A narration from Sahih Muslim mentions that Angel Jibreel (Gabriel) did not enter the house of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ because a puppy was present under the bed, and that the Prophet ﷺ was unaware of it until it was discovered and removed. This incident is often misused by critics to claim:
“Prophet didn’t know → therefore false prophethood” – claimed by Non-believers
And by extremist internal narratives such as Wahabis to claim:
“Prophet didn’t know → therefore this proves the Prophet ﷺ had no ʿIlm al-Ghayb at all.”
Both claims are theologically false, logically flawed, and Qur’anically incorrect.
This article presents the complete Islamic position using: • Qur’anic evidence
• Authentic hadith
• Classical theology
• Logical reasoning
• Pedagogical wisdom
• Balanced Sunni creed
The Exact Authentic Hadith
Sahih Muslim – Hadith 2104 (Narrated by ‘Aishah رضي الله عنها):
“Jibreel promised the Messenger of Allah ﷺ that he would come to him at a certain time, but he did not come. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: ‘Why did you not come?’ Jibreel said: ‘We do not enter a house in which there is a dog or an image.’ Then it was found that there was a puppy under the bed of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ. So he ordered that it be removed, and then Jibreel came.”
Also supported by:
Sahih al-Bukhari 5949: “The angels do not enter a house in which there is a dog or images.”
Central Misunderstanding
The real false assumption is this:
“Since Jibreel did not enter the house, it means the Prophet ﷺ lacked knowledge of the unseen.”
This assumption is false in theology, logic, and Qur’anic doctrine.
Correct Understanding:
The incident does not prove lack of unseen knowledge. It proves divine wisdom in teaching the Ummah.
It was not about ignorance — it was about instruction. Not about deficiency — but demonstration. Not about limitation — but pedagogy.
Core Truth:
Allah could have informed the Prophet ﷺ directly. But Allah chose a practical method to teach the Ummah:
➡️ If a dog is inside the house, angels of mercy do not enter.
This created a living Sunnah lesson, not abstract theology.
So the issue is not “knowledge of unseen”, but wisdom of Allah in educating the Ummah through action.
Qur’anic Foundation: Who Owns Knowledge of the Unseen?
The Qur’an is explicit:
- “Say: None in the heavens and the earth knows the unseen except Allah.” (27:65)
- “With Him are the keys of the unseen; none knows them except Him.” (6:59)
- “Say: I do not say to you that I possess the treasures of Allah, nor do I know the unseen.” (6:50)
- “If I knew the unseen, I would have acquired much good and no harm would have touched me.” (7:188)
So Does This Mean Prophets Have Knowledge of the Unseen?
Yes They have— by Allah’s permission, not independently.
The Qur’an clearly states:
- “Allah will not disclose the unseen, but Allah chooses of His messengers whom He wills.” (3:179)
- “This is from the news of the unseen which We reveal to you.” (12:102)
- “That is from the news of the unseen which We reveal to you.” (11:49)
- “He reveals His unseen to none, except a messenger whom He chooses.” (72:26–27)
- “Your companion has neither strayed nor erred, nor does he speak from desire. It is only revelation sent to him.” (53:2–4)
- “These are from the reports of the unseen which We reveal to you.” (3:44)
Practical Examples of Granted Unseen Knowledge
Surah al-Kahf (18)
Allah revealed realities no human could naturally know:
• People of the Cave (centuries of sleep)
• Killing of the child (hidden future corruption)
• Hidden treasure under the wall
• Damaged ship (future tyrant king)
“We taught him knowledge from Our presence.” (18:65)
Adam (عليه السلام)
“And He taught Adam the names of all things.” (2:31)
Limited category — but ocean-like depth.
How Much Knowledge Is Given? Who Measures It?
Only Allah.
“They encompass nothing of His knowledge except what He wills.” (2:255)
“Of knowledge, you have been given only a little.” (17:85)
No human can measure prophetic knowledge. No scholar can quantify it. No sect can map it.
For the Ummah, the correct position is:
- Reverent silence.
Theological humility.
Doctrinal discipline.
Why the Puppy Incident Happened
Not to show ignorance — but to teach practically.
Allah could have informed verbally. Instead, He taught by demonstration.
This is divine pedagogy.
Just as wudu, salah, and hajj were taught by action, this ruling was also taught by action.
It established a living Sunnah example, not abstract theory.
Theological Structure
Allah → Owner of all knowledge
Prophets → Recipients of knowledge
Angels → Executors of command
Humans → Limited perception
Source → Allah
Channel → Revelation
Recipient → Prophet
Balanced Islamic Creed
The Prophet ﷺ:
Was not equal to Allah
But he was:
Recipient of revelation
Given knowledge by Allah
Chosen for unseen knowledge
Guided by wahi
Messenger of God
Final Conclusion
The puppy incident does not disprove Islam. It does not weaken prophethood. It does not undermine revelation. It does not challenge theology.
It proves:
Islamic honesty
Theological clarity
Prophetic humanity
Divine uniqueness
Monotheistic consistency
Final creed:
Allah is All-Knowing. Prophets are guided. Revelation is selective. Knowledge is granted, not possessed. Messenger is servant, not equal.
God is God. Messenger is messenger. Knowledge belongs to Allah alone.
