Upon waking from a bad dream in Islam, the recommended course of action is to spit lightly on your left side three times and seek refuge in Allah from its evil. This practice is derived from the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
Recommended Actions After a Bad Dream
According to Islamic teachings, nightmares or bad dreams (hulm) are often attributed to the influence of the devil. To counter their negative impact, the following steps are advised:
- Spit Lightly to the Left: After waking up, gently spit three times towards your left side. This is not a literal spitting with saliva, but rather a light expulsion of air.
- Seek Refuge in Allah: Immediately after spitting, seek refuge with Allah (say "A'udhu billahi minash-shaytanir-rajeem" - I seek refuge in Allah from the accursed devil). This is a sincere plea for Allah’s protection from the evil associated with the dream.
- Do Not Talk About the Dream: Avoid narrating the dream to others. It's believed that sharing a bad dream can sometimes amplify its negative influence. Keeping it to yourself and seeking protection from Allah is often seen as the best approach.
- Change Sides: If possible, turn to your other side while sleeping. This simple act of shifting position can sometimes help in diminishing the effects of a disturbing dream.
- Perform Wudu: It is recommended to perform wudu (ablution). This act of purification cleanses the individual and can provide spiritual and psychological comfort after a troubling experience.
- Pray: Engage in prayer, either nafl (voluntary) or the standard fard (obligatory) prayers. This acts as an invocation for protection and is a powerful way to connect with Allah.
Understanding the Source of Dreams
It is important to note that in Islam, dreams are divided into three main categories:
- Good dreams (ru'ya): These are seen as glad tidings from Allah or can offer guidance.
- Bad dreams (hulm): These are from the devil and often evoke fear, sadness, or distress.
- Dreams from oneself: These are a reflection of one's own thoughts and experiences.
According to the referenced hadith, bad dreams are considered to be from the devil. Therefore, the prescribed actions above serve as a way to seek Allah’s protection and minimize any harm they may bring. The guidance from Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) provides a clear and simple method for addressing these disturbing experiences.
Conclusion
When you wake up from a bad dream, remembering to lightly spit to your left three times and seek refuge in Allah from its evil is an important Islamic practice as it diminishes any negative effects that the dream might have. Following these recommended actions as taught by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) can provide comfort and protection.
