Shedding Light on the Possibility of Seeing Prophets and Angels (Suyuti)

This is a short but valuable text that elucidates one of the more controversial issues related to the people of Tasawwuf, and more specifically to the people of unveiling. Although many of the Imams and people of lofty status, whom no one could accuse of lying, have reported seeing the Prophet  ﷺ in a wakeful state, the issue remains problematic for some Scholars, among both the supporters and the critics of the Sufis.

Imam al-Suyuti argues that such a vision is not only possible, but that there are many well-documented examples of such visions, both  in the time of the Sahabah (radhi Allahu ‘anhum ajma’in) and afterwards. The Imam begins with texts that are irrefutable, from the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ, which establish the explicit possibility of the occurrence of such visions. Al-Suyuti then presents sound anecdotal evidence that such encounters have occurred in the past, mentioning stories from the Companions (radhi Allahu ‘anhum ajma’in) and from the righteous Scholars and Imams (may Allah have mercy on them). Finally, Imam al-Suyuti concludes this short treatise by providing answers to various possible and plausible objections.

Overall, this book is recommended as an introduction to the subject, which is covered in detail in the works of many of the Awliya’ (may Allah have mercy on them).