False Claims About Hearing the Heavenly Call in Dreams

Heavenly Cry In Islamic Narrations: Refuting the Dream Interpretation

The Heavenly Cry In Islamic Narrations (Ṣayḥah) is one of the most important signs mentioned in Islamic eschatology. Some groups, such as the followers of Ahmad Ismail Basri, claim that certain people have already heard this celestial call, concluding that it must occur in a dream. This claim is based on a misinterpretation of narrations from the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them).

Misinterpretation of the Celestial Call

They cite a narration from Hisham ibn Salim, who reported that Imam al-Sadiq (peace be upon him) said:

“There are two cries.” I asked: “How can one be distinguished from the other?” He replied: “The one who has heard of it before it happens will recognize it.” (Al-Ghaybah by al-Nu‘mani, vol. 1, p. 265)

From this, they argue that people have already heard the Heavenly Cry In Islam in the past, and the only way this could happen is in a dream.

Correct Understanding of the Heavenly Cry

This interpretation is flawed. The narration means that anyone who has prior knowledge of the characteristics of the Heavenly Cry In Islamic Narrations will be able to distinguish Gabriel’s call from Iblis’s. This knowledge comes from studying the narrations of the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them).

Another narration from Zurara ibn A‘yan confirms this:

Imam al-Sadiq (peace be upon him) said that a caller from the sky will announce the truth, while Satan will also call out in support of a false leader. Those who have learned the narrations beforehand will recognize the truthful call from the false one. (Al-Ghaybah by al-Nu‘mani, vol. 1, p. 264)

Conclusion: Knowledge is the Key

The Heavenly Cry is not a dream phenomenon but a real event that will occur as a sign before the reappearance. The ability to distinguish between the true call and the false one depends on familiarity with the narrations, which describe the timing, content, and nature of both cries in detail.

By studying these narrations, believers will be prepared to recognize the authentic call when it happens — and avoid being misled by false interpretations.