The dream interpretation in Islamic tradition is unique. Most Muslims consider them religious messages. They can bring glad tidings. They might offer warnings. Other times, they are mere mirrors of our lives. These visions cannot be comprehended without knowledge. It must have a relation with the Quran and the Sunnah.
This book is a guide to interpreting dreams in Islam. There are kinds of dreams that we will examine. Their significance will be discussed. Common symbols will also be discussed. This is information that is derived from real Islamic sources.
The Importance of Dreams in Islam
Dreams are not just uncorrelated pictures. A heavy spiritual burden falls on them. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) used to talk about them regularly. According to him, real dreams form part of prophethood. This demonstrates their significance.
One well-known one is Prophet Yusuf (Joseph). He was gifted with the ability to interpret dreams by Allah. His account in the Quran is about dreams. He made interpretations of the dream of the King. This saved Egypt from famine. This demonstrates the fact that dreams can have a real-life influence. Muslims consider sleep as a mini-death. The soul moves when we are asleep. It can come into contact with spiritual truths. As such, it is significant to focus on dreams. Nevertheless, not all
Three Types of Dreams in Islam
Dreams are meaningful. It is important to make the distinction between them.
There are three kinds of dreams in the Islamic religion. Islamic scientists divide dreams into three. These were defined by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). The difference you know will make you respond accordingly.
1. Rahmani (True dreams of Allah)
These are righteous dreams. They are revealed by Allah Himself. Therefore, they bring good news. They might offer guidance. In many cases, they are bright and obvious. Waking up, you do not forget them.
- The features of True Dreams:
- They bring a sense of peace.
- They are short.
- You do not get perplexed by them.
- They usually turn out to be real in life.
The Prophet has stated that true dreams consist of good news. Believers see them often. They are even more common in the case of honest persons.
2. Shaytani (The Satan Bad Dreams)
These dreams cause distress. They come from Shaitan (Satan). His goal is to frighten you. He wants to make you sad. These fantasies are even nightmares. These may include falling or chasing. You may get a glimpse of monstrous animals.
How to act in case you have a bad dream:
- Take shelter in Allah from Satan.
- Dry your lips thrice to the left.
- Adjust your sleeping habits.
- Do not mention the dream to anybody.
- Pray two units of prayer in case you are anxious.
These are what the Prophet recommended we should not pay attention to. They cannot harm you. Being able to share them provides them with power. You are safe with their negativity and silence.
3. Nafsani (Dreams from the Self)
These are psychological dreams. They come from your own mind. They mirror your day-to-day thinking. Therefore, they mirror your worries. They show your desires. As an example, you may feel hungry at night. You might dream of eating. You might worry about a test. And, you dream of failing it. These are dreams with no spiritual meaning. They are nothing but your brain working out. They are confused and disordered.
Dream Interpretation Rules
The interpretation of dreams is a grave issue. It is not a game. It requires wisdom. Scholars such as Ibn Sirin were specialists in this sphere. There are certain rules that you are supposed to adhere to.
Seek Knowledgeable Sources
Do not ask just anyone. Ask a scholar. Ask someone who loves you. Avoid jealous people. They may have a poor interpretation. Any poor interpretation is detrimental.
Context Matters
The same symbol may have a different meaning. It depends on the person. Fire could imply punishment for a sinner. It could be a guideline to a believer. One of the scholars takes into account your situation in life. They look at your piety.
Do Not Lie About Dreams
Metamorphosis of a dream is a great sin. This was strictly prohibited by the Prophet. It is a big lie to say that you saw a dream you never saw, he said. Be honest always. Honesty brings clarity.
Time of the Dream
The time matters. Dreams perceived in the pre-Fajr (dawn) are more accurate. This is a blessed time. The mind is rested. The affiliation with the spiritual world is great.
Many Islamic Dream Symbols
A lot of individuals seek certain meanings. Symbols can guide us. Do not forget the context rule, however. They are general meanings that occur in classical texts.
Water
Water usually symbolizes knowledge. It may represent Islam as such. Drinking pure water is good. It means gaining wisdom. It means a good life. Murky water is bad. It suggests confusion or sin.
Milk
The Islamic Prophet took the milk to mean knowledge. He drank milk in a dream. He distributed the remaining among Umar bin Al-Khattab. According to him, this was the religious knowledge. Milk is pure. It nourishes the body. The soul is the nourishment of knowledge.
Snakes
Snakes can be frightening. They become the embodiment of foes. They may represent latent jealousy. The presence of a snake in the house could signify a family rival. To kill a snake is to overcome an enemy. It shows victory.
Death
Dreaming of death is scary. But it is not always bad. It can mean the death of a sin. It might mean a new beginning. Also, it is good to see a dead person alive. It normally implies that they are fine. When they are fed, it is a provision.
Fire
Fire warns of danger. It can represent hellfire. It warns against sin. Thus, it could also symbolize a war of conflict. Sometimes it means guidance. Moses observed a fire that led him. The meaning is determined by the feeling in the dream.
How to purify your sleep
You want true dreams. You desire to be guarded against nightmares. And, you must prepare for sleep. Adhere to the Sunnah of the Prophet.
- Practice the Wudu (Ablution): Slumber in a state of purity. Angels always remain with the pure.
- Dust the Bed: This eliminates physical injuries. It is a prophetic practice.
- Repeat Adhkar: Repeat your night prayers. Recite Ayat al-Kursi. Chant the three final chapters of the Quran.
- Sleep on the Right Side: It is the Sunnah position. It is good for the body.
- Make Intention: Have an intention to wake up for Fajr. This purifies your sleep.
The Role of Honesty
Honesty is related to nightmares. The Prophet said that the most truthful people are those who have the most truthful dreams. Sleeping in the waking life obscures the heart. It invites Satan. Nothing clears the heart like telling the truth. It invites angels. Work on your character. Be honest in speech. Keep your promises. This spiritual practice has an effect on your sleep. Your soul becomes lighter. It goes where it sleeps to greater heights.
When to Ignore a Dream
Not all dreams should be analyzed. The majority of dreams are Nafsani (self-based). Do not be obsessed with all the images. Obsession causes anxiety. It distracts you from worship.
Focus on your waking life. Worship Allah. Be kind to others. Fulfill your duties. In the event that a dream is meaningful, it will be evident. It will stick with you. If you forget it, let it go.
Conclusion
Dreams act as a bridge. They brid the gap between our real world and the spiritual world. In Islam, they are a mercy. They assure us when we are in need. Before we fall, they give us warnings. They remind us of the life beyond death. Nevertheless, we should not lose our feet. We live in the waking world. Our actions here define us. Dreams should be used to encourage us and not to make decisions. Rely on the Quran. Rely on the Sunnah.
