What to Do After Having a Nightmare: Insights from Islamic Teachings

Nightmares can be a deeply unsettling experience, leaving individuals with lingering fear and anxiety. In Islamic teachings, dreams are considered a complex phenomenon, with their origins rooted in three primary sources: Almighty Allah, human imagination, and the influence of the devil. Understanding these sources and knowing how to respond to nightmares is essential for maintaining spiritual and emotional well-being.

The Three Sources of Dreams

1. Dreams from Almighty Allah: Prophets received dreams directly from Allah, which were protected from any interference by Satan or human imagination. These dreams, known as "ahi," hold significant spiritual importance. For example, Prophet Ibrahim (A.S.) received a dream from Allah instructing him to sacrifice his son, Ismail (A.S.). Such dreams are considered divine revelations and carry profound meanings.

2. Dreams from Imagination (Hadithun Nafs): Sometimes, dreams are a reflection of our thoughts and desires. For instance, if someone constantly thinks about owning a flat in Dhaka city, they might dream about living in one. These dreams are born from the subconscious mind and are termed "Hadithun Nafs" in Islamic terminology. They are neither divine nor malevolent, but rather a natural extension of one's imagination.

3. Dreams from Satan (Al Hulam): Nightmares, or "Al Hulam," are believed to originate from Satan. These dreams are often disturbing, filled with fear and chaos, and are intended to create turmoil in the dreamer's mind. The purpose of such dreams is to unsettle the individual and sow seeds of panic and distress.

Prophetic Guidance on Dealing with Nightmares

Islamic teachings provide clear guidance on how to respond after experiencing a nightmare. According to a hadith narrated by Hazrat Abu Hurairah (R.A.), Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) emphasized the significance of dreams as the Day of Judgment approaches. He stated that the dreams of true believers would be truthful and that a Muslim's dream is considered a fraction of Prophethood.

The Prophet (S.A.W.) further explained that there are three types of dreams:

1. Good dreams that serve as glad tidings from Allah,
2. Bad dreams that originate from Satan,
3. And dreams that are mere reflections of one’s thoughts.

When confronted with a nightmare, Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) advised the following steps:

• Spit Three Times: Upon waking from a nightmare, one should spit three times on their left side to ward off any evil associated with the dream.
• Seek Refuge in Allah: Recite the Surahs Falaq and Naas, along with the prayer "Auzubillah" (I seek refuge in Allah), to seek protection from the malevolence of the dream.
• Change Your Sleeping Position: If you have a nightmare, it is recommended to change your sleeping position to break the influence of the dream.
• Perform Salah (Prayer): If possible, get up and perform Salah. This act not only strengthens one's connection with Allah but also dispels the negative effects of the nightmare.
• Keep the Dream Private: It is advisable to keep the details of the nightmare to yourself, sharing it only with someone you trust deeply if necessary.

By following these steps, a person can protect themselves from the harmful effects of nightmares and maintain their spiritual peace.

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