Discussing dreams with others
Answered by Shaykh Suhaib Webb
Q. is it permitted to discuss dreams at night. i was told not to. also, should i follow islamic books on interpretations of dreams?
A. Indeed, discussing dreams is from the Sunna of the Prophet (Peace and blessing of Allah be upon him). There are a number of sound narrations where the Prophet (sa) would ask his companions (May Allah be pleased with them), after the Fajir prayer, if they had any dreams. In another narration the Prophet (sa) equated the righteous dream with a part of Prophet-Hood itself.
However, there are a few points that should be noted:
1. There is an agreement amongst the scholars that dreams cannot be used as proof regarding Islamic Law.
2. The interpretation of dreams and the like is not something that is learned, but is a gift from Allah (The Most High) given to some of His servants.
3. Good dreams should be shared with one's close and sincere friends. I would personally recommend sharing it with one's Sheikh or Imam only for the following reasons:
a) You will avoid the jealousy and animosity of others.
b) You will avoid the danger of showing off and falling into showing off.
4. If one has a frightening dream, he should spit on is left side and not inform others of it. This is based on the statement of the Prophet (sa) related by Al-Bukhari:
"The good visions are from Allah and the evil dreams are from Satan. 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 Satan; it will not do any harm, and one should not disclose it to anyone, and if one sees a good vision one should feel pleased but should not disclose it to anyone but whom one loves."
5. Regarding the different books written on dream interpretation there are a few important points that should be noted:
a) Such books represent opinions that might or might not be correct pertaining to the person. Thus, when consulting such works, the opinions expressed should not be accepted say, as a hadith or verse of Qur'an. In others words, such interpretations are not Qat'i (decisive)but mere opinions. They might be right, or they might be wrong.
b) Many of the books written on the subject do not contain sound chains back to the claimed author. For example, the famous work of Ibn Siren is not authentically traced with a sound sanad back to the great Tab'i and scholar Ibn Siren (May Allah's mercy be upon him). For this reason it might be best to avoid such books and refer one's dreams directly to a scholar or local person of knowledge.
6) Any advice given regarding dreams and their interpretations must not contradict the Sacred Law. If such advice is given seek clarification from the interpreter. If you are certain that this is advices contradicts the Sacred Law then leave it.
May Allah grant us dreams of the Prophet (May Allah's peace and blessing be upon him) and bless us to join him (May Allah's peace and blessing be upon him)
And Allah (The Most High) knows best
SDW
Interpreting dreams
Originally Posted by Zahra
Bookmarks