The reality of ilham and kashf
Q: A person told me that ilham and kashf are fake as in Sahih Al-Bukhari 6990 the prophet states nothing is left of prophethood except dreams. Please refute this.
A: The meaning of the hadith is that after the death of the nabi, the ummah will not receive any wahi, but the way they may receive guidance from Allah Ta'ala is via good dreams through which a person is motivated toward good.
However, this hadith does not in any way negate a person being able to receive guidance from Allah Ta'ala through other ways (e.g. ilham or kashf). Hence, a person can receive ilham or kashf from Allah Ta'ala, as mentioned in some Ahaadith.
Nevertheless, it should be understood that these things are not equal to the revelation a Nabi receives, and therefore, cannot be taken as a proof in itself. Thus, if the ilham and kashf conforms to the Quraan and sunnah, it will be permissible for one to practice upon it. On the contrary, if it does not conform to the Quraan and sunnah, then it will not be permissible for one to practice upon it.
And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best.
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