Critical Analysis of the Theory of Prophetic Dreams in Light of Reason, Revelation, and the Imami Hadith Tradition

Abstract

Abdolkarim Soroush’s theory of “Prophetic Dreams” is among the contemporary perspectives concerning the nature of revelation, according to which revelation is not regarded as a direct report of reality, but rather as the Prophet’s dream experience formed within the context of sleep and dream language, which, in his view, requires interpretation. Despite its apparent attractiveness, this theory poses serious challenges to the traditional understanding of revelation in Islamic theology, particularly within Imami thought. Therefore, it is necessary to critically examine this theory on the basis of the authentic sources of religious knowledge in Imami Shi‘ism, especially the narrations of the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them), in order to clarify the extent of its compatibility or incompatibility with the theological and epistemological foundations of the Imami tradition. Using an analytical-critical method, the present study first reexamines the epistemological foundations of the theory of Prophetic Dreams and then, with a focus on reason, exegetical narrations, hadiths, and the theological principles of Imami thought, investigates the relationship between this theory and the Imami understanding of revelation and the language of the Qur’an. The findings of the study indicate that this theory is fundamentally incompatible with principles such as the “tawqīfī nature of revelation,” “infallibility in the reception and communication of revelation,” and the “negation of distortion” in Twelver Shi‘i thought. Furthermore, a content analysis of Imami narrations demonstrates that the Noble Prophet (PBUH) possessed certain knowledge and conscious presence during the process of receiving revelation, rather than merely undergoing a dreamlike and interpretable experience. Accordingly, the theory of Prophetic Dreams is not only inconsistent with the theological teachings of Imami Shi‘ism, but it also cannot be validated through a precise analysis of Imami narrations. Therefore, presenting a rational and intra-religious interpretation of revelation based on the rich capacities of the Shi‘i hadith heritage can more effectively contribute to explaining the nature of revelation.