A Special Love for the Hadith of the Prophet ﷺ

In the heart of Imam Bukhari رحمه الله, there was an extraordinary and unique passion for the Hadith of the Prophet ﷺ. One night, he saw a dream in which the Prophet ﷺ was resting and he (Imam Bukhari) stood near his blessed head, fanning him and protecting him from flies and harmful insects. Upon waking up, he consulted dream interpreters who explained that he would render a great service to the Hadith of the Messenger ﷺ. They said he would distinguish the authentic narrations from the fabricated ones spread by liars.

Inspiration from His Teacher

During this time, his most senior teacher, Ishaq ibn Rahwayh, once remarked, "I wish you would compile a concise book consisting solely of authentic Hadith of the Prophet ﷺ." Imam Bukhari رحمه الله said that this suggestion deeply entered his heart, and from that very moment, he resolved to begin compiling his famous work, *Al-Jami’ Al-Sahih*.

Dreams of Others About Imam Bukhari

Noteworthy in this regard is also a dream of Najm ibn Fudayl and Warraq Bukhari, in which they saw the Prophet ﷺ emerging from his noble grave, and Imam Bukhari placing his steps exactly where the Prophet ﷺ had stepped. Another dream, narrated by Hafiz Ibn Hajar رحمه الله, was seen by Abu Zayd Marwazi. He said, "I was sleeping near the Kaaba between the Rukn and Maqam. In my dream, the Prophet ﷺ appeared and said, 'O Abu Zayd! How long will you continue teaching the book of Shafi'i and not teach our book?' I asked, 'May my parents be sacrificed for you, which book is yours?' The Prophet ﷺ replied, 'The one compiled by Muhammad ibn Isma’il al-Bukhari.'