A good dream that comes true is generally considered to be from Allah, while a bad dream is considered to be from Shaitan (Satan).
Distinguishing Dreams: Allah vs. Shaitan
The distinction between dreams originating from Allah and those from Shaitan is based on the nature and impact of the dream. Here's a breakdown:
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Dreams From Allah (Rahmani):
- Good and Pleasant: These dreams are typically positive, bringing joy, hope, and encouragement. They may offer guidance or insights.
- Clear and Meaningful: Dreams from Allah often have a clear message or symbolism that resonates with the dreamer's life and faith.
- True Visions: Some good dreams can even be true visions (ru'ya) that foreshadow future events. The referenced hadith mentions "a good dream that comes true."
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Dreams From Shaitan (Shaitani):
- Disturbing and Frightening: These dreams are often nightmares filled with fear, anxiety, and sadness.
- Confusing and Meaningless: Dreams from Shaitan are typically chaotic, illogical, and lack any clear purpose or message.
- Sadness & Temptation: These dreams may instill feelings of sadness, despair, or even tempt individuals to commit sins.
Actions to Take Based on the Dream:
What you should do depends on the nature of the dream you experienced.
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If the Dream is Good:
- Be Grateful: Express gratitude to Allah for the pleasant dream.
- Share With Trusted Individuals: You may share the dream with someone you trust who can offer a positive interpretation, but it is not obligatory.
- Do Not Boast: Avoid boasting about the dream, as this could diminish its potential benefit.
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If the Dream is Bad:
- Seek Refuge in Allah: Upon waking, immediately seek refuge in Allah from Shaitan by saying "A'udhu billahi min ash-shaitan ir-rajeem" (I seek refuge in Allah from the accursed Shaitan).
- Spit (Lightly) to the Left: The Prophet (ﷺ) advised spitting lightly to the left three times. This is a symbolic act of rejecting the evil influence of the dream.
- Do Not Talk About It: Avoid talking about the bad dream to others, as this could give it power or cause unnecessary distress.
- Change Sides: Turn over to your other side while sleeping.
- Pray: Perform prayer (Salah).
Important Considerations:
- Dreams are subjective and can be influenced by various factors, including one's state of mind, daily experiences, and diet.
- Not all dreams have religious significance. Some are simply reflections of our subconscious thoughts and feelings.
- It's essential to avoid excessive preoccupation with dreams, as this can lead to superstition and misinterpretation.
In summary, good dreams bringing joy and guidance are generally attributed to Allah, while bad dreams filled with fear and confusion are attributed to Shaitan. Taking appropriate actions, such as seeking refuge in Allah and avoiding dwelling on negative dreams, is recommended.
