The Dream That Came True
The Remarkable Story of Sa’id ibn al-Harith
From the Treasures of Islamic Heritage
Abu al-Walid ibn Hisham ibn Yahya al-Kinani narrated: We set out on a military expedition to the land of the Romans (Byzantine Empire). We would take turns in service and guard duty. Among us was a man named Sa’id ibn al-Harith, who had been granted an exceptional portion of worship.
You would never see him except fasting, standing in prayer, remembering Allah, or reciting the Quran. I used to gently reproach him for his excessive striving in worship, saying to him: “Be kind to yourself.”
The Extraordinary Dream
Abu al-Walid continued: One day, Sa’id ibn al-Harith slept in a tent while I was on guard duty. I heard talking inside the tent, so I entered. To my astonishment, I found Sa’id speaking in his sleep and laughing! While still asleep, he was saying:
Then he extended his right hand as if reaching for something, then gently pulled it back to his chest while laughing. Suddenly, he jumped up from his sleep, trembling. I rushed to him and embraced him to my chest as he looked right and left until he calmed down. Then he began to glorify Allah, magnify Him, and praise Him.
I asked him: “What’s wrong with you, Sa’id? What happened?” I described to him what I had witnessed of his state in the dream.
I gave him my pledge not to reveal his story as long as he lived.
A Vision of Paradise
Sa’id said: “O Abu al-Walid, in this dream of mine, I saw as if the Day of Resurrection had been established, and the servants emerged from their graves with their eyes fixed in terror. Then two men came to me—I had never seen anyone like them in beauty and perfection.”
Sa’id continued: “I departed with them on horses like flashing lightning, until we arrived at a magnificent palace. My eyes could not perceive its beginning, end, or height—it was like shimmering light. It opened for us, and inside were beautiful maidens of Paradise that no description could capture.”
We continued until we reached magnificent gatherings with thrones of gold, adorned with jewels. On each throne was a beautiful maiden whose description I cannot capture. In the center among them was a tall, beautiful houri whose beauty bewildered the eye.
The maidens rushed toward me with welcome and hospitality, just as people do with their absent one when he returns to them. They took me and seated me beside that houri.
The Conversation with His Bride
Sa’id recounted the conversation:
She replied: “In the Garden of Refuge (Jannat al-Ma’wa).”
I asked: “Who are you?”
She replied: “I am your eternal wife.”
I asked: “And where is the other one?”
She replied: “In your other palace.”
Sa’id continued: “I said, ‘I will stay with you tonight, then move to the other tomorrow.’ I extended my hand toward her, but she gently returned it to my chest.”
Then she stood and left me. I rose at her departure, startled and overwhelmed!
The Prophecy Fulfilled
Abu al-Walid narrated: The first day after this vision arrived. Sa’id ibn al-Harith rose, performed ritual purification, applied perfume, and began the day fasting. Then he fought the enemy until nightfall, with people amazed at how he threw himself into the midst of danger.
On the second day, he did exactly as he had done the day before. When the third day came, he rose, performed ritual purification, applied perfume, and began fasting. Then he engaged in battle with the utmost bravery a man could show.
When the sun was about to set, one of the enemies shot an arrow that struck him in the throat. He fell face-down, martyred.
Abu al-Walid continued: I rushed to him immediately, saying: “O Sa’id, congratulations on what you will break your fast with tonight! I wish I were with you!”
He gestured to me with his eyes and bit his lower lip while smiling—reminding me of the pledge I had made to keep his secret. Then he looked up at the sky, smiled, and said:
By Allah, he spoke no other words after that until he died.
Reflections on This Story
This remarkable story demonstrates the reality of true dreams as a form of divine communication. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: “The true dream is one of the forty-six parts of prophethood.” Sa’id’s vision was not mere imagination—it was a divine promise that came to pass exactly as shown.
Sa’id ibn al-Harith’s exceptional devotion—constant fasting, standing in prayer, and Quran recitation—earned him this extraordinary honor. His words, “These are only breaths that are counted,” reveal a profound understanding that life is short and every moment is precious.
Allah granted Sa’id knowledge of his approaching martyrdom and the reward awaiting him. His preparation—purification, perfume, fasting, and courageous fighting—shows how the righteous prepare to meet their Lord with dignity and readiness.
Abu al-Walid’s faithfulness in keeping Sa’id’s secret until after his death demonstrates the Islamic ethics of maintaining trust and honoring pledges, even when the information is extraordinary.
Al-Bidayah wan-Nihayah (The Beginning and the End)
By Imam Ibn Kathir (701-774 AH)
May Allah grant us sincerity in worship, steadfastness in faith, and the honor of meeting Him while He is pleased with us.
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