Islam teaches that good dreams come from Allah (God), while nightmares (bad dreams) originate from the devil (Shaitan).
Understanding Dreams in Islam
Islamic teachings differentiate between true visions and disturbing dreams:
- Good Visions (Ru'ya): These are considered a blessing from Allah, potentially carrying guidance or good news.
- Bad Dreams/Nightmares (Hulm): These are attributed to the devil aiming to cause distress or fear.
How to Deal with Nightmares in Islam
According to the Hadith (sayings and actions of Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him), when someone experiences a nightmare, they should:
- Spit (dry spit) gently to the left three times. This is a symbolic gesture of rejection towards the evil suggested by the dream.
- Seek refuge in Allah from the evil of the dream and from the devil. This is done by saying, "A'udhu billahi minash-shaitanir-rajeem" (I seek refuge in Allah from the accursed devil).
- Not talk about the dream to anyone. Sharing a disturbing dream may cause unnecessary worry or it could be interpreted in an unfavorable way.
- Change the side they are sleeping on. This physical change is believed to help dispel the influence of the nightmare.
- Perform prayer (Salah). Turning to Allah through prayer provides comfort and protection.
The Purpose of Nightmares
While nightmares are unsettling, Islam views them as tests or reminders, not necessarily as divine punishments. They can serve as a catalyst for:
- Seeking Allah's protection: Encouraging individuals to strengthen their faith and reliance on God.
- Reflecting on one's actions: Prompting self-reflection and repentance for any wrongdoings.
- Appreciating blessings: Reminding individuals to be grateful for the good things in their lives.
Summary
In essence, Islam teaches that nightmares are from the devil and provides specific steps to mitigate their negative impact. These actions emphasize seeking refuge in Allah, rejecting the evil suggestions, and focusing on faith and prayer. The goal is to minimize the distress caused by the nightmare and prevent it from having any lasting negative effect on the individual.
