Bad dreams in Islam are considered to be experiences that cause grief or are from the devil. According to Islamic teachings, they are not merely random occurrences but carry a specific connotation and impact.
Understanding the Nature of Bad Dreams
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Cause Grief | Bad dreams make a person feel sad, distressed, and troubled upon waking. They often carry negative emotions and leave the dreamer with a sense of unease. |
| From the Devil | These dreams are attributed to the influence of the devil (Shaitan). He instills these dreams to cause fear, distress, and anxiety or uses them as a way to toy with the sleeper. |
Why Bad Dreams Happen
- Instilling Fear: The devil aims to instill fear in the heart of the dreamer. By creating terrifying or disturbing scenarios in sleep, he seeks to unsettle and weaken the individual's faith.
- Causing Distress: These dreams can bring about feelings of sadness, anxiety, and helplessness, affecting the person's overall well-being.
- Toying with the Sleeper: The devil can use the vulnerability of sleep to create distressing dreams as a means of causing harm or confusion.
How to Handle Bad Dreams in Islam
While bad dreams can be unsettling, Islam provides guidance on how to handle them:
- Seek Refuge in Allah: Upon waking from a bad dream, it is recommended to seek refuge in Allah (God) from the devil, by reciting the words "Audhu billahi minash-shaytanir-rajeem" (I seek refuge in Allah from the accursed devil).
- Spit Lightly to the Left: It's advised to lightly spit (without saliva) three times to the left side. This is a symbolic act to reject the negative influence of the dream.
- Do not Discuss the Dream: Refrain from discussing the bad dream with others. This action is intended to avoid giving the dream any power or influence in waking life. It also helps to prevent the spread of negativity.
- Change Sleeping Side: If the dream is particularly disturbing, changing one's sleeping position can also be a recommended action.
- Perform Prayer: Engaging in prayer (Salat) after experiencing a bad dream can help to find solace and protection through connection with God.
In summary, bad dreams in Islam are viewed as either grief-inducing experiences or as acts of the devil designed to cause fear and distress. Following the recommended actions provides Muslims with the tools to safeguard against their negative impact.
