Q 2: Some Sufis claim that they see the Prophet (peace be upon him) in dreams and that he (peace be upon him) commands them to write certain books. Nevertheless, such books include many Bid`ahs (innovations in religion) and other things that oppose Shari`ah (Islamic law). How can we then (Part No. 2; Page No. 91) refute what such Sufis claim?

A: What is mentioned in the question is one of the Dalalahs (deviations from what is right) of Sufis. It is one way through which Satan whispers to them and takes them away from the right path.It is well-established that if a Muslim sees the Prophet in a dream and he (peace be upon him) commands them to do something or to give up doing something, they do not have to act upon such a dream. This is because Allah (Exalted be He) has already perfected His Din (religion) and completed His Grace and that the Purified Shari`ah is not in need of any completion to be taken from dreams. However, if a person sees the Prophet in his form and he (peace be upon him) commands them to do something which conforms to Shari`ah; such a Ru'ya (true dream) is to emphasize the Shar`y (Islamic legal) command and to help the concerned person to adhere to it.On the other hand, if a person sees the Prophet (peace be upon him) in the form of somebody else; such a dream is not true. Rather, it is from the work of Satan for the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, Whoever sees me in a dream in fact has seen me, for Satan does not appear in my form. This Hadith proves that anyone who sees the Prophet (Part No. 2; Page No. 92) (peace be upon him) in some other person's form in fact has seen Satan but not the Prophet (peace be upon him). It is worth mentioning that it is Wajib (obligatory) on you to advise such Sufis, enlighten them, and inform them that things which they see are just whispers of Satan and ways of deviation. You also have to warn people against Sufis who claim that they have such dreams so that they are not deluded by them.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.