The Prophet’s Vision in Dreams (May Allah bless him and his family and grant them peace)

Answer: It has been narrated that whoever sees the Messenger of Allah (May Allah bless him and his family and grant them peace) in a dream has truly seen him. The meaning is that seeing him in a dream is a true vision. It does not mean that what is seen in the dream is the Prophet’s physical person and exact self, because the Prophet (May Allah bless him and his family and grant them peace) is seen in dreams in various forms that symbolize meanings.
So, if the Prophet (May Allah bless him and his family and grant them peace) is seen in a state of joy and happiness, the interpretation is that his religion is in elevation, increase, victory, and honor. If he (May Allah bless him and his family and grant them peace) is seen in a state of distress or the like, the interpretation would be the opposite of what was mentioned.
Furthermore, one should not act upon what the Prophet (May Allah bless him and his family and grant them peace) commands in a dream unless it agrees with recognized proofs. If it contradicts them, it is not acted upon, because commands in dreams may have interpretations other than their apparent meaning.

Source: Min Thimār al-ʿIlm wa al-Ḥikmah vol.3