Dreams in Islam
Etymology and Translations
Dreams in the Islamic context are described using various terms:
- Ḥulm (حُلم): Refers to a bad dream or nightmare.
- Manām (مَنَام): Denotes an ordinary dream.
- Rūyāʾ (رؤْيا): Indicates a heavenly vision or true dream of divine origin.
In Turkish, dreams can be translated similarly depending on their nature:
- Bad Dream: Kötü Rüya
- Ordinary Dream: Normal Rüya
- Heavenly Vision: İlahi Rüya
Islamic Perspective on Dreams
Types of Dreams
The Islamic tradition categorizes dreams into three types:
- Ḥulm: These are bad dreams believed to be influenced by Satan.
- Manām: These are ordinary dreams that do not carry significant divine messages.
- Rūyāʾ: These are true and good dreams that are considered to carry divine messages or prophecies.
Prophetic Sayings (Ḥadīth)
Several sayings (Ahadith) attributed to the Prophet Muhammad [peace be upon him (PBUH)] provide insights into the nature and interpretation of dreams:
- Good Dreams: “A good dream is of God’s favour and a bad dream is of the devil.”
- Sharing Dreams: “When any of you dreams a dream which he is pleased with, then he must not tell it to any but a beloved friend.”
- Bad Dreams: “When he dreams a bad dream, then let him seek protection from God both from its evil and from the wickedness of Satan; and let him spit three times over his left shoulder, and not mention the dream to anyone; then, verily, no evil shall come nigh him.”
- True Dreams: “The truest dream is the one which you have about day-break.”
- Prophetic Dreams: “Good dreams are one of the parts of prophecy.”
Practical Implications
From an Islamic perspective, dreams can serve both as warnings and guidance. For instance:
- Good Dreams (Rūyāʾ): They are seen as a form of divine communication and encouragement, offering reassurance to the believer.
- Bad Dreams (Ḥulm): These are considered challenges posed by Satan, against which a believer is advised to seek God’s protection and perform specific actions to ward off evil.
Recommendations for Further Studies
For those interested in a deeper understanding of how dreams are interpreted and their role within Islamic theology, the following books offer extensive analyses and perspectives:
- “Dreams in Islam: A Journey to the World of Vision” by S. Ali
- “Ibn Sirin’s Dictionary of Dreams: According to Islamic Inner Traditions” by Muhammad M. Al-Akili
- “The Interpretation of Dreams” by Ibn Shaheen
Takeaways
- Classification: Dreams in Islam are categorized into Ḥulm (bad), Manām (ordinary), and Rūyāʾ (true).
- Prophetic Guidance: The sayings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) offer clear guidelines on how to interpret and respond to different types of dreams.
- Significance: True dreams (Rūyāʾ) are considered a fraction of prophecy, reinforcing their importance in spiritual and daily life.
Conclusion
Dreams hold significant importance in Islamic culture and theology, serving as potential channels for divine inspiration and reflection. Understanding the types of dreams and the prophetic guidance on them can help believers navigate their spiritual journey with greater clarity and purpose.
By understanding the terms and the context provided by Islamic traditions, individuals can better appreciate the nuanced perspectives on dreams within Islam.
