In Islam, a scary dream, also known as a bad dream or nightmare (often referred to as hulm in Arabic), primarily indicates that it originates from the devil (Shaitan).
Scary dreams are seen as negative experiences during sleep where the sleeper witnesses unpleasant or frightening things. According to Islamic teachings, these are not typically considered true visions or prophecies but are disturbances caused by the devil.
Origin of Scary Dreams
Based on Islamic tradition:
- Source: Scary dreams come from the devil. The devil aims to cause distress, fear, or sadness to a believer while they are asleep.
What to Do After a Scary Dream
While a scary dream itself is attributed to the devil's influence, Islamic tradition provides clear guidance, known as Sunnah (the practice and traditions of Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him), on how to react. These actions are intended to counteract the devil's influence and seek Allah's protection.
According to the reference provided and other Islamic teachings, upon waking from a scary dream, a person should:
- Seek Refuge with Allah: Recite A'udhu billahi minash shaitanir rajeem (I seek refuge with Allah from the accursed devil).
- Spit to the Left Three Times: Lightly 'spit' or blow a fine spray of air (without actual saliva) to their left side three times. This symbolic action is done to ward off the devil.
- Change Sleeping Position: If possible, turn over and sleep on the other side.
- Pray: If awake and able, stand up and pray.
- Do Not Talk About It: It is strongly recommended not to relate the scary dream to others. Sharing it gives power to the devil's influence and may cause unnecessary distress to the listener.
The reference states, "it is Sunnah to seek refuge with Allah from them and to spit to the left three times, and not to talk about them, but if a person does that it will not harm him." This implies that performing these actions is beneficial, and not performing them or talking about it doesn't necessarily cause direct harm but deviates from the recommended Sunnah practice.
Distinguishing Dream Types
In Islam, dreams are generally categorized into three types:
| Type of Dream | Origin | Significance | Recommended Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Good Dream | From Allah | Can be true visions or glad tidings | Thank Allah, can share with loved ones |
| Bad Dream | From the Devil | Causes distress, influence from Shaitan | Seek refuge, spit left, don't share |
| Random Dream | From oneself | Reflections of thoughts/events from waking life | No specific action required |
Therefore, a scary dream falls into the second category, originating from the devil, and is not typically interpreted for hidden meanings in the same way a good dream might be. The focus is on seeking Allah's protection from the devil's negative influence rather than analyzing the dream's content for future predictions or complex symbolism.
