No, it is not inherently haram (forbidden in Islam) to tell your dreams, but it depends on the type of dream.
Distinguishing Between Good and Bad Dreams
Islamic teachings differentiate between dreams originating from Allah (good dreams) and those from Satan (bad dreams). Sharing dreams is guided by this distinction:
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Good Dreams: These are considered glad tidings from Allah. Sharing these dreams is encouraged, as it's seen as expressing gratitude to Allah. The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said, "If anyone of you saw a dream which he liked, then that was from Allah, and he should thank Allah for it and tell it to others..." (Sahih Bukhari).
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Bad Dreams: These are attributed to Satan and should not be shared. The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) advised, "...but if he saw something else, i.e, a dream which he did not like, then that is from Satan and he should seek refuge with Allah from it and should not tell it to..." (Sahih Bukhari). The reasoning behind this is to avoid spreading negativity and potential anxieties. Instead, one should seek refuge in Allah (seeking protection from evil).
Several Hadith (sayings and traditions of the Prophet Muhammad) emphasize this distinction, advising against sharing nightmares or disturbing dreams. This is reinforced across multiple sources including Sahih Bukhari, Sahih Muslim, and other reputable Islamic texts. For instance, Sahih Muslim states: "If one sees a dream which one does not like, one should spit on one's left side and seek the refuge of Allah from the satan; it will not do one any harm, and it should not be told to others."
Practical Application
To determine whether sharing a dream is permissible:
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Assess the dream's nature: Is it positive, uplifting, and potentially a message from Allah? Or is it negative, frightening, and potentially from Satan?
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Consider the recipient: Even good dreams shouldn't necessarily be shared with everyone. Discretion is important.
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Seek guidance: If unsure, consult a knowledgeable scholar or religious leader for interpretation and advice.
This approach ensures responsible sharing of dreams, aligning with Islamic principles. The focus is on gratitude for positive dreams and seeking protection from negative ones. Note that interpretations of dreams can be complex and vary amongst scholars.
