What is Kashf? What is the difference between Dream and Kashf?

 

What is Kashf? 

What is the difference between Dream and Kashf?

Kashf is an Arabic word, meaning unveiling, disclosure, observation, or inner vision. There are two types of Kashf —

1. Kashf-e-Ayani (Direct Vision)

2. Kashf-e-Bezdaani (Indirect Vision or Perception)

The difference between these two types of Kashf is that in Kashf-e-Ayani, the seeker sees everything clearly and vividly with their inner eyes, while in Kashf-e-Bezdaani, although the seeker cannot directly see things, they can accurately perceive changes in states and conditions — just like one can feel the wind without seeing it, or like a blind person can distinguish between air and water by touch.

Allah says in the Holy Qur'an:
"Indeed, you were heedless of this, but now We have removed from you your veil, so your sight this Day is sharp."
(Surah Qaf, Ayah 22)

This verse signifies the Kashf experienced by a person at the threshold of death, which often explains the abnormal behavior seen in people in their final moments.

From the perspective of Tasawwuf (spirituality), Kashf refers to the miraculous visionary power of a purified soul. When the soul is purified and fully surrenders to the Supreme Soul (Allah), mysterious truths and the hidden realities of the universe become manifest to the seeker. Their inner eye opens, and the subtle, spiritual world becomes as clearly visible as the material world. This spiritual vision is generally achieved through deep spiritual connection with the Divine.

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Difference between Dream and Kashf:

When a person sleeps, their physical senses become inactive. During this time, the soul wanders in the Alam-e-Mithal (world of images), and the visions it sees are called dreams. On the other hand, through intense spiritual practice and control over desires, a seeker suppresses the six base instincts (Shad-Ripu) and develops the inner eye, through which they can see spiritual realities even while awake — this is called Kashf.

There are two main differences between dream and Kashf:

1. Dreams occur only in sleep, but Kashf can happen both in wakefulness and in a semi-sleep state.

2. Dreams are not under a person’s control — one cannot dream about whatever they wish. However, through Kashf, a spiritually accomplished seeker can observe their desired reality at will.

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Impact of Kashf:

Once the door of Kashf is opened, the seeker becomes aware of all mysteries and secrets of the creation. In fact, many lovers of the Prophet (peace be upon him) possess the ability through Kashf to see the spiritual forms of people's souls. Outwardly, all may appear as humans, but in the spiritual form, many may appear as animals or lower creatures.

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Types of Souls in Humans:

Humans possess two types of souls:

1. Jeevatma (Animal Soul)

2. Paramatma (Divine Soul)

The Jeevatma comprises the instincts of ferocious animals, common animals, and satanic forces — representing aggression, lust, and deception. Conversely, the Paramatma is composed of angelic and human traits — representing purity and divine connection.

The ferocious nature of wild beasts means they cannot tolerate each other. Those who have characteristics like jealousy and greed spiritually resemble tigers, dogs, cats, etc. The nature of animals is to eat, sleep, and live without concern for their master — people with these qualities spiritually resemble cows, buffaloes, etc. The satanic nature is pride, arrogance, and creating conflict — people with these traits spiritually resemble foxes, monkeys, etc. Those controlled by lust and immorality resemble pigs in their soul form.

Therefore, regardless of outward religious practice, one cannot attain salvation unless their inner self is purified.

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Stages of the Soul (Nafs) in the Qur'an:

The Qur'an describes four main states of the soul (Nafs) that seekers of Allah experience through purification:

1. Nafs-e-Ammara — The Commanding Self (driven by base desires)

2. Nafs-e-Lawwama — The Self-Reproaching Soul (regretful and repentant)

3. Nafs-e-Mutmainna — The Tranquil Soul (peaceful and content)

4. Nafs-e-Mulhima — The Inspired Soul (receives divine inspiration)

Allah says in the Qur'an:
"Indeed, the soul is inclined to evil, except for those upon whom my Lord has mercy. Indeed, my Lord is Forgiving and Merciful."
(Surah Yusuf, Ayah 53)

"O tranquil soul, return to your Lord well-pleased and pleasing [to Him]."
(Surah Al-Fajr, Ayah 27-28)

"I swear by the self-reproaching soul."
(Surah Al-Qiyamah, Ayah 2)

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Final Reflection:

The true human being is one who, through spiritual practice, transforms their Jeevatma (animalistic nature) into Paramatma (divine nature). Otherwise, despite appearing human, one remains spiritually inferior.

Allah says:
"Indeed, We have created for Hell many of the jinn and mankind. They have hearts with which they do not understand, eyes with which they do not see, and ears with which they do not hear. They are like cattle — rather, they are even more astray. It is they who are heedless."
(Surah Al-A'raf, Ayah 179)

This verse does not refer to the physical eyes and ears but the spiritual senses. If the inner eye and ear are closed, a person cannot perceive divine realities, and a person with Kashf sees such individuals in the form of various animals corresponding to their inner character.

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Thus, to truly reach the level of humanity, one must purify the soul and seek the company of spiritual guides or saints (Auliya-Allah) who can lead them on the path of inner transformation.