadi said: 'The scholars unanimously agreed that it is possible and valid to see Allah in a dream. However, if someone sees Allah in a form or body that does not befit Him, then what is seen is to be considered something other than Allah, because it is impossible to liken the True God to anything.'"

Ibn al-Baqillani said: "Seeing Allah in a dream brings thoughts, imaginations, and assumptions to the heart. This occurs in matters that are or have been created."[1] Thus, seeing the Creator in a dream is not to be understood literally, as one sees physical objects, because it is impossible to see the Almighty Allah with the eyes. He is free and pure from all faults and deficiencies. The Qur'an says:

﴿ وَلَا يُحِيطُونَ بِهِ عِلْمًا ﴾

"But they [the created beings] cannot encompass Him with their knowledge." [2]

Scholars have interpreted reports of the early generations (salaf salihin) seeing Allah in their dreams as allegorical (ta'wil). Imam Baghawi (may Allah have mercy on him) said: "...Seeing the Almighty Allah in a dream happens in a state of perfect justice, delight, generosity, and goodness. If Allah promises Paradise, forgiveness, or rescue from Hell in a dream, His word is true and His promise is real. If Allah turns His gaze, it is understood as His mercy; if He turns away, it is a warning against sin. The Qur'an says:

﴿ أُولَئِكَ لَا خَلَاقَ لَهُمْ فِي الْآَخِرَةِ وَلَا يُكَلِّمُهُمُ اللَّهُ وَلَا يَنْظُرُ إِلَيْهِمْ ﴾

"...they are those who will have no share in the Hereafter, and Allah will not speak to them or look at them on the Day of Judgment..." [3]

If someone receives wealth from Allah in a dream and takes it, what is received should be understood as a test, hardship, or illness. This may cause anxiety and restlessness, but through it, one may gain great reward.[4]

When one sees such an extraordinary dream, one should praise and thank Allah, for it is a blessing (gift). If desired, it may be shared with a trustworthy person, or not shared at all. Those who say it is impossible to see Allah in a dream summarize their view as follows:

ولو قال رجل: رأيت الله تعالى في المنام، قال الشيخ الإمام رئيس أهل السنة أبو منصور الماتريدي رحمه الله تعالى: هذا الرجل شر من عابد الوثن

"If someone says, 'I saw Allah in a dream,' the Shaykh Imam, leader of Ahl al-Sunnah, Abu Mansur Maturidi (may Allah have mercy on him), said: 'This person is worse than an idol worshipper.' This issue has caused disputes among the scholars of Bukhara and Samarkand. The scholars of Samarkand (may Allah have mercy on them) said:

رؤية الله تعالى في المنام باطلة لا تكون لأن ما يرى في المنام لا يكون غير المرئي بل هو خياله، و الله تعالى منزه عن ذلك و ترك الكلام في هذه المسألة أحسن

"Seeing Allah in a dream is invalid and does not happen, because what is seen in a dream is nothing but imagination. Allah is exalted above that, and it is better not to discuss this matter."[5]

CONCLUSION: It is not possible to see Allah in a dream. What is seen is merely imagination. Such dreams should not be shared with others. Only in rare cases, and in accordance with the Qur'an and Sunnah, may such extraordinary dreams be interpreted allegorically. In this, the principle "There is nothing like unto Him"[6] must be upheld, and Allah should not be ascribed form, image, size, shape, or direction. Allah is free and pure from all faults and deficiencies. Ultimately, Allah knows best! Sharia and Fatwa Department of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Kazakhstan

• [1] Imam Nawawi, Commentary on Sahih Muslim, 5/25.

• [2] Surah Taha, verse 110.

• [3] Surah Al Imran, verse 77.

• [4] Sharh al-Sunnah, 12/227.

• [5] Fatawa Qadikhan, 3/329.

• [6] Surah Ash-Shura, verse 11.