A Scholarly Refutation of a False Qadiani Argument
The Qadianis (Ahmadis) base a deceptive argument on a particular hadith, claiming that since dreams are described as one forty-sixth part of prophethood (nubuwwah), this means prophethood has not ended and that new prophets can still appear. This argument is entirely misleading, taken out of context, and based on intentional misinterpretation.
Let us first look at the hadith and its translation:
The Hadith:
Narrated by ‘Ubadah ibn al-Samit (RA): The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said, “A true dream of a believer is one forty-sixth part of prophethood.”
(Jami’ al-Tirmidhi, Hadith 2271 — This hadith is graded as Sahih and is narrated by multiple companions including Abu Hurairah, Abu Sa’id, Ibn Umar, and Anas.)
▶ Refutation of the Qadiani Argument:
1. Metaphor vs. Reality:
The phrase “one forty-sixth part” is metaphorical. It does not mean that a dream is an actual component of prophethood. Just as a ray of light is not the sun itself, calling a dream a “part” of prophethood only refers to its spiritual resemblance, not its reality.
2. Prophethood Has Ended:
The Qur’an clearly states that Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is the Final Prophet:
“Muhammad is not the father of any of your men, but the Messenger of Allah and the Seal of the Prophets.”
(Surah Al-Ahzab, 33:40)
This leaves no room for any new prophet to come—whether claimed to be “shadow” (zilli) or “reflection” (buroozi).
3. A True Dream is Not Prophetic Revelation:
A true dream can be an inspiration or spiritual experience, but it is not revelation (wahy) and does not make someone a prophet. Prophethood involves direct divine communication through revelation—something completely distinct from dreams.
4. If Dreams Meant Prophethood…
Then millions of Muslims who see truthful dreams would all be prophets—which is clearly absurd and contrary to Qur’an and Sunnah.
5. Clarification from Scholars:
Classical scholars and commentators agree that “a dream being part of prophethood” is only a matter of virtue or resemblance, not an actual share in prophethood. It is not a literal or functional continuation of the prophetic office.
❖ Conclusion:
The hadith means that a believer’s true dream holds a spiritual resemblance to prophethood, in that it may carry insight or truth—but it does not constitute prophethood itself, nor does it open the door for anyone to claim prophethood based on dreams. Any such interpretation is against the Qur’an, the authentic Sunnah, and the consensus of the Ummah.
Mian Zaid