How do we reconcile the descent of revelation upon the Prophet (peace be upon him) at times like the ringing of bells, with the noble Hadith, "Angels do not accompany a group that has a dog or a bell"?
The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, mentioned that revelation sometimes came to him like the ringing of a bell, and this was the most intense form for him. The intention here is a similitude, not reality, for the ringing (or clanging) is a sound. Umar compared it to the buzzing of bees for those who heard it. There is no contradiction between this and his prohibition of the companionship of angels if there is a bell among them, because what is meant there is a real bell. As for the former, it was a similitude, and it is not necessary in a similitude for the thing being likened (mushabbah) to be identical to the thing it is likened to (mushabbah bihi) in all its attributes. Rather, it suffices for them to share a certain attribute to convey a sensory impression and facilitate understanding.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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