Podcast Summary: Digital Islamic Reminder Episode: Three Types of Dreams: Shaykh Bilal Assad
Release Date: February 19, 2025

Introduction

In the February 19, 2025 episode of Digital Islamic Reminder, Shaykh Bilal Assad delves into the intricate subject of dreams from an Islamic perspective. Entitled "Three Types of Dreams," the episode explores the theological understanding of dreams, their connection to the soul, and their classifications as delineated by Islamic teachings. The Shaykh provides a comprehensive analysis grounded in Quranic verses and Hadith, offering listeners insightful guidance on interpreting and managing dreams.

The Concept of the Soul and Dreams in Islam

Shaykh Bilal begins by establishing the foundational connection between dreams and the soul. He references the Quranic verse from Surah al-Zumar, verse 42, which states:

"It is Allah who withholds the soul of people when they die, and the one which does not die when it goes to sleep. Then He withholds the soul of the ones who have already died and returns back the soul of the one who is sleeping to its body until its appointed time has arrived."
[00:42]

This verse underscores the transient state of the soul during sleep, distinguishing it from death. Shaykh Bilal explains that according to Ibn Hajar al Asqalani in Fathul Bari—the exegesis of Sahih al-Bukhari—when a person sleeps, their soul ventures into another realm, interacting with souls of both the living and the deceased. This interaction can lead to receiving messages, guidance, or news from these entities.

Prophethood and Dreams

Shaykh Bilal highlights a significant aspect of Islamic belief regarding prophethood and dreams. He mentions a Hadith where the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) stated that there are 45 parts of prophethood, and after his demise, only one remains:

"After my death, only one remains from the parts of prophethood, and that is a righteous dream."
[03:15]

This indicates that righteous dreams continue to serve as a medium of divine communication even after the cessation of formal prophethood. Interestingly, Shaykh Bilal points out that righteous dreams are not exclusive to Muslims; non-Muslims may also experience such dreams, which can provide guidance, warnings, or good news.

Three Types of Dreams

Central to the episode is the classification of dreams into three distinct types, as articulated by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him):

1. Hadithun Nafs (Subconscious Conversations)

   • Description: These dreams are manifestations of the subconscious mind, reflecting personal fears, anxieties, desires, and daily experiences. They often lack coherence and leave the dreamer with fragmented memories upon waking.
   • Characteristics: Mumbly, jumbled, lengthy, nonsensical.
   • Example Quote:

     "These are your subconscious mind talking to you. They don't make much sense and are often forgotten upon waking."
     [09:45]

2. Terrifying Dreams

   • Description: Originating from Shaytan (Satan), these dreams aim to instill fear, sadness, and doubt in the believer. They often feature frightening elements such as snakes, scorpions, or disturbing scenarios.
   • Impact: Can lead to feelings of depression and self-doubt.
   • Handling: Shaykh Bilal advises managing these dreams by seeking refuge in Allah and performing specific Sunnah actions.
   • Example Quote:

     "These dreams are Shaytan's way of playing games with you to make you doubt yourself."
     [12:30]

3. Righteous Dreams

   • Description: These dreams are divinely inspired, serving as guidance, warnings, or delivering good news. They are truthful and clear, often leaving a lasting impression on the dreamer.
   • Accessibility: Occur among both Muslims and non-Muslims.
   • Example Quote:

     "If you have a dream that you love and find peace in, it is likely a righteous dream from Allah."
     [14:20]

Handling Disturbing Dreams

Shaykh Bilal provides practical steps for managing unsettling dreams, rooted in the Sunnah (traditions of the Prophet):

1. Do Not Share Disturbing Dreams: Keeping such dreams private prevents unnecessary distress and speculation.
2. Seek Refuge in Allah: Perform wudu (ablution) and pray two raka'ahs (units of prayer) to seek protection.
3. Recite Specific Verses: He advises reciting Ayat al-Kursi and other protective supplications.
4. Physical Actions: Spitting lightly three times to the left, turning to the other side, and avoiding sleeping on the stomach.
5. Positive Practices: Playing Quranic recitations, such as Surah al-Baqarah, nearby while sleeping.

Example Quote:

"If you see a disturbing dream, spit lightly three times to the left and make wudu. This helps in minimizing such dreams."
[18:10]

Signs of Righteous Dreams

Identifying righteous dreams involves recognizing certain characteristics that distinguish them from other types:

1. Clear Memory: Vivid recall of dream details upon waking.
2. Sensory Realism: Ability to touch, see, and smell elements within the dream as if they were real.
3. Connection to Real Life: Correlation with real-life events or personal experiences.
4. Compliance with Sharia: Dreams that do not encourage sinful or haram actions.
5. Logical Sense: Dreams that make sense and have a semblance of reality.
6. Encouragement to Share: Advising to discuss such dreams with knowledgeable individuals for interpretation.

Example Quote:

"Righteous dreams are usually connected to something in real life and do not contradict Sharia."
[22:50]

Shaykh Bilal emphasizes the importance of consulting with imams or scholars when interpreting righteous dreams to ensure accurate understanding and application.

Seeing the Prophet or Angels in Dreams

A particularly intriguing topic Shaykh Bilal addresses is the experience of seeing the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) or angels in dreams:

• Seeing the Prophet:

  • Authenticity: True visions of the Prophet must accurately reflect his genuine features. Shaytan cannot replicate the Prophet's true appearance.
  • Condition: If the dream portrays the Prophet with any inaccuracies, it is likely deceptive.
  • Example Quote:

    "If you see the Prophet in your dream and his features are accurate, it is a true sign. If not, Shaytan is attempting to deceive you."
    [25:30]

• Seeing Angels:

  • Possibility: Angels can appear in dreams with messages, serving as another form of divine communication.

Shaykh Bilal recounts stories from scholars like Ibn Abbas and Ibn Sirin to illustrate the nuances in interpreting such profound dreams.

Conclusion

In wrapping up, Shaykh Bilal underscores the significance of dreams in Islamic spirituality while cautioning against over-reliance on them for major life decisions. He advises believers to:

• Seek Knowledge: Always consult knowledgeable and wise individuals when interpreting dreams.
• Stay Optimistic: Maintain a positive outlook and trust in Allah's guidance.
• Avoid Panic: Do not let disturbing dreams cause undue distress or disrupt one's faith.

He concludes with a heartfelt prayer:

"May Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala bless you."
[29:00]

This episode of Digital Islamic Reminder offers a profound exploration of dreams through an Islamic lens, equipping listeners with the knowledge to discern and handle their dream experiences effectively. Shaykh Bilal Assad's insightful discourse serves as a valuable resource for anyone seeking to understand the spiritual dimensions of their nightly visions.