In Islam, a bad dream, referred to as hulm, is understood to be from Satan, as opposed to a good vision (ru'ya) which is from Allah.
Here's a breakdown:
The Nature of Bad Dreams in Islam
- Source: According to Islamic teachings, bad dreams originate from Satan.
- Purpose: Satan uses bad dreams to cause distress, fear, and sadness to believers.
Prophetic Guidance on Dealing with Bad Dreams
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) provided specific guidance on how to deal with unpleasant dreams:
- Seeking Refuge: One should seek refuge with Allah from the evil of the dream.
- Spitting to the Left: The dreamer should gently spit (or blow air) three times on their left side.
- Ignoring the Dream: It's recommended not to dwell on the bad dream or discuss it with others.
Hadith Reference:
"A good vision (ru'ya) is from Allāh and a bad dream (hulm) is from Satan; so if one of you sees anything (in a dream which he dislikes), he should spit on his left side thrice and seek refuge with Allāh from its evil, and then it will never harm him" (Sahih al-Bukhari, 3118).
Practical Application
Here is a summary of steps to take if you experience a bad dream in Islam:
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1. Seek Refuge | Say: "A'udhu billahi minash-shaytanir-rajeem" (I seek refuge in Allah from Satan, the accursed). |
| 2. Spit to the Left | Gently spit three times on your left side. |
| 3. Ignore the Dream | Try not to think about the dream. Do not discuss it with others. It is believed that the dream will not harm you if these steps are followed. |
| 4. Optional: Pray | Pray to Allah, seeking protection and guidance. |
| 5. Focus on Positive | After taking these steps, make an effort to focus your mind on positive thoughts and engage in beneficial activities. |
By following these steps, Muslims are taught to protect themselves from the negative effects of bad dreams, placing their trust and reliance on Allah.
