BENEFIT 322: Are Prophetic Dreams Subject to Interpretation?

Sheikh ’Ammār Al-Hawbani hafidahullah states: The dreams of the Prophet ﷺ are of two types: (1) some require interpretation, (2) while others do not, such as those that are clear like the break of dawn (they are to be understood according to their apparent meaning). If the dreams of the Prophets are subject to interpretation, it is even more applicable to the dreams of others. [Ithaaf Al-Kiram (51)] An example of a prophetic dream that requires interpretation: Narrated Ibn ’Umar: Allah's Messenger ﷺ said: ((بَيْنَا أَنَا نَائِمٌ أُتِيتُ بِقَدَحِ لَبَنٍ، فَشَرِبْتُ حَتَّى إِنِّي لأَرَى الرِّيَّ يَخْرُجُ فِي أَظْفَارِي، ثُمَّ أَعْطَيْتُ فَضْلِي عُمَرَ بْنَ الْخَطَّابِ)).‏ قَالُوا فَمَا أَوَّلْتَهُ يَا رَسُولَ اللهِ؟ قَالَ ‏((الْعِلْمَ)).‏ "While I was sleeping, I saw that a cup full of milk was brought to me and I drank my fill till I noticed (the milk) its wetness coming out of my nails. Then I gave the remaining milk to `Umar Ibn Al-Khattab" The companions of the Prophet (ﷺ) asked, "What have you interpreted (about this dream)? "O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)?" he replied, "(It is religious) knowledge." [Reported by Al-Bukhari 82] An example of a prophetic dream that does not require interpretation: The dream of Prophet Ibrahim عليه السلام in which he saw himself sacrificing his son; he himself understood it as a direct command from Allah and acted upon it the following morning.