Dreams in Islam
Section 1: Introduction-Dreams and Islam
And He it is Who makes
The Night as a Robe
For you and Sleep as Repose,
And makes the Day
(As it were a Resurrection)
(XXV, 47)
It is Allah that takes
The souls (of men) at death;
And those that die not
(He takes) during their sleep;
Those on whom He
Has passed the decree
Of death, He Keeps back
(From returning to life),
But the rest he sends
(To their bodies)
For a term appointed.
Verily in this are Signs
For those who reflect
(XXXIX, 42)
A person who makes frequent mention of Allah Almighty, thinks about Allah Almighty, glorifies Allah Almighty and completely submits his or her will to Allah Almighty will, if Allah Almighty does will it, secure great reward after death in the Hereafter.’ The main argument presented in this work, however, is that even in this current, temporary life, Allah Almighty will give positive messages of His pleasure, or forthcoming reward in the next world, to persons who praise and glorify Him sincerely. Such messages will come to the person in the form of pleasing, or true, dreams. "Pleasing dreams" may be defined as "those after which the person feels satisfied and refreshed, and can ‘feel’ that his or her soul2 itself does sense happiness." "True dreams," a stage higher, are dreams which "know something of the future, since Allah Almighty has given, to the dreaming person, of His knowledge."3 These two types of dreams are confirmation, too, that the person concerned is on the right path, as far as Allah Almighty is concerned. A person can only have a true dream if he or she is spiritually very near to Allah Almighty. However, if a person is benefitting from good dreams, or true dreams, this does not imply security or immunity from the Fire of Hell, and the guarantee of Paradise. The person must be consistent in asking for forgiveness from Allah Almighty for his or her sins.4 For those who believe in Him, and obey Him, Allah Almighty is both a Friend and a Helper5—good dreams and true dreams prove this to be the case, since they are examples of His help and guidance.6 Thus, a person does not necessarily need to be a prophet or Imam7 to be close to his Creator.8
The subject of "dreams and nightmares" can be frightening, but there should be no fear if one believes in the power of Allah Almighty, and is aware that his or her soul goes to Allah Almighty at the time of sleep. Some may claim that they do not dream—this is not true since they do dream, only they cannot recall what they have dreamt. Scientists do tell us that everyone does dream,9 but some dreams are so vivid that they can be remembered for a long time afterward, as in the case of nightmares. Those who have angered’° Allah Almighty, or do not believe in Him, or do not remember Him, may find the prospect of death, and the experience of sleep, to be unpleasant. The time of sleep is similar to life in the grave. There can be torture or delight in the grave," and the same is true of sleep. Evildoers are tormented by snakes and scorpions in their graves. If one were to dig up a grave, only rotted bones and flesh might be discovered, and no snakes—this is obvious, since the punishment is spirituaL’2 In the same way, if we were to draw near to a person suffering the anguish of a nightmare, we would only see his or her body, or the tossing movements of the body. It would not be possible to "see" the nightmare, since the nightmare is spiritual—and the unseen world we cannot see. Hence, God, the Angels, the JInn, our souls and so on are all of the spiritual world and, therefore, invisible.
It is very true that sometimes dreams can be regurgitations of events in material life.’3 (These are the "suggestions of own mind" dreams, mentioned on page 21.) However, the concern in this work is with dreams of a religious nature, which are not simply regurgitations of religious practices, but which add new dimensions to the knowledge of a person, and confirm God’s appreciation of service, in the form of reward.’4 Dreams can seem to be confused and illogical. However, this is not so—they do have meanings, and they can be interpreted.
Now with (Joseph) there came
Into the prison two young men
Said one of them: "I see
Myself (in a dream)
Pressing wine." Said the other:
"I see myself (in a dream)
Carrying bread on my head,
and birds eating thereof."
"Tell us" (they said) "the truth
And meaning thereof: for we
See thou art one
That doth good (to all)"
He said: "Before any food
Comes (in due course)
To feed either of you,
I will surely reveal
To you the truth
And meaning of this
Ere it come to pass:
That is part of the (Duty)
Which my Lord hath taught me.
I have (I assure you)
Abandoned the ways
Of a people that believe not
In Allah and that (even)
Deny the Hereafter
"And I follow the ways
of my fathers,—Abraham,
Isaac, and Jacob; and never
Could we attribute any partners
Whatever to Allah: that (comes)
Of the grace of Allah to us
And to mankind: yet
Most men are not grateful
"O my two companions
Of the prison! (I ask you):
Are many lords differing
Among themselves better,
Or the One Allah,
Supreme and Irresistible?
"If not Him, ye worship nothing
But names which ye have named—
Ye and your fathers,—
For which Allah hath sent you
No authority: the Command
Is for none but Allah: He
Hath commanded that ye worship
None but Him: that is
The right religion, but
Most men understand not.
"O my two companions Of the prison!
As to one Of you, he will pour out
The wine for his lord to drink:
As for the other, he will
Hang from the cross, and the birds
will eat from off his head,
(So) hath been decreed
That matter whereof
Ye twain do enquire..."
(XII, 36-46)
The King (of Egypt) said:
"I do see (In a vision)
Seven fat kine, whom seven
Lean ones devour,—and seven
Green ears of corn, and seven (others)
Withered. O ye chiefs!
Expound to me my vision
If it be that ye can
Interpret visions"
The said: "A confused medley
of dreams: and we are not
Skilled in the interpretation
Of dreams"
But the man who had been
Released, one of the two
(Who had been in prison)
And who now bethought him
After (so long a space of time),
Said: "I will tell you
The truth of its interpretation:
Send ye me (therefore)"
"O Joseph!" (he said),
"O man of truth! Expound
To us (the dream)
Of seven fat kine
Whom seven lean ones
Devour, and of seven
Green ears of corn
And (seven) others withered:
That I may return
To the people, and that
They may understand"
(Joseph) said: "For seven years
Shall ye diligently sow
As is your wont:
And the harvests that ye reap,
Ye shall leave them in the ear, -
Except a little, of which
Ye shall eat
"Then will come
After that (period)
Seven dreadful (years),
Which will devour
What ye shall have laid by
In advance for them,—
(All) except a little
Which ye shall have
(Specially) guarded
"Then will come
After that (period) a year
In which the people will have
Abundant water, and in which
They will press (wine and oil)."
(XII, 43-49)
(Joseph said)
"O My Lord! Thou hast
Indeed bestowed on me
Some power, and taught me
Something of the interpretation
Of dreams and events,—O Thou
Creator of the heavens
And the earth! Thou art
My protector in this world
And in the Hereafter;
Take thou my soul (at death)
As one submitting to Thy Will
(As a Muslim), and unite me
With the righteous."
(XII, 1O1)
Behold, Joseph said
To his father: "O my father!
I did see eleven stars
And the sun and the moon:
I saw them prostrate themselves
To me!"
Said (the father):
"My (dear) little son!
Relate not thy vision
To thy brothers, lest they
Concoct a plot against thee:
For Satan is to man
An avowed enemy!
"Thus will the Lord
Choose thee and teach thee
The interpretation of stories (and events)
And perfect His favour
To thee and to the posterity
Of Jacob—even as He
perfected it to thy Fathers
Abraham and Isaac aforetime!
For Allah is full of Knowledge
And Wisdom"
(XII, 4-6)
(Abraham said):
"O My Lord! grant me
(A righteous son)!"
So we gave him
The good news
Of a boy ready
To suffer and forbear:
Then, when (the son)
Reached (the age of)
(Serious) work with him,
He said: "O my son!
I see in vision!*
That I offer thee in sacrifice:
Now see what is
Thy view!" (The son) said:
"O my father! Do
As thou art commanded:
Thou wilt find me,
If Allah so wills, one
Practicing patience and constancy!"
So when they had both
submitted their wills (to Allah)
And he had laid him
Prostrate on his forehead
(For sacrifice)
We called out to him,
"O Abraham!
Thou hast already fulfilled
The vision!"—thus indeed
Do we reward
Those who do right,
For this was obviously
A trial—
And we ransomed him
With a momentous sacrifice
And we left (this blessing)
For him among generations
(To come) in later times:
"Peace and salutation
To Abraham!"
Thus indeed do we reward
Those who do right,
For he was one
Of our believing servants.
And we gave him
The good news
Of Isaac—a prophet,—
One of the righteous.
We blessed him and Isaac:
But of their progeny
Are (some) that do right,
And (some) that obviously
Do wrong, to their own souls.
(XXXVII, 1OO-113)
*Vision = dream in which was contained a message from Allah Almighty
Since only one to whom Allah Almighty has given the power can interpret dreams correctly, to the average person dreams seem nonsensical to a certain extent, since he or she does not, in fact, possess the mental capability to perceive or to unravel their meaning. Dreams are, then, messages in a code superior to that with which the brain can cope in certain cases. However, other dreams may be very simple and true. There are many traditions regarding Hadith dreams.
Abu Qabada reported Allah’s Messenger (Peace be upon him) (The Holy Prophet Muhammed) as saying: "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."
Abu Huraira reported Allah’s Messenger (Peace be upon him) (The Holy Prophet Muhammed) as saying: "When the time draws near (when the Resurrection is near) a believer’s dream can hardly be false. And the truest vision will be of one who is himself the most truthful in speech, for the vision of a Muslim is the forty-fifth part of Prophecy, and dreams are of three types: One, a good dream which is a sort of good tidings from Allah; the evil dream which causes pain and is from Satan; and the third one is a suggestion of one’s own mind; so if any one of you sees a dream which he does not like he should stand up and offer prayer and he should not relate it to people…."
Commentary in Kitab al-Ruya
The problem of seeing dreams in sleep or a semi-wakeful state of mind is, from the point of view of psychology, a highly complex phenomenon about which much has been written. We need not go into the details of this phenomenon in the light of the modern or old theories of dreams. What we learn from the Quran and Hadith is that dreams are mainly of three types. One is the dream or the vision of the Prophets. These dreams are always true, as these are revelations from God to His Messengers (may Allah be pleased with them). So far as the dreams of the ordinary persons are concerned, these can be divided into two kinds. One is the vision seen by the noble and pious men in a state of mind when even in sleep the lower elements in the soul are dominated by the noble elements in man. Thus their dreams represent a truth. These types of dreams have been called as forty-fifth or forty-sixth or even seventieth part of prophecy.’5 These cannot be called authentic prophecies because no other human being, besides the Prophets, can have complete control over his lover elements in the state of sleep and thus remain absolutely free from its effects. There is, however, no denying the fact that the unconscious and subconscious mind of the noble man is dominated by noble longings and desires; he therefore receives in the dream suggestion from the Divine, but this suggestion is never held to the immune from error as is the case with the prophetic suggestions of the Prophets. The second type of dream which has been called HULM in the Quran and the Sunnah is in fact the expression of one’s suppressed carnal desires. This is what has been termed in the Hadith as a vision emanating from the devil.
Abu Huraira reported: I heard Allah’s Messenger (Peace be upon him) as saying: "He who saw me in a dream in fact saw me, for Satan does not appear in my form."
Jabir reported Allah’s Messenger (Peace be upon him) as saying: "There came to him (the Holy Prophet Peace be upon him) a desert Arab (who) said: ‘I saw in a dream that I had been beheaded and I had been following it (the severed head).’ Allah’s Messenger (Peace be upon him) reprimanded him, saying: "Do not inform about the vain sporting of the devil with you during the night."
Samura bin Jundab reported that when Allah’s Messenger (Peace be upon him) had performed his dawn prayer, he turned his face towards them (...the Companions) and said: "Did any one of you see any visions last night?"
Abu Musa reported Allah’s Messenger (Peace be upon him) as saying:
"I saw in sleep that I was about to migrate from Mecca to a land abounding in palm trees and I guessed that it would be Yamama or Hajai, but it was the city of Yathrib (the old name of Medina), and I saw in this dream of mine that I was brandishing a sword and its upper end was broken and this is what fell (in the form of misfortune to the believers on the Day of Uhud). I brandished (the sword) for the second time and it became all right and this is what came to be true when Allah granted us victory and solidarity (of the believers). And I also saw therein cows, and Allah is the doer of good. These meant the group from among the believers on the Day of Uhud and the goodness which Allah brought after that and the reward of attestation of his Truth which Allah brought to us after the Day of Badr." (Muslim)
Some people were shown (in dreams) the night of Qadr as being in the last seven days (of the month of Rarnadhan). The Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him) said, "Seek it in the last seven days (of Ramadhan)."
The Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him) said: "I have been given the keys of eloquent speech and given victory with awe (cast into the hearts of the enemy), and while I was sleeping last night, the keys of the treasures of the earth were brought to me till they were put in my hand."
The Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him) said: "I saw myself (in a dream) near the Ka’ba last night, and I saw a man with whitish-red complexion, the best you may see amongst men of that complexion, having long hair reaching his earlobes, which was the best hair of its sort, and he had combed his hair and water was dropping from it, and he was performing the tawaf around the Ka’ba while he was leaning on two men or on the shoulders of two men. I asked, ‘Who is this man?’ Somebody replied, ‘(He is) Messiah, son of Mary.’ Then I saw another man with very curly hair, blind in the right eye, which looked like a protruding grape. I asked, ‘Who is this?’ Somebody replied, ‘(He is Masiah, Ad-Dajjal),’ or, ‘The anti-Christ.’
The Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him) said: "Some of my followers were presented before me in my dreams as fighters in Allah’s cause, sailing in the middle of seas like kings on the thrones..."
Urn Al-Ala said, "....(I) saw in a dream a flowing spring for Uthman Bin Mazun, and told Allah’s Apostle (Peace be upon him) of that, and he said: ‘That flowing spring symbolizes his good deeds.’"
Narrated Ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with him), "I heard Allah’s Apostle (Peace be upon him) saying: ‘While I was sleeping, I was given a bowl full of milk (in a dream), and drank it to my fill, until I noticed its wetness coming out of my nails, and I then gave the rest of it to Umar.’ They (the people) asked, ‘What have you interpreted (about the dream), O Allah’s Apostle?’ He (Peace be upon him) said, ‘It is (religious) knowledge."
The Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him) said: "While I was sleeping, I saw (in a dream) the people being displayed before me, wearing shirts, some of which were so short that they reached as far as their breasts and some reached below that. Then Umar Al-Khattab was shown to me, and he was wearing a shirt which he was dragging (behind him)." They asked, "What have you interpreted about the dream, O Allah’s Apostle?" He (Peace be upon him) said: "The Religion."
Qais Bin Ubada saw in a dream that "...A post was fixed in a green garden. At the top of the post there was a handhold and below it there was a servant. I was asked to climb (the post). So I climbed it till I got hold of the handhold. Then I narrated this dream to Allah’s Apostle (Peace be upon him)...(who said that)..." (The person) will die while still holding the firm, reliable handhold of (Islam)."
The Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him) said to the lady Ayesha (may Allah be pleased with her): "You were shown to me twice in (my) dream. Behold, a man was carrying you in a silken piece of cloth and (he) said to me, ‘She is your wife, so uncover her.’ And, Behold! It was you! I would then say to myself: ‘If this is from Allah, then it must happen.’"
Narrated Ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with him), "I saw in a dream
a piece of silken cloth in my hand, and in whatever direction in Paradise
I waved it, it flew, carrying me there. I narrated this dream to my sister, Hafsa, and she told it to the Prophet (Peace be upon him) who said to her: ‘Indeed, your brother is a righteous man."
The Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him) said: "While I was sleeping, I saw myself (in a dream) in Paradise. Suddenly I saw a woman performing ablution beside a palace. I asked, ‘For whom is this palace?’ The angels replied, ‘It is for Umar Bin Al-Khattab.’"
Narrated Ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with him), "Men from the companions of Allah’s Apostle (Peace be upon him) used to see dreams during his lifetime, and they would narrate these to the Prophet (Peace be upon him), who would interpret them as Allah wished. I was a young man, and used to stay in the Mosque before my wedlock. I said to myself, ‘If there were any good in myself, I too would see what these people see.’
So when I went to bed one night, I said, ‘O Allah! If you see any good in me, show me a good dream!’ So while I was in that state, there came to me (in a dream) two angels. In the hand of each of them, there was a mace of iron, and both of them were taking me to Hell, and I was between them, invoking Allah, ‘O Allah! I seek refuge with You from Hell!’ Then I saw myself being confronted by another angel, holding a mace of iron in his hand. He said to me, ‘Do not be afraid, you will be an excellent man if you only pray more often.’ So they took me till they stopped me at the edge of Hell, and behold, it was built inside like a well and it had sideposts like those of a well, and beside each post there was an angel carrying an iron mace. I saw therein many people hanging upside down with iron chains, and I recognized therein some men from the Quraish. Then the Angels took me to the right side. I narrated this dream to my sister who told Allah’s Apostle. The Prophet (Peace be upon him) said, ‘No doubt, Ibn Umar is a good man.’ (The sister said, ‘Since [the dream] Ibn Umar prays much.’)"
The Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him) said: "The worst lie is that a person claims to have seen a dream which he has not seen."
A man came to Allah’s Apostle (Peace be upon him) and said: "I saw in a dream a cloud having shade. Butter and honey were dropping from it and I saw people gathering it in their hands, some gathering much and some a little. And behold, there was a rope extending from the earth to the sky, and I saw that you (The Prophet) held it and went up, and then another man held it and went up and after that another (third) held it and went up and after that another (fourth) man held it, but it broke and was then connected again." [(The Prophet (Peace be upon him) let Abu Bakr (May Allah be pleased with him) interpret the dream)], who said "The cloud with shade symbolizes (the religion of) Islam, and the butter and honey dropping from it symbolizes the Holy Quran, its sweetness dropping and some people learning much of the Quran and some a little. The rope which is extended from the sky to the earth is the truth which you (The Prophet) are following. You follow it and Allah e will raise you high with it, and then another man will follow it and will rise up with it and another person will follow it and then another man will follow it but it will break and then be connected for him and he will rise up with it...." (Bukhari)
What is the role of dreams in Islam? This question can be answered, to some extent, by the following diagram:
In Islam, the stages S1B and S3 are considered to be very similar. The Holy Prophet, Peace be upon him (The Holy Prophet Muhammed), is reported to have said that "Sleep is the brother of death." Man exists in this present life because he is being tested, with regard to his degree of righteousness, or evil, by Allah Almighty.
Blessed be He (Allah),
In Whose Hands
Is Dominion;
And He over all things
Hath Power; -
He who created death
And life, that He
May try which of you
Is best in deed
and He is the Exalted
In Might, Oft-Forgiving:
(LXVII, 1-2)
Notes to the diagram above
1. "Nor will they there (in Paradise) taste death, except the first death
(XLIV, 56)
2. The prayer to be read when awakening from sleep is: "All praise to Allah Almighty who gave me life (consciousness) after death (sleep), and towards him is our rising again, (at the time of the resurrection)."
3. "Out of it (the earth) We created you, and We shall restore you into it and bring you forth from it a second time."
(XX, 55)
4. "Grave" is a connotation—one may have drowned in the sea, but he or she will still undergo the "Life in the Grave"; hence, this is a stage, or phase, rather than a literal, and rigid, meaning.
5. This free will is possible only through the allowance, or permission, or Allah Almighty, for a fixed period of time.
The end result of this test is either Mercy and reward, or Wrath and punishment. Genuine messages from Allah Almighty will confirm reward.
Ayesha (may Allah be pleased with her) said: "The first revelation that was granted to the Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) was the true dream in a state of sleep,’6 so that he never dreamed a dream but the truth of it shone forth like the dawn of the morning...."
In tradition it is related that there was a very pious Muslim, who used to read the TASLIYA or DARUD 100 times every night. One night he saw in his dream that the Holy Prophet, Peace be upon him (The Holy Prophet Muhammed), came into his room and said: "(I want to kiss your mouth, with which you send blessings upon me)." The Holy Prophet had brought with him a beautiful smell, like perfume. The Holy Prophet, Peace be upon him (The Holy Prophet Muhammad), kissed the pious man’s mouth, and the dream ended. When the man awoke the "perfume-smell" of the dream was actually in his room,’7 and it stayed there for eight days.
Bearing in mind that good dreams from Allah Almighty will give tidings of reward, the question has to be asked, "How does one try to get a good dream?" or rather, "How can one please Allah sufficiently that he or she might get a good dream?" The answer lies in the vast number of valuable prayers and supplications that the Holy Quran and Hadith provide us with. These must be recited sincerely and frequently. One must be religious, from the heart, and must intend to glorify Allah Almighty because He is the Owner of Sovereignty, and because He created him or her out of nothing. Allah Almighty, out of His Mercy, has given to every creature the pleasure of life—Glory is due to Him.’8 It is imperative for the person seeking good dreams to make the crucial effort—he or she must borrow or buy the Holy Quran, translations, Islamic books, and must try to understand religion. Then remembrance of Allah will follow naturally and willingly and so, too, will pleasant sleep and pleasant dreams.
The aspirer to Islamic dreams must also read certain meritorious
prayers regularly and with faith. Examples of such prayers maybe found
in Dreams 50, 54, and 136 in this book.
Moreover, the following is another example of a beneficial supplication. The Holy Prophet, Peace be upon him (The Holy Prophet Muhammed), has stated that whoever recites: "ALLA HUMMAGH FIR LIL MU’MINEENA WAL MU’MINAAT WAL MUSLIMEENA WAL MUSLIMAAT (0 Allah! Forgive all the believing men and all the believing women, and (forgive) all the Muslim men and all the Muslim women)" twenty-seven times, will become one of the (elite) group of creatures for the sake of which Allah Almighty provides sustenance for the whole world.
There are many other prayers by virtue of which Paradise, castles, palaces, trees, rivers, mansions, hurs, goblets, fruit and so on, can be revealed. It must be noted here that no one can ever see the real Paradise in his or her dreams. The dreams from Allah Almighty, though beautiful and satisfying, cannot reveal the actual joys of Paradise. The Holy Prophet, Peace be upon him (The Holy Prophet Muhammed), has said:
"In Paradise is what no eye has seen, (what) no ear has heard, and (what) the mind of man cannot conceive."’9 However, good dreams can bring the message2° that, all things being equal (that is to say, that the person does not commit a major sin), these actual joys are forthcoming.
Examples of the Fact that Good Dreams Give Tidings of Reward
An eminent Shaikh has said: "One night I was in a deep sleep and could not get up for Tahajjud.2’ I saw in my dream a girl of such beauty as I had never seen in my life. She was emitting such fragrance as I had never smelt before. She handed over to me a piece of paper on which were written three couplets which meant, ‘You were so enamored of deep sleep that you became unmindful of the high balconies of Paradise, where you have to abide forever with no fear of death. Wake up! It is better to recite the Quran in Tahajjud than to sleep.’ Since then, whenever I feel sleepy, these couplets come to my mind and the sleep goes away."
Shaikh Abdul Wahid (may Allah be pleased with him) has said: "One day I was so much overpowered by sleep that I went to bed before finishing my ‘Zikr’ for the night. I saw in my dream a most beautiful girl dressed in green silk. All parts of her body and even her shoes were engaged in ‘Zikr.’ She said to me, ‘Aspire to possess me; I love you.’ And then she recited a few couplets depicting the eagerness of a lover. When I woke up from the dream, I vowed not to sleep any more during the night." It is reported that for a full forty years he never slept at night, and said ‘Isha’ and ‘Fajr’ Salat with the same Wudhu.
Shaikh Mazhar Sa’adi (Rahmatullah Alaih), the famous pious man, kept weeping in the course of sixty years in love and eagerness for Allah. One night he saw in a dream a few damsels by the side of pearl trees with gold branches, on the bank of the brook brimming with fluid must—pure and fragrant. The girls were hymning the glory of Allah. He asked their identity. In reply they recited two couplets, which meant, "We have been created by the Sustainer of mankind and Lord of Muhammed, peace be upon Him, for those people who keep standing before Allah all night long and hymning in supplication to him." (Khandlawi)
Rabia’s father fell asleep in great distress because when his daughter was born, there was no oil or lamp, or cloth with which to wrap the newborn child. He dreamt that the Holy Prophet (Peace be upon Him) appeared to him in his sleep and said, "Do not be sorrowful, for this daughter, who is born, is a great saint, whose intercession will be desired by seventy thousand of my community. Tomorrow send a letter to Isa Zadhan, Amir of Basra, reminding him that every night he is wont to pray one hundred prayers to me and on Friday night four hundred but, this Friday night, he has neglected me and as a penance (tell him) that he must give you four hundred Dinars, lawfully acquired."
Rabia narrated the following dream: "One night while I was sleeping... (I entered) a green park containing palaces22 and beautiful plants. While I was wandering about in it, astonished at its beauty, I saw a green bird and a maiden pursuing it as if she wished to take it, and her beauty distracted me form its beauty and I said, ‘What do you want with it? Leave it alone, for truly I have never seen a bird more beautiful than that." Then she said, "Shall I show you something more beautiful than that?’ . ..She took my hand and led me round that garden until she brought me to a gate of a palace.. .and from the door were cast rays from a candlestick, the light of which shone before and behind me...! entered the house in which the sight was dazzled by the beauty of it...and there met us a band of servants, with faces like pearls."
One of the Saint’s followers, a Sufi, relates: "I was invoking Rabia in prayer and I saw her in a vision, and she said: ‘Your offerings are presented to us on trays of light, covered with veils of light." (Smith)
The Use of Dreams23
DREAMS IN ISLAM
The dreams which follow are fascinating and illuminating. Many of them warn of punishment and others give tidings of rewards, while yet others reveal that only Almighty Allah must be beseeched for help and guidance, since only He has the Power to do all things.
Many dreams reveal the importance of certain meritorious prayers and others reveal more about the life in the grave, Day of Judgement, love of the Holy Prophet (Peace be upon Him), the Hereafter, as well as the merits of seeking knowledge.
The list of aspects dealt with in dreams is too extensive to mention, let alone to discuss. The reader should, however, be able to read the dreams and feel that his or her soul is refreshed and its mission in life strengthened. It is fervently hoped that the reader himself or herself begins to experience such spiritually-satisfactory dreams, but if this is not possible straightaway, then at least he or she will experience more pleasant sleep.
Those dreams which are relatively easy to understand and to deduce have been selected, and they have been paraphrased, edited and rephrased, although both the essence and structure are precisely those of the original narrations. It has been noted that these dreams must not always be taken literally—the interpretation is not always as straightforward as it seems. Rather, it is necessary to appreciate that those objects which are pleasing in these dreams are actually representations of Allah Almighty’s favours. Thus, if a dream contains the vision of a stately mansion, or beautiful wife, or magnificent fruits, trees, crowns, children, and so on, this implies Allah Almighty’s estimation of the form of the good deeds. Hence, the dreamer sees himself, or herself, performing the Salat, or giving Zakat, performing the Hajj, keeping the fast, or celebrating Eid in splendid surrounds which are, in fact, the worth of his or her praise to, glorification of, and supplication to, Allah Almighty. The dreams are messages of that which lies ahead, in the Hereafter, for the person concerned, as a reward for his or her righteousness. Consequently, the person does wake up from such a dream happy at heart, sensing that Allah Almighty, if He does Will, will confer His favours. The same situation, as that of dreams, is evident in the life in the grave.24 The Holy Quran itself reveals information in the same "code" as the dreams. "Gardens underneath which flow rivers,"25 "Every kind of fruit,"26 "Beautiful-eyed companions"27 are some of the phrases which represent the ultimate (or rather, semi-ultimate since the pleasure of the vision of Allah Almighty is the ultimate) happiness. The promises of the Holy Quran, the tidings of the Hadith, and the messages of the good dreams all symbolize Utopia, in Paradise, in the form of worldly comparisons and metaphors—hence the (description of Heavenly and Pure Maidens whom the Almighty Sovereign has created as reward for His righteous servants) "Like unto rubies and coral,"28 is similarly symbolic to the sight of the "Golden Palaces" or "Spiritual Fruits" in the dreams. The argument, then, is that, with regard to the dreams that follow, prestigious and honour-conferring items of this present life, such as precious metals (for example, gold and silver and ruby), royalty (crown, throne, palace), aristocracy (mansion, wealth) and noble family (beautiful wife, children) are used as recognisable representatives, or symbols, of Utopia or near-Utopia, which itself cannot be otherwise described, since it is beyond human comprehension. In comparison to the Rea1ity29 (the actual or "real" reward in the Hereafter), such worldly symbols are merely trivia, insignificant.30
RESEARCH NOTE
The contents of the dreams in this study were obtained by means of author (interviewer) - contributor (interviewee) interviews. Since the author was well-acquainted with, and in some cases related to, the contributors, such interviews were relaxed and informal. The author jotted down the information of the dreams extremely quickly and untidily, but accurately; he later edited, linguistically improved and refined the original narrations, being especially careful not to alter the essence or impact, and specific details, of these very dreams. During the course of each interview, the author used the technique of "probing" to clarify details, extract further information from the interviewee, and even to assist him or her in the recall of specific events and descriptions. For example, if the interviewee stated: "Mr. M entered his Palace in Paradise," the author would ask questions such as: "What was Mr. M wearing?" or, "Describe the Palace," or again, "What was inside the Palace?"
THE ADOPTION OF AN ISLAMIC PERSPECTIVE WITH REGARD TO DREAM SELECTION
In this study, the author has presented a few of all the dreams which the contributors have dreamt. Only those which are "Islamic," directly or indirectly, have been presented. The presentation of such selected material, however, is not to deny that one or all of the contributors have suffered from "negative" or "evil" dreams—the opposite of "Islamic" dreams. The concern of this work is not with such dreams—the aim is to make the reader appreciate, and desire, "Islamic" dreams, those which illustrate the Mercy of Allah Almighty (Glory be to His Exalted Sovereignty).
Notes Section One
8. Say: Shall I seek for (My) cherisher other than God, when He is the cherisher of all things (that exist)? (VI, 164)
9. Dreams are most likely to occur during REM (R.E.M.—Rapid Eye Movements) sleep (intensive sleep). If the dreaming person’s eyelids are lifted back, then the eyes would be seen responding to stimuli, that is, as if seeing and participating in events.
10. This is the translation of the prayer to be read following a nightmare. "I seek protection in the full words of Allah Almighty, from His anger and from His grip and from the mischief of devils and also seek protection from the approach of devils." (Dehlivi)
11. One who has done good deeds will find his or her grave to be a spacious, pleasant garden, whereas an evildoer will be crushed by the grave and stung by snakes and scorpions. HADITH of Holy Prophet Peace be upon him. (The Holy Prophet Muhammed)
12. "Material" can be defined as "of this current, physical world." "Spiritual" can be defined as "of the unseen world," "of the world of soul."
13. This is the main argument of Freud and Jung.
14. God is "Ready to Appreciate Service" (The Holy Quran) For He will pay them their need, nay, He will give them (even) more out of His bounty...for He is oft-forgiving, most ready to appreciate(service).
(XXXV, 30)
15. This difference depends upon the difference in the standard of piety of persons who see good visions. The more pious a person is, the closer he is to Allah and celestial beings, and thus more pious are the visions that he sees.
16. True dreams are promised to the righteous in worldly life:
Those who believe
And (constantly) guard
Against evil,
For them are Glad Tidings,
In the life of the Present
And in the Hereafter.
(X, 63-64)
17. This implies that dreams are actual happenings (they happen in the spiritual world, not the material world), and may be tangible in the physical world. Hence, it is wrong to say "It was only a dream," since the dream was real and sinte the eternal world will follow a spiritual life in the grave, which will also resemble a dream, but which will also be "real."
18. It is He Who brought you
Forth from the wombs
Of your mothers when
Ye knew nothing; and He
Gave you hearing and sight
And intelligence and affections:
That ye may give thanks
(To Allah)
(XVI, 78)
19. That is to say, the laws of Nature which shape life on Earth will not apply to life Hereafter. For example, the concepts of "time" and "space" will be non-existent. Note also that in some of the dreams, it has been narrated that the boughs of the trees lean down and offer their fruit. This is confirmation that laws in the next world will be very different and not "natural" or "inevitable" or "impossible" as in this current world. Praise is due to Allah who can create and sustain as He Wills.
20. The Holy Prophet, Peace be upon him, has said that: "The truest dream is that (dreamt) around (the time of) daybreak. (Tirmidhi)
21. Optional prayer read during the night.
22. Please compare the italicized features with those of the dreams presented in this study.
23. Note: The contributors have decided to remain anonymous because they do not wish to boast of their piety or faith. They realise that they have to be successful at the time of death and much needs to be done.
24. One of the saints saw in sleep a hideous form, and he said, "Who art thou?" It answered, "I am thy misdeeds!" He said, "And how can I be delivered from thee?" It said, "By much calling down of blessing on the The Holy Prophet Peace be upon him (The Holy Prophet Muhammed)." (Padwick)
25. As to those who believe
And work righteousness,
Verily we shall not suffer
To Perish the reward
Of any who do
A (single righteous deed).
26. For them will be Gardens
Of Eternity; beneath them
Rivers will flow; they will
Be adorned therein
With bracelets of gold,
And they will wear
Green garments of fine silk
And heavy brocade;
They will recline therein
On raised thrones.
How good the recompense!
How beautiful a couch
To recline on!
The Holy Quran (XVIII 30, 31)
27. As to the Righteous
(They will be) in
A position of Security
Among Gardens and Springs;
Dressed in fine silk
and in rich brocade,
They will face each other;
So; and We shall
Join them to Companions
With beautiful, big,
And lustrous eyes.
There can they call
For every kind of fruit
In peace and security
(XLIV, 5 1-55)
28. In them (the Gardens) will be (Maidens),
Chaste, restraining their glances
Whom no man or Jinn
Before them has touched;
Then which of the favours
Of your Lord will ye deny?
Like unto rubies and coral,
Then which of the favours
Of your Lord will ye deny?
Is there any Reward
For Good—other than Good?
(LV, 56-60)
29. All men are asleep (in this world);
only when they die, do they wake up." (IBN ARABI)
An excellent discussion regarding the so-called "reality" of this current world and the "Absolute Reality" of the Hereafter, as presented by Ibn Arabi in his FASUS AL-HIKAL ("The Bezels of Wisdom"), is cited by Toshihiko Izutsu in, "Sufism and Taoism: Study of Key Philosophical Concepts," University of Califormia Press, 1983.
Life before death is a dream, but life after death is the Reality. Life on Earth is a dream, an illusion, a mirage, but life after death is eternal and perpetually real.
30. In other words, this present life, and all it offers, is nothing, or very little, when compared to the Hereafter:
What is the life of this world
But amusement and play?
But verily the home
In the Hereafter,—that is
Life indeed, if they but knew
(XXIX, 64)
31. Referred to as "Y" in this book.
32.Percentages have been calculated to the nearest 0.1%.
Dream No. 184 was a late addition and has not been included in the above statistics.
Dreams in Islam Section 2: The Islamic Dreams
DREAM NO.1 MR.G.s DREAM
Thursday night, 10th October 1985
Mr. G saw Mr. X.'s wife in the next world. She had black and golden hair, greenish eyes and rosy cheeks. She was wearing a pearl necklace and long blue earrings.1
She was standing near the River of Milk2 and was dipping a golden glass into the river, and then drinking the milk. Mr. X.’s wife was wearing more necklaces underneath this pearl necklace, but Mr. G. could not see them—he could only see their chains (the other necklaces were being covered by the pearl necklace).
CONTEXT OF DREAM NO. 2-MR. D.'s DREAM. While teaching Mr. D. one day, Mr. X. was conversing with this pupil about a local businessman. Mr. D. expressed his awe at the wealth of the businessman, Mr. S. He told Mr. X: "Mr. S. is a millionaire!" Mr. X. noticed Mr. D.’s approval of worldly wealth. Mr. X. said, "I’m a millionaire too!" Mr. D. looked most surprised, as if to say, "You’re only a tutor!" Mr. X. explained himself more clearly to his pupil. He said, "I’m not a millionaire in this world, but the next!" Thereupon, Mr. D. was very puzzled, and wondered, "What next world?" Mr. X. then began his Islamic training. He asked Mr. D. who was aged eleven, whether he had existed twenty years or so earlier. Mr. D. said he had not. Then Mr. X. asked whether Mr. D. would still be alive after another two hundred years. Mr. D. said he definitely would not. So Mr. X. made it clear that Mr. D., like all other people, was a traveller in time and space. Mr. X. said that it is from this perspective that Islam explains life and death. Mr. S.’s worldly wealth is only temporary. If he does pious deeds, the reward of that will be eternal, if Allah Almighty accepts them. Mr. X. explained, "I am a millionaire in the next world because I believe in Allah, my Lord. I know that this life, and all its pleasures and comforts, is temporary. I attach more importance to the remembrance of my Creator, because I know that after my death, He will take my soul, and then I will have no power to disobey Him. He can reward me with Paradise or throw me into Hell. I fear my Lord and ask for his Mercy. I know that if I remember Him for one moment, angels in Paradise will construct lofty mansions for me in paradise for the duration of that moment. When I shall cease the remembrance, they shall cease the building. I know that if I say "Subhaanallah" (glory be to Allah) once, I will benefit from a tree of my own, in my own estate, in Paradise. Likewise if I say, "Alhamdollilah," "Praise be to Allah," or "Allah Hoo Akbar (Allah is great)." I know that if! send blessings for the Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him), my life in the grave will be very pleasant, for the grave will be wide and spacious and like Paradise. My aim and intention in life is to do as many religious deeds as possible before my inevitable death in the hope that my beneficent Lord God, Allah Almighty, may forgive my evil sins and might admit me to his Paradise: "Gardens under which flow rivers and his Divine Favour." Mr. D. heard all this information with great interest, and he began to think about Allah, life and death and life Hereafter. Then he benefitted from all his dreams included in this book.
DREAM NO.2: Mr. D. ‘s DREAM.
Saturday, 7th September 1985.
Mr. X.’s father went to Mr. D.’s house to give an invitation for Mr. X.’s wedding to S. Ibrahim. Mr. D.’s mother read the invitation, which Mr. D. saw. The invitation cards were £4O,00O~ and the wedding was worth £50,000. Mr. X.’s hotel was about as big as 20,000 houses combined. Mr. X.’s father was telling Mr. D.’s father that the hotel was massive and that one single light, made out of real gold, was worth about £90,000. The wallpaper was beautiful—it had golden stripes.
The furniture was made out of real gold, and it was the best wedding ever in this world. Mr. D. and his father went to the hotel for the wedding. The dishes were worth £90,000. Mr. X. was wearing a suit worth £40,000 and Mr. D. and his father were wearing suits which were (each) worth £20,000.
Mr. X.’s wife was so beautiful—very beautiful. Mr. D. could not describe how beautiful. She had a lot of makeup on her face. One of her rings cost £30,000 or £40,000. Mr. D. and his mother were special relatives of Mr. X. Mr. X.’s wife’s face was shining like real gold.
The wedding Allah Almighty was reading in his mind that He had been reading Mr. X.’s marriage sermon.4 Everyone was sitting in a real gold house and chairs. The chairs on which Mr. X. and his wife were sitting were worth about £200,000. Mr. X.’s father spent so much money that the outside world could never have afforded that much.
The House: This was all made out of real gold. The garden outside was so massive that it was a big as England. In the garden, the whole of which was gold, the lawn was as big as the whole of Manchester. The garden contained a cricket field, football pitch and rugby pitch. Mr. X. was wearing a gold suit and he was playing with Mr. D. and his friends, and his own friends. They were playing rugby with a gold ball.
Mr. X.’s wife was wearing real gold clothes—striped with golden stripes. It was worth £200,000. She was wearing lots of jewellery—real gold rings and necklaces. She had on eyeliner5 and blusher. She was talking to Mr. D.’s mother, and she had on bangles, from the wrist to the elbow. She had black hair with strings of gold in it. The tikka was worth about £20,000.
We all started to talk. For dinner there was golden rice. The plates and cups were made out of gold
MR. Z's VISION:6
Date not recorded.
Mr. Z. saw a red7 carpet, and he saw somebody walking on it. It was Mr.X. Mr. X. had a seven-spiked crown on his head, made out of plain gold.8 He had a shining face, and he was wearing a shining gold scarf and shining brown suit.
DREAM NO.3: Mr. D.'s DREAM.
Thursday Night, 10th October, 1985.
Mr. D. and his father went to Mr. X.’s house in the next world. Mr. D.’s father was delighted to see the beauty of the castles, of which there were twenty to thirty. These castles were made out of real gold, and what was in them was made out of real gold, which was shining. The castles were beautiful.
Mr. X. was sitting on a leather sofa, which was the cheapest in the house, and he was holding a cup of tea. Then accidentally, the cup fell from Mr. X.’s hand, and the tea spilt. Allah Almighty9 gave the towel permission to clean the mess by itself. Allah Almighty said: "CLEAN NOW,...(O) TOWEL!"
Then Mr. X. was wearing real golden chains and necklaces on which was written the name of Allah Almighty.’10 Allah Almighty said:
"YOU SHALL GO TO PILGRIMAGE" (MY HOUSE) AND YOU SHOULD PRAY FOR YOUR MOTHER AND FATHER.12 WHEN YOU HAVE RETURNED, I SHALL GIVE YOU YOUR EXCELLENT SURPRJSE-MY PRECIOUS CASTLES (200,000 OF THEM), AND I SHALL GIVE THEM (ONLY) TO YOU."
Mr. X. went to Hajj and prayed for his parents. Mr. X. was wearing real golden shoes, and the watch, which Allah Almighty had given him, was beautiful, shiny and made out of real gold. Mr. X. was wearing an excellent suit—no one could have made one like it even in a million years. Mr. X.’s parents were also wearing excellent clothes, and were seated in real golden chairs.
DREAM NO.4: MISS N.'s DREAM.
Date not recorded.
Miss N. went upstairs (and into the bedroom). Miss N. saw Mr. X.’s baby boys and baby girls, who were sleeping. There were 5013 of them—thirty girls and twenty boys. They were wearing nice, cute jumpers on top, pink for the girls and blue for the boys. Mr. X.’s wife was wearing a white pyjama (trousers), a sparkling orange dress and a white, light scarf ("Dupatta").14
DREAM NO.5: MR. G.'s DREAM.
Tuesday, 13th August, 1985.
One day in Paradise, Mr. X. and Mr. G. were making bargains, and Mr. X. said to Mr. G., "Give me 2,000 of your trees and I will give you two castles." Mr. G. said: "I am not going to make that kind of bargain." We were beside the rivers. Mr. X. said: "O.K., then—take this." He gave Mr. G. a punch, and Mr. G. fell into the river of wine. Mr. G. went to Allah Almighty for justice, and Allah Almighty took fifteen15 of Mr. X.’s castles and gave them to Mr. G.
DREAM NO.6: MR. D.'s DREAM.
Saturday, 7th September 1985.
The Hajj
Mr. D. and his parents, and Mr. X. and his parents, children and wife all went to Hajj. First of all they went into Allah Almighty’s aeroplane and it took them to Allah’s House in Holy Mecca. Allah let them in. Allah said:
"YOU ARE WELCOME."
No other people were there. Then they prayed, and Allah said: "GO INTO THE OUTSIDE WORLD AND TELL MY PEOPLE TO COME, BECAUSE THEY ARE NOT COMING, AND I WANT THEM TO COME."
Allah Almighty gave them permission to go into the outside world.
Allah said:
"YOU CAN GO NOW. YOU HAVE GOT 20 CASTLES (each) IN THE NEXT WORLD."
DREAM NO. 7: Miss N.'s DREAM.
Saturday, 10th August, 1985.
"The scene of the dream came—we were sitting at a very big table. All of us said: ‘Alhamdolillahi rabbil alameen, ar-rahman nir-raheem, —malik you mideen, iyaa ka na’budoo wa iyaa ka nastaeen, ihidi nasiratul mustaqeem, sirat allazeena, anamta alaihim, ghairul maghdoobi alayhim, waladwa—leen, allahumma amin.16
Suddenly, Mr. X. rose, and said:
‘Rabbana aatinaa fiduniya hasanaton wa fil akhiraati hasanaton wakinaa azabun naar,17 and sat down again.
Allah Almighty said: ‘YOU ARE BLESSED.’ On the table there were different kinds of flowers—waterfall flowers—going on our food and blessing our food. There were pearls—round ones, they were massive—as big as a mirror in the middle of a flower. Mr. X. was wearing golden clothes which had lovely silver and black patterns of all the colours of JANNAT.’8 He had a golden beard. I was wearing a blue and white set of clothes. Mr. X.’s wife was wearing a silver set, and another colour that I could not remember when I woke up."
DREAM NO.8: Miss N.'s DREAM.
Friday, 17th August, 1984.
The scene came—it was Mr. X.’s birthday, indescribable. There were colours everywhere—on the cake, on the guests, on everything. A light came downwards from on high. Then Allah Almighty spoke: "MAY ALLAH BLESS YOU ON YOUR 23RD BIRTHDAY I WILL BLESS YOU ONE THOUSAND TIMES," and then the speaking finished. Then Mr. X. cut the cake, which had gold and silver patterns on it. Then a voice came, and said: "You’re on the right path—that’s why you’re here with me." Mr. X.’s family was at the birthday party, as well as his own wife and his children. The date was 7th August 1986. Mr. X.’s wife was shining like a ruby. She was wearing a "pouring out" dress, like it was sending out drops of water. Her pyjama was the same kind. Her face was glowing— everything was glowing. Mr. X.’s daughters were wearing orange suits, like their mother, and Mr. X.’s sons were dressed like Mr. X., in silver. Mr. X. was wearing gold as well as silver.
The Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him) was at Mr. X.’s party, and he was kissing Mr. X.—five times on each cheek.19 The Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him) brought Mr. X. a ‘tashbih’20 of raindrops as his birthday present. Allah Almighty said: YOU SHARE THE FRUITS OF YOUR KNOWLEDGE WITH ME.21 YOUR FRUITS OF KNOWLEDGE ARE SO MUCH THAT YOU CAN SHARE THEM WITH EVERY SINGLE PERSON INJANNA T.22
.The Holy Prophet Peace be upon him (The Holy Prophet Muhammed) said: "I am so happy."
Then the Prophet Moses Peace be upon him (The Holy Prophet Moses) said: "Hello, old chap—how are you feeling, snubby nose?23 He brought as a present for Mr. X. a massive piece of gold, on which was written Allah24 in raindrops. Mr. X. ran to it and put his forehead on it. Mr. X.’s little children did the same.
Then Miss N. went to Mr. X. She gave him, as a present, a cologne bottle that was so big that Mr. X. couldn’t carry it. Its smell was indescribable—of cherries, strawberries, bananas, and so on (fruits). Mr. X. wore it, and he was fragrant all over. That present was from all of Mr. X.’s family, but Miss N. presented it to Mr. X.
DREAM NO.9: MR. Q‘s DREAM.
Wednesday, 15th January 1986.
Mr. Q. saw many small palaces, glistening like lights.25 He saw Mr. X. in one of the palaces, sitting at a desk. Mr. X. had some Islamic books near him. He was studying hard.26
DREAM NO. 10: MR. B’s DREAM.
Friday, 13th December 1985.
Mr. X. was sitting down, reading the Holy Quran.27 Encompassing him were lions—big, small, fighting, playing. Around them were innumerable trees in which monkeys were eating small, green berries. The trees themselves were green, with long leaves, fruitless, and in different sizes. There were different numbers of monkeys in the trees. Mr. X. thus appeared to be reciting the Holy Quran in a jungle. But he was not. Mr. B. noticed that all this land was Mr. X.’s own garden. Mr. X. was the King of the Lions. The lions were eagerly listening to the Holy Quran with great interest and awe. Mr. X.’s recital in Arabic was reaching far and wide, so loud it was. When Mr. X. had finished reciting the Holy Quran, he prayed: "Rabbana aatinaa fiduniya hasanatonwa fil akhirati hasanton wakinaa azaabun nar." ("O our Lord, give us good things in this world and give us good things in the next world, and save us from the torture of the fire.")
Then he wiped his hands over his face and blew on his chest. Mr. X. had read 2-3 pages of the Holy Quran, and this Holy Book then disappeared by itself. Mr. X. got off his prayer mat, and then a tablecloth came and spread itself. Then all kinds of plates, containing all kinds of delicious foods, came. Mr. B. looked up as a plate came towards him too—but when he looked into it, it was empty. Mr. B. saw Mr. X.’s palace, so big, as one he had never seen before. Its walls were of white marble and there were six routes to its inside. Mr. B. had used only one route to discover Mr. X. reciting the Holy Quran, and he had been hiding from the lions underneath a rock. Mr. X. was wearing white clothes and a white cap. From a side view, Mr. B. saw that Mr. X.’s face was shining. Mr. X.’s palace had red doors, and the rock was in the courtyard. Mr. B. awoke from his dream with a jump just as one of the lions had discovered him hiding beneath a rock, and lunged at him.
*Allah’s Apostle (Peace be upon him) said: "He who does not ask Allah (for favours), Allah is annoyed with him."
Allah’s Apostle (Peace be upon him) said: "Verily your Lord is very modest and generous—He feels shy that His servant raises up his hands for supplication, and He may let it go unaccepted." (Tirmidhi)
DREAM NO. 11: MR. W’s DREAM.
Saturday, 4th January 1985.
Mr. W. saw a black28 horse, mounted it and it took him tojannat. Mr. W. descended and sat down under a massive tree, which was made of NUR (Light), and it shone as if bulbs had been attached to it. Angels~ passed him as he sat there. Mr. W. was very depressed because he had no home in Paradise. Then Mr. X came out of his palace, most beautiful, seven stories high.30 On the palace were inscribed Kalimahs,31 and in front of it were flower pots and flowers. Mr. X. was wearing a crown of gold, silver and rubies, one that not even kings would possess. From Mr. X.’s face NUR was shining, of a gold colour. His face issued forth radiance.32 Mr. X. was wearing a long, white JUBA,33 and he went up to Mr. W. He said: "Why are you sitting depressed, Mr. W.?" Mr. W. replied:
"I have no home (here), so what else can I do except sit here depressed?" Mr. X. said: "You can come into my house. No problem. My house is also your own home.34 (To share Allah Almighty’s bounties is righteousness.)
DREAM NO. 12: MISS. S.‘s DREAM.
Monday, 18th May, 1986.
Miss S. saw Mr. X. coming out of his palace, which was as big as three houses, and like a castle.35 The palace was decorated with gold and silver. Mr. X. was wearing a golden suit. Inside the palace, there was a big golden table, on which was laid food—(expensive) rice and (orange) drinks. The glasses were made out of silver. People were sitting round the table—men, women and children. Mr. X. was having a party—some people were his own friends, while others had come from different houses. There were lots of children. Miss S. saw Mr. X.’s spare room, in which he kept some of his current and some of his old clothes, all made of gold. Miss S. saw Mr. X.’s bedroom, which was big, containing a normal, big bed which had golden curtains all around its sides. On the walls were hung pictures for visitors, but some of them failed to arrive. Mr. X. went back inside his palace.36
DREAM 13: MR. C.‘s DREAM.
12.00, Friday, 3rd January 1986.
Mr. X. and Mr. C. were in a heavenly carriage,37 which was being carried by invisible Angels, which took us to JANNAT. Mr. C. then died but Mr. X. remained alive. We landed in an orchard in Paradise. Mr. C. said:
"This is my orchard." Mr. X. said: "Shut up, it’s mine." There were two orchards, it was discovered. They then went towards a massive palace, reaching to the clouds.38 It seemed as though the palace belonged to a King. Its walls were made of glass, but they were glistening so that one was not sure whether they were glass or gold. On the main gate of the palace was written The Verse of the Throne:39
On the sides of the gate was written YA ALLAH and YA MUHAMMED.40 Inside there was another gate on which was written the names of The Holy Prophet Peace be upon Him, Au, Hassan, Hussein and Fatimah (May Allah Almighty be pleased with them all). The main gate of the palace was so big that it was high as the heaven, and we looked tiny in caparison. We went inside the palace. Inside, many thousands of servants stood in rows, heads bowed as if awaiting a king. These servants wore clothes of Nur (Light), white Arabic Jubas. Mr. C. stood, while Mr. X. went and sat down on the throne.41 Then a crown, consisting of glistening pearls and jewels came and seated itself on Mr. X.’s head, and its light went to the furthest corners of the Palace. Mr. C. said: "0 Allah! You have not given me anything." Allah Almighty replied, "A SMALL CHAIR IS FOR YOU NEAR HIM."42 Mr. C. then got a smaller throne and smaller chair, which floated towards him. These were glistening. Mr. C. was like a minister to Mr. X., the King. Then Mr. X. signalled to all the servants, and they all seated themselves on chairs of light. Then Mr. C. became alive once more, and both he and Mr. X. came back to this world again.
DREAM NO. 14: MISS N's DREAM.
Date Not Recorded.
Miss N. saw a vision—it was blurred, slowly becoming clearer. She saw Mr. X.’s wife clearly, who was feeding the horse (with wings). (The bird, a very colourful pet, had gone somewhere, and was not there.)43 Then Mr. X.’s wife suddenly saw a waterfall and she said, "What’s that?" Mr. X.’s children began saying, "What that?" They all went to Mr. X., who was in the bath. They said, "Daddy, Daddy, Daddy, what that in back garden?" Mr. X. said, "Beg your pardon?" Mr. X. then went to the back garden to see for himself. Before, the water was white, but now it had changed to golden. The young children said, "What that? What that? What that?" The water of the waterfall was such that if one were to put one’s hand into it, the hand would change colour—since it would be made purer by the water. Mr. X.’s wife used to wash clothes in it—she did not need to use any (powder) or soap. The clothes which were being washed were so beautiful that Miss N. could not describe them.
Then Mr. X. prepared to go to the library, pushing the pram with his young children inside it—there were so many little children that they could not be counted. Mr. X. said (Bye) to his wife. His wife said, "You’d better come early!" It looked as if she had a surprise for Mr. X., and she did. After a one-second walk (that walk would have taken 50 minutes in this world), Mr. X. and his children reached the library. In the library, Mr. X.’s little sons and daughters were writing "Kalimahs"44 and "Hadith,"45 and some of them were reading Salaat. Afterwards they changed over. The children were writing silver writing on golden paper. Mr. X. was very pleased. He read Salaat and went, with his children, back home. Mr. X. saw his wife reading Salaat there. She had just finished reading MAGHRIB.46
Then Mr. X.’s wife merely clicked her fingers, and there was a table full of "Trifle," "Angel Delight," and all other treats imaginable. There was cream with nuts in it. There was a massive "Lion Bar"—a million people could eat of it. She said, "Here you are—a lovely treat for you. I never made it."
We were all (eating eagerly) and then the dream finished.
DREAM NO. 15: MISS N's DREAM.
Sunday, 4th May, 1986.
Mr. X. and his family were sitting at the table, ready for dinner. Mr. X. said, "You know what to begin with!"47 While Mr. X. was saying that, gold and flowers dropped from his mouth. Mr. X. was asked, "What is this?" Mr. X. replied, "Gold."
DREAM NO. 16: MRS. Y.'s DREAM.
Friday, 3rd January, 1986.
Mrs. Y. received a letter from Mr. X. It concerned the Darood Taaj.48 In the letter, Mr. X. urged Mrs. Y. to read this prayer and to tell two of her brothers to do so too. The postman brought the letter, and it was glistening with Nur—in fact, the radiance of this letter made the entire house radiant. Mrs. Y. was surprised to learn that Mr. X. knew the Darood Taaj, and she was told by members of the family that Mr. X.’s cousin had taught it to him. In his letter, Mr. X. wrote about the benefits of reading this special prayer. "If you read the Darood Taaj five times before going to sleep, Allah Almighty will give you more sustenance, O cousin. You may also be able to see the blessed vision of the Holy Prophet Peace be upon him (The Holy Prophet Muhammed) in your dreams. Allah Almighty will give you four palaces in the next world, and one palace in this world. Mrs. Y. then wrote a letter, in return, to Mr. X. She promised to read the Darood Taaj every day, ten times, notjust five. She promised to obey this prayer, and to try to see the Holy Prophet Peace be upon him (The Holy Prophet Muhammed) in her dreams. Mrs. Y. asked Mr. X. to pray to God for her, and to read the Darood Taaj for her, so that Allah might give her one palace in this world and four palaces in the next world. In her letter Mrs. Y. complained that Mr. X. had come to readJummah49 at the Mosque very near her house, but had not come to see her at her house. Mrs. Y. then knew Mr. X.’s reply: Allah Almighty told me to read Jummah, and I will come to your house (some other time)." Mrs. V. said, "May Allah Almighty make you pious." In her letter Mrs. Y. also wrote: "(Mr. X.) I prayed for you—you will be given four big houses in this world and innumerable houses in the next world—Allah Almighty is still building these Palaces, and some have already been built. Allah Almighty said (about you): ‘Whoever praised Me, I and My Beloved Prophet will help him.’ (Mr. X.) Don’t forget me... I have prayed for you many times and Allah Almighty has accepted my prayers. (Cousin) Pray for me after reading Darood Taaj that Allah Almighty might give me one big house in this world, sustenance (RIZK), and the sight of the Holy Prophet Peace be upon him (The Holy Prophet Muhammed). Don’t lose your faith even after 100 years of life. (Mr. X.) I read prayers for you forty-five times, and I pray for you, that Allah Almighty may make you God-fearing. I pray that Allah Almighty give you lawful sustenance, that He grant you pious offspring, and that you yourself be very pious both in this world and the next. You must keep on praising Allah Almighty, and blessing the Holy Prophet Peace be upon him (The Holy Prophet Muhammed)."
DREAM NO. 17: MR. R.'s DREAM.
Wednesday, 14th August, 1985.
Mr. R. saw his own and Mr. X.’s castles in the nextworld. There are five pillars50 of Islam. Mr. R. saw two pieces of land for each pillar. There were 10,000,000 castles in each piece of land. Hence, Mr. R. had ten pieces of land, and so, too, did Mr. X.
DREAM NO. 18: MR. R.'s DREAM.
Friday, l2thJuly, 1985.
Mr. R. got a message in his dream that he had been given 10,000,156 trees, and that Mr. X. had been given 10,000,056 trees in Paradise.51 These trees were packed with absolutely everything—food, clothing and so on. When one required an item, the trees read one’s mind, and the correct type of branch would lean down. During the day, the item that had been picked would grow once more. These trees had leaves of emerald (emerald shaped into leaves). Their bark was very smooth and reddish-brown. Mr. R. also saw castles. The windows of these were of diamond, transparent. The bricks were a compound of liquid gold and copper—a reddish-gold effect was produced. The castle had towers, like a Mosque. The entrance to its gates was made of a variety of different coloured pearls—there were grey pearls, pink pearls, and so on. The castle was absolutely massive—as big as a town. Mr. X. was wearing a thin layer of silver or gold.
DREAM NO. 19: MR. A's DREAM.
Monday, 19th May, 1986.
Mr. A. and Mr. X. were sitting at a very strong, oakwood table. The chairs were made out of solid gold, and they were adorned with yellow cushions. Both of them were very happy and relaxed and were talking about Allah Almighty. Then Mr. X. said something (implies that he knew a secret bestowed by Allah Almighty) and a Hur appeared. She was very beautiful, dressed all in white, and she wore about five necklaces with ALLAH written on them. She brought two drinks, blackcurrent colour, in silver glasses. Mr. A. clicked his fingers, and fruit appeared—pink in colour and of different shapes. Then both Mr. A. and Mr. X. decided that it was time for Salaat. Then they mounted a flying horse—it was quite ordinary but had very, very white wings. Soon they came to a tremendous mansion, ‘which cannot be described. It was Mr. X.’s house, and on it was written the name of ALLAH . Mr. X. said to Mr. A., "Come into my house and perform the prayer." The staircase was golden, and the banister was silver. Mr. X. showed Mr. A. all the rooms in his palace, and they saw a golden doorway. They then went into a very, very big room (empty except for the carpet). This was the prayer room. Mr. A. and Mr. X. saw that three little boys and two little girls were doing Sajda (Prostration). Mr. X. said, "These are my children." The boys looked like Mr. X., very cute and wearing white clothes. One of the boys was about five years old.
Then a lady came in—she was so beautiful that she cannot be described. Mr. A. was startled. Mr. X. said, "This is my wife." Mr. X.’s wife was wearing white clothes and a silver light scarf. She wore necklaces with the name of ALLAH on them, and two rings of pure gold, on which ALLAH was printed. Mr. X.’s wife was carrying a very beautiful mat. She wished to perform the prayer in a corner of the room, so the mat travelled to the corner, and she prayed.52 Then Mr. X. said to Mr. A., "OK, you can start Salaat, now." Mr. A. and Mr. X. both completed their prayers at the same time. Then Mr. X. said, "Let me show you my house." They went to a garden that was vast, and its end was nowhere in sight. It contained very beautiful flowers53 of different colours, shapes and sizes.... Then Mr. A. said, "I have to go now. May God be with you." He clicked his fingers, and his flying horse came. He embraced Mr. X. and made off for home.
Mr. A. ‘s home was extremely massive. His wife, who had a face which was radiant like the full moon, came, and Mr. A. said, "I’m getting very tired now," and he stretched. He asked "Where are the children?" Mr. A.’s wife said, "They are asleep." Mr. A. went to his children’s room, and there he saw that fifteen54 boys and girls were sound asleep. Mr. A. then said, "I am going to sleep now."
DREAM 20: MR. A's DREAM.
April, 1986.
Mr. A. was extremely sad because he didn’t have a home in JANNAT. He sat down next to a tree, and he saw that Mr. X. was coming to him. Mr. X. said, "Why are you so sad?" Mr. A. said, "I have no home (here), so if I shouldn’t be sad what else should I be?" Mr. X. said, "You can’t be sad—you’ve got a friend like me." Mr. X. said, "Come with me." Mr. A. said, "No, no." Mr. X. said, "Come with me, or I will sit here with you all the time." Mr. A. said, "No, you can’t sit here with me because you have a wife, children and houses." The Mr. X. said, "I don’t care what I’ve got—I’m sitting here!" Mr. X. sat with Mr. A. and didn’t even talk.
Hours went by. It became dark (that was like daylight in this world), and Mr. A. said, "I’m very serious—come on." Mr. X. then had a very big smile on his face, though Mr. A. was still quite sad that he had no home of his own. Mr. X. said to Mr. A., "Do you study Islam?" Mr. A. replied, "Yes, but only a little." Mr. X. said, "I know (exactly) what you must do to get a wife, house and children. You must do a great deal of Islam, and put your heart into it (enjoy Islam)." Mr. A. did exactly this. After three days, Mr. A. had about 10,000 big houses, a wife and four or five children. Then Mr. A. went to thank Mr. X. and took for him a present—a crown of honour, made of gold, silver and jewels. Mr. X. refused to take the crown because, he argued, it was his own responsibility to tell everyone who was in trouble (the right words). And just when Mr. X. had said, "I do (the same) to anyone who is in trouble," automatically three crowns appeared. These were more sparkling and of better quality than Mr. A.’s present. Mr. X. took the three crowns, and one by one he made them into one whole crown, which then sparkled more than the full moon. When the crown was placed on Mr. X.’s head, thousands of people came with presents—food, clothes, books—the Holy Quran, and so on, and they gave these to Mr. X. After they had gone, both Mr. A. and Mr. X. were astonished.
DREAM NO. 21: MR. A.'s DREAM.
Thursday, 8th May, 1986.
Mr. X. was feeling ill. All his family were praying for him to recover. Mr. A. was giving Zakat.55 After four days, Mr. X. was feeling even worse—he couldn’t talk or move. They had to dissolve his tablets, and give him injections; then Mr. X. would smile. Everyone was very, very sad. In one week, it was Eid, and after one day, Mr. X. did not smile when he received the injection. On the day of Eid, Mr. X. died. Mr. A. had a dream (in his dream) on the following night. He saw Mr. X. in his dream, wearing white clothes, and with a golden crown on his head. Mr. X. said, "I’m very happy—I’ve got the best place, and I am with my wife and children."
DREAM NO. 22: MR. A ‘S DREAM.
Thursday, 8th May, 1986.
Mr. A. was performing Wudhu56—he was wearing white clothes with golden stripes, and a silver and white hat. These garments were so beautiful that they cannot be described—they were sparkling. Mr. A.’s face was very bright—like the moon when it is full. Then Mr. A. went to read the Holy Quran, which was not an ordinary one: It was outlined in gold, written in silver, most beautifully, and the pages were strong. Mr. A. was in a room which contained many posters—some of which displayed the name of Allah Almighty ( ) or MUHAMMED ( ) Peace be upon him (The Holy Prophet Muhammed). Mr. A. then finished reciting the Holy Quran. Mr. A. was sitting on a beautiful mat, which displayed beautiful pictures of Mosques—it was very, very bright. Underneath it was a very, very red carpet. The room was extremely big, and Mr. A. was sitting in the very middle. Mr. A. got up and went through a very bright, golden doorway. He put on his silver shoes.
Mr. A. went outside, said something and a beautiful, bright horse appeared. Mr. A. came to his home, which had Arabic writing57 on it, and it resembled very strong paper. When Mr. A. reached home, he saw a lady there—her face was shining like the full moon, and she was Mr. A.’s wife. She was wearing a white dress and a white and gold pyjama, and silver light scarf. She was wearing a necklace but Mr. A. saw only the chain. Then Mr. A. seated himself on a golden chair—very big, with rubies; emeralds and diamonds adorned it (like a pattern— sapphire, or blue at the top, then white, then red, then green). Then servants appeared with a great variety of delicious foods. One of the servants clicked his fingers, and other servants came with more varieties. Inside Mr. A.’s house was a golden pole, and at the very top was written ALLAH ()
DREAM NO. 23: MR. A's DREAM.
Wednesday, 6th August, 1986.
Mr. A. and Mr. X. were sitting down, talking about Allah Almighty. While they were talking, they heard the Adhan58
DREAM NO. 24: Mr. A.'s DREAM.
Thursday, 7th August, 1986.
Mr. A. and Mr. X. were fighting in a battle against those people who did not believe.59 While they were fighting, they became tired—then a spear was thrown by the enemy at Mr. A. Mr. A., out of loyalty, shielded Mr. X., but the spear penetrated Mr. A. and Mr. X. Both these people died. Then the foe who had thrown the spear died suddenly and naturally—by a heart attack. When Mr. X. and Mr. A. had died, Mr. A. saw himself lying in the most precious flowers—then another body appeared in the flowers—that of Mr. X. Both Mr. A. and Mr. X. then went to learn whether they were to go to Paradise, or Hell. Then Allah Almighty gave the following message to one of the Angels: "Tell (Mr. A. and Mr. X.) that they will positively be going to Paradise." Mr. A. and Mr. X. were going to Heaven, when they saw one of the prophets.60 They went to him and kissed and shook his hand. Then Mr. A. went to the River of Wine and began to drink. Mr. X. however, said: "I want to drink from a gold cup." Just then a gold cup appeared (just when Mr. X. had cupped his hand to drink, a gold cup had appeared in his hand). Mr. A. said "SUBHAAN-ALLAH."61 Then Mr. X. drank from the cup.62
DREAM NO. 25: Mr. A.'s DREAM.
Saturday, lst June, 1980.
Mr. A. saw that Mr. X. was eating large, juicy grapes, and he began to feel hungry. He saw that Mr. X. said something, whereupon a branch, carrying a beautiful fruit, went next to him.63 "How do you do that?" Mr. A. asked Mr. X. Mr. X. replied, "It is very easy—all you have to do is think and you will get it, and you will have to say ‘SUBHAANALLAH’ (Glory be to God) to get a tree." Just then, Mr. A. said "SUBHAANALLAH," and he saw that a little plant was growing amazingly rapidly—about 1,000 metres every second. Mr. X. had 5,000 million trees; Mr. A. was not too greedy, and he was content with just this one tree.
The next day Mr. A. and Mr. X. were both sitting next to each other and both were eating juicy grapes. Having talked, Mr. A. and Mr. X. decided to go somewhere. Both of them thought in their minds (meditated), and two beautiful, brilliantly-white, sparkling, winged horses appeared. Having mounted these, Mr. X. and Mr. A. (flew) until they arrived at a place where people were performing the Salat64 They themselves performed the Salat, and they went home. The next day was the beginning of the Holy Month of Ramadhan.65 Both Mr. X. and Mr. A. kept fast. Toward the end of the fast, both met and both, simultaneously, said: "Come to my house to open the fast." Mr. X. went to Mr. A.’s house to open the fast, and the food was so delicious and extraordinary that it cannot be described. When they had eaten, Mr. X. went back home. The Holy Month passed very quickly, and then the next day was EID UL-FITR.~ Both Mr. X. and Mr. A. were very, very happy. They then went on their rounds—visiting people in their houses, for 5-6 minutes, to say, "Eid Mubarak."67 They gave these friends "magic" Eid cards— whatever one wished to eat, one could speak into the card and the appropriate plate would automatically come out of the card. Then Mr. A. and Mr. X. went to Mr. X. ‘s house and ate a very, very delicious dinner, which had been made by Mr. X.’s (older) sister. Having eaten, Mr. X. and Mr. A. went to the Mosque, which was extremely packed. An Imam was giving a religious lecture. Mr. X. and Mr. A. performed the Salaat, and tasted sweets over which prayers had been recited, and gave donations for a new Mosque which was due to be opened. Rather than go home, Mr. A. and Mr. X. decided to visit a few other places. They went to Islamic shops and bought the Holy Quran, hats for Salaat, mats for Salaat, and so on, and then distributed these items to people who didn’t have them, but needed them. Likewise, 500 religious books were bought and distributed. Mr. X. and Mr. A. then went home, sat down and began to blow up balloons, and to decorate the rooms. They then had a religious party and everybody enjoyed themselves. For example, one of the presents was a fruit bowl—if one were to put one’s hand in it, a fruit would appear, and it would never be short of fruit. Also, somebody came with a very special present—an ordinary Eid Card (implying that the thought is more important than the actual present). Then somebody brought in a (cracker)—a big string was attached to it—everybody had to pull it, and items such as clothes, fruit, Islamic books, prayer hats and mats, and so on, would come out, floating upwards. There were enough items for every single person. Mr. X. and Mr. A. clicked their fingers and said, "One, two, three," and then the dream ended.
DREAM NO. 26: Mr. A.'s DREAM.
Monday night, 9th June, 1986.
Many people had gathered outside Mr. X.’s house. Mr. A. wanted to go into the house, but there was such a rush that it took three hours for him to get in. Mr. A. was worried as to why so many people were going to Mr. X.’s house. Mr. A. prayed to Allah Almighty for the reason to be good (not bad). Mr. A. was sweating. When he finished waiting, he managed to ask Mr. X. what was going on.
Mr. X. said, in a very surprised manner, "Don’t you know?" Then he told Mr. A. that last night his son had been born—on the night of Shab-I-Barat. The son’s name was_______.68 When Mr. A. heard this, he nearly fainted. He quickly went home and brought a present for Mr. X.’s son. When Mr. X. saw the suit, he said, "You shouldn’t have."
When Mr. X.’s visitors, 30,000 or more, had gone, Mr. X. and Mr. A. sat down together and had a drink called ________,69 which contained beautiful, delicious fruits and was of an extraordinary colour—a mixture of orange, yellow and green. Mr. X. and Mr. A. began talk of opening three or four Mosques. Within a flash, as Mr. X. and Mr. A. looked outside, four Mosques, better than palaces, and made out of gold and silver, stood. Mr. X. fainted. Mr. A. spilt some of the drink on Mr. X. to revive him, and said, "It’s all Allah’s Power."
Then many people started to gather. Mr. X. and Mr. A. took a loudspeaker and said, "Come to our Mosques—they have everything you need." Someone said, "When are they going to open?" Mr. X. and Mr. A. were just about to say something, when they heard the Adhan70 coming from the Mosques. Then the doors of the Mosques opened by themselves, and ALLAH (), written in Arabic, came up. Eager and enthusiastic people ran inside the Mosques (in their zeal for performing the Salaat—some fell, but they carried on regardless of their knocks and bangs). Finally, Mr. X. and Mr. A. went into the Mosques. The people asked, "Whose Mosques are these?" Mr. X. replied, "They belong to everybody." Mr. A. said, "Don’t ask again." When Mr. X. and Mr. A. went inside the Mosques, they saw beautiful decorations and golden carpets, and they peeped inside a variety of rooms—hat rooms, mat rooms, Wudhu71 rooms, and so on. Then they saw the Muezzin72 who was proclaiming the Adhan.73 Mr. X. and Mr. A. hugged him and the dream ended.
DREAM NO.27: Mr. A.'s DREAM.
Friday, 1st August, 1986.
Mr. A. and Mr. X. were proclaiming the Adhan in Holy Mecca. After that, they performed the Hajj.
DREAM NO. 28: Mr. A.'s DREAM.
Wednesday night, 3Oth July, 1986.
Mr. A. studied at the "University of Religion" and obtained from there the highest degree—he then became a teacher of religion. Mr. X., his very, very close friend (brother in Islam), likewise passed the examination. To celebrate, Mr. X. and Mr. A. delivered food at the Mosque. They also made provision for the sacrifice of 200 sheep,74 and the distribution of the meat to the poor.
DREAM NO. 29. Mr. A.‘s DREAM.
Wednesday, l8th June, 1986.
Mr. A. and Mr. X. were performing Salaat.
DREAM NO. 30: Mr. A.‘s DREAM.
Thursday, l9th June, 1986.
Mr. A. and Mr. X. were talking to an Angel.
DREAM NO. 31: Mr. A.‘s DREAM.
Friday, 2OthJune, 1986.
Mr. A. was eating a golden biscuit and Mr. X. was eating a silver grape.
DREAM NO. 32: Mr. A.‘s DREAM.
Saturday, 2lstJune, 1986.
Mr. A. and Mr. X. were in a library, browsing through Islamic books, enjoying themselves. One book gave information on the performing of Salaat, another dealt with the prayers of Salaat, and yet another discussed the Powers of Allah Almighty.75
DREAM NO. 33: Mr. A.‘s DREAM.
Friday, 25thJuly, 1986.
Mr. A. and Mr. X. were praying in the Mosque. After they had performed the Salaat, they went to a place where people were allowed to fish. They went into a souvenir shop and bought a net. They began to fish. Soon they caught a fish and drew it from the water. The fish struggled. Then it spoke. It said, "Allah has not allowed people to slaughter animals (for food) by killing them (first) and then saying ‘Allah hoo Akbar." Mr. A. was so astonished that he dropped the fish net.
DREAM NO. 34: Mr. A.‘s DREAM.
Saturday, 26th July, 1986.
Mr. A. and Mr. X. were on their way to donate an Islamic book to a library. Having reached there, they went to a restaurant. But they had forgotten their bags at the airport. Fortunately, Mr. A. had Mr. X.’s and his own ticket in his pocket. They went back to the airport. They had nothing to worry about because on their bags was written 786.76 Having collected their bags, they went to the library and donated the book.
DREAM NO. 35: Mr. A.‘s DREAM.
Thursday, 24th July, 1986.
Mr. A. and Mr. X. were praying. When they had completed the Salaat, Mr. A. felt hungry. They clicked their fingers, and food appeared in mid-air. Then they had the idea to build a Mosque (all by themselves). It was mostly Mr. X.’s idea and to a smaller extent Mr. A.’s. They started work—they got golden bricks and hammer, and so on. They began to lay the bricks. It was then time for Salaat. They threw away the hammer and bricks, ran, did ablution and read the Salaat. Having eaten a little snack afterwards, they began work on the Mosque again.
Then ASR77 had to be read. Mr. X. and Mr. A. made ablution, read the Salaat and came outside again. At length, the Mosque was almost complete, and only the roof was left to be made. Then Mr. X. said: "We can charge people something to come in." And then the Mosque fell apart. Mr. X. then said, "Astaghfirullah Inallah Ghafoorul Rahim"78 and then the Mosque went back together again. They had only the roof to make, and they did this using silver wood and nails of marble. Mr. A. was happy. Everybody came to celebrate, and the dream ended.
DREAM NO. 36: Mr. A.‘s DREAM.
Monday, l6th June, 1986.
Mr. A. saw a little boy, aged about eight years, who was crying because he couldn’t read the Holy Quran, the Kalimahs, and so on. He was crying so much that Mr. A. could not bear his tears. Mr. A. quickly went to him and said, "Come to my house—I will teach you everything."
When Mr. A. reached him, however, he saw an urgent message, which directed him to go to Holy Mecca for (an important) meeting. Mr. A. told of this to the little boy, who became a little sad. Then Mr. A. told him the good news—thathe had chosen one of his best friends (brother in Islam) to teach the youngster Islam. When Mr. A. was due to leave (for Holy Mecca) he asked his best friend to look (well) after the little boy. Afterwards, Mr. A. went to the meeting and the little boy remained behind. This youngster asked Mr. L’s friend the name—it was Mr. X. and the boy’s name ~ After a few months the boy became so religious that he could teach people the (recital of the) Holy Quran and he could recite all the Six Kalimahs79 by heart. He began to know those (religious) things that Mr. X. knew. Then the little boy began to write religious books.
When Mr. A. returned, the youngster was a well-educated boy. Then Mr. A. had news for Mr. X. and the little boy—they had been invited to a meeting at Holy Mecca. Having bought clothes for the little boy, all (three) of them set off for the journey, and the dream ended.
DREAM NO.37: Mr. A.‘s DREAM.
Tuesday, l0th June, 1986.
Mr. A. was sitting in a golden boat in a sea which was bountiful—that is, if one were to put one’s hand into the water and wish for something, that wish would be granted. Mr. A. was feeling a little peckish—he put his hand in the sea and asked for some food. Mr. A. got a great amount of food, in a basket. Having finished80 his snack, he asked for a companion. He was told to close his eyes. When Mr. A. opened his eyes, there was a person sitting next to him. That person said, "Assalamo Alaykum" (Peace be upon you). Mr. A. replied "Wa Lekum Assalaam" (Peace be upon you, too). Mr. A. asked the person’s name; the reply was, "My name is (Mr. X.)." They then went to a place where they performed the Wudhu, and then performed the Salaat. When they said, "Allah Hoo Akbar (Allah is Great)," they were lifted and placed somewhere, and the place was not an ordinary one—it was one of the best places in JANNAT (Paradise).
DREAM NO. 38: Mr. A.‘s DREAM.
Saturday, 2nd August, 1986.
Mr. A. and Mr. K. were in Holy Mecca. They performed the pilgrimage. Then Mr. X. donated Islamic books written by himself and Mr. A. (to a library). Having stayed in a Mosque in Holy Mecca, they (then) took a flight back to Holy Medina, and visited the Mosque of the Holy Prophet Peace be upon him (The Holy Prophet Muhammed). While they were there, they managed to get one of the flowers and touch the grave of the Holy Prophet Peace be upon him (The Holy Prophet Muhammed).81 Then Mr. A. bought a few Islamic books (from the bookshops in Holy Medina). In the aeroplane, on the return journey, Mr. X. dropped his suitcase, and all his books fell out. Then the stewardess, who didn’t see him (as he crouched on the floor, trying to collect his books), split all the teas on him. Mr. X. had to go to a special room to change clothes. Having changed, Mr. X. realised that it was time to perform the Salaat, and he knew that passengers were not allowed to perform the Salaat on the aeroplane. He quietly called Mr. A.—they locked the door of the room and performed the Salaat. Then the dream ended.
DREAM NO. 39: Mr. A.‘s DREAM.
Wednesday, 23rd July, 1986.
Mr. A. and Mr. X. were eating gold pears and silver apples. When they had eaten, they went to the Mosque and prayed for a long time. When the reached home afterwards, they began to (talk about Islam and Allah Almighty—Zhikr).82
DREAM NO. 40: Mr. A.‘s DREAM.
Sunday Night, l5th June, 1986.
Mr. A. was sitting down with Mr. X. writing down one of two dreams. Mr. A. was writing with a golden pen on silver paper, which was ruled with golden lines. As Mr. A. wrote, light issued forth (from the pen and paper)—light that became brighter and brighter. Mr. X. began to talk about (dreams, Allah Almighty, the Prophets, and so on—Zhikr). As he spoke, beautiful items fell out of Mr. X.’s mouth—gold, flowers, precious stones and so on. Then the dream ended.
DREAM NO. 41: Mr. A.‘s DREAM.
Monday Night, l6th June, 1986.
Mr. A. and Mr. X. were sitting down together, reading Islamic books. Both of them had crowns on their heads, as they read, and both looked very happy. Then Mr. A. said, "Let’s eat something." "OK," said Mr. X. Then Mr. X.’s friend, Mr. A.R.83 arrived, and he shook hands with Mr. A. and Mr. X. While they were all talking together, they suddenly heard a bang. They looked outside, and saw that one of their castles was falling. "How did this happen?" said Mr. A.R. Mr. A. also wanted to know. "Don’t worry," said Mr. X. "We’re going to build a Mosque there." Mr. A. said, "What are we going to do about the gold bricks?" Mr. A.R. said, "We’re going to say a (particular) word."
DREAM NO. 42: Mr. A.‘s DREAM.
Sunday, 8th June, 1986.
Mr. A. and Mr. X. were sitting in a golden car, which was sparkling. Mr. A. was driving, and they were on their way to a Mosque named "The... Best Mosque," since they wanted to give Zakat—prayer hats and mats, clothes, food and copies of the Holy Quran. They reached the Mosque, gave the items and returned to their home. They then drank cups of coffee, no ordinary coffee—it had been made out of golden granules. They ate (cakes), made using all kinds of fruit, and with golden syrup.
DREAM NO. 43: Mr. A.‘s DREAM.
Saturday Night, 24th May, 1986.
Mr. A. was sitting down, relaxing, at a table which was golden, and had silver legs with black stripes. The chairs were made of very solid wood. The room itself was golden, though the roof was wooden. Mr. A. was bored—so he decided to keep company. He clicked his fingers and a multitude of people appeared in the room. Mr. A. said, "Assalamu Alaykum" to all the visitors, who then seated themselves. Mr. X. was one of the visitors—he was dressed all in white, beardless, had a face radiant like a light bulb, md was wearing about seven necklaces with the name of ALLAH ( ~j~j1 ) written on them. These were all underneath one another. Mr. A. clicked his fingers four times, and about 100 servants appeared with all varieties of dishes, which were placed on a massive table. Mr. X. said, "Are there any drinks (I am feeling thirsty)?" Mr. A. clicked his fingers again, and (servants) appeared carrying big golden glasses, which contained drinks of (all) colours—green, golden, silver. They drank, and the drinks tasted beautiful.~ Mr. X. said, "Mm." (Then) Mr. X. said, "I like these glasses—how much were they?" Mr. A. replied:
"They were 20 clicks of the fingers for 20,000 glasses." Before anybody had begun to eat, Mr. X. rose and said, "You know what to begin with!" Then all the people said together, "Bismallah."85
(Then) a very late guest arrived. He looked very pale, and he said to Mr. A., "I’m sorry I’m late. How are you?" Mr. A. replied:
"Alhamdolillah."~ Mr. A. clicked his fingers, and a chair rose automatically—it then settled into a convenient gap at the table. "Take a seat," said Mr. A. (All the guests were then entertained.)
Then all the guests began to leave, one by one. The last person to leave said, "May Allah Almighty be with you."87 Mr. A. said to Mr. X., "Come on—I will show you my house." They went to the first room—it was the prayer room, and that was written on the door in Arabic. Mr. A. then took Mr. X. to (another) room—on the door was written, "Quran Room." Another room was the "Mat Room" and it contained mats of all colours and sizes. When Mr. A. and Mr. X. went to the "Sitting Room", they felt tired inside it.
(At length) Mr. X. said, "OK—you have to come to my house, now. You don’t need transport to get there." Mr. A. and Mr. X. stepped out of Mr. A.’s house. Mr. X. clicked his fingers and Mr. A. and Mr. X. were (standing) in front of a very big house. They went inside. Mr. A. remarked, "Oh, it’s a beautiful house!" It was (pure) silver. Mr. X. then showed Mr. A. round his house, and introduced him to the servants. Mr. A. was on the verge of saying something, but then he woke up.
DREAM NO. 44. Mr. A.‘s DREAM.
Monday, 23rd June, 1986.
Mr. A. and Mr. X. were invited to a meeting at the "University of Islam." They went to the University (Conference Hall), and were met by the attendant—he said: "Tickets, please." Mr. X. said, "We don’t have any tickets." The attendant said, "Could you leave please? You haven’t been invited." Then Mr. A. said, "Wait a sec, wait a sec—we don’t have tickets, but we have been invited by the (Chancellor) of the University (himself)." The attendant said to Mr. A., "Don’t lie—just go out, please." Then Mr. A. became very, very angry and said, "Do you know our names? I am Mr. A. and this is Mr. X." The attendant then brought out his personal notebook and (consulted) the names (of guests). Mr. A. and Mr. X. had been (labelled) the two most important people of the (entire) meeting. Mr. A. said, "Excuse me, please." This time the attendant said, "I’m very, very sorry, Mr. A. Please don’t tell the (Chancellor) (of this affair) or I’ll get sacked instantly." Mr. X. said, "Don’t worry—we won’t tell."
The meeting began. The (Chancellor) brought out two trophies, and placed them on the table. "Please will Mr. A. and Mr. X. come forward?"
"Congratulations," said the (Chancellor), "You have won these trophies for being the most religious people in the (entire) University."88
DREAM NO. 45: Mr. A.‘s DREAM.
Monday, 23rd June, 1986.
Mr. A. and Mr. X. were on their knees89 (in a Mosque), performing Salaat. They were really enjoying their prayer. Suddenly, Mr. A. got up and ran through the door, and (alarmed) Mr. X. following him. Mr. A. went to his house, and saw that one of his children was (lying) on the floor, a big cut in his head. Mr. X. quickly (prepared) some bandages. Mr. A. and Mr. X. were really worried because the little boy was unconscious. The child recovered (after four hours), and began to rub his head. Mr. X. asked (how the injury occurred). "I was reaching for the Holy Quran on (the top shelf of the cupboard). I (became off balance) and was about to drop the Holy Quran (to the ground). I quickly grasped it (but) fell."90 "Well done," said Mr. X. and Mr. A., and they shook his hand. Then they went (back to the Mosque) to perform the Salaat.
DREAM NO. 46: Mr. A.‘s DREAM.
Saturday, 31st May, 1986.
Mr. X. visited Mr. A.’s house, but Mr. A. was not at home. Mr. A.’s wife answered the door and told Mr. X. to take a seat.Just as Mr. X. was about to sit down, Mr. A. appeared. Mr. A. was very happy to see Mr. X. Mr. A. clicked his fingers, and a servant appeared, wearing white clothes with golden stripes. (Mr. X. was wearing a sparkling, brilliant, white suit with silver stripes, and a golden hat). The servant asked Mr. X.: "Do you want tea?"91 Mr. X. replied, "(Only) if Mr. A. has some." (The tea was then drunk.) Mr. X. and Mr. A. then galloped on white, shiny horses (not winged). They performed the Salaat in a Mosque, and then bought a beautiful prayer mat from a golden shop.
DREAM NO.47: Mr. A.‘s DREAM.
Thursday, 29th May, 1986.
Mr. X and Mr. A. were going to Hajj92 on Flight No. 786.
DREAM NO. 48: Mr. A's DREAM
Tuesday (Date not recorded)
Mr. A. went to Mr. X.’s house. Mr. X. opened the door, shook hands93 and asked Mr. A. (to come in). Mr. A. said, "Eid94 Mubarak (Happy Eid), brother." Mr. X. said, "You’re welcome. Same to you (Eid Mubarak)." Mr. A. and Mr. X. hugged (one another)—they were very happy. (Then) they performed the Salaat. Subsequently they began to (do Dhikr),95 and beautiful air (of a different nature—the air was not worldly—it was spiritual) came. Mr. A. became frightened. Mr. X. said, "There’s nothing to worry about—they’re only Angels." Then Mr. A. and Mr. X. set off on horses with wings—these were not white, but were golden, and their manes and tails were silver. (Then three of Mr. A.’s children entered the room to which Mr. X and Mr. A. had gone,) The children began to play together.
Then Mr. A. and Mr. X. visited a shop named "Religious Studies"—the shopkeeper greeted them by saying "Eid Mubarak." Music was to be heard outside—people were singing Eid songs, and playing (good) music, using a variety of instruments—harps, violins, xylophones, and so on. Mr. X and Mr. A. (bought) about 15 prayer mats, 10 copies of the Holy Quran, 100 prayer hats, 50 religious books, 200 suits of clothes and religious posters, on which was written the name of Allah Almighty (), and that of the Holy Prophet () Peace be upon him (The Holy Prophet Muhammed), and a religious magazine.
Mr. X. then had the idea of opening a small Mosque for children. Mr. A. said: "That’s a very good idea!" Then Mr. X. clicked his fingers, and golden bricks (came from all directions and assembled themselves in the form of a Mosque).
The next morning about 50,000 children and 10,000 adults came (very eagerly) to the Mosque. Mr. A. and Mr. X. were very happy that (their Mosque was being used). They taught to the little children the Holy Quran, and gave them lectures (on the understanding of Islam). (For good work) the little children were rewarded by prizes (such as delicious sweets). The little boys were taught on the first floor and the little girls on the second. The Mosque had very small lifts, and the Mosque was closed (everyday) at two o’clock (in the morning). (They supplemented the educational resources of the Mosque, and their own teaching performances with aids such as prayer hats and mats, copies of the Holy Quran and books on Islam.)
DREAM NO. 49: Mr. A.‘s DREAM.
Friday, 8th August, 1986.
Mr. A. and Mr. X. were watching a film named "Allah Hoo Akbar" (God is Great). When it had finished, Mr. A. shouted out aloud, "Subhaanallah" (Glory be to God Almighty). (Then) Mr. A. and Mr. X. performed the Salaat.
DREAM NO. 50: Mr. X ‘s DREAM.
Wednesday, 13th April, 1986.
Mr. X. was teaching K. and her friend about the virtues of sending Tasliya, or Darud, to the Holy Prophet Peace be upon him (The Holy Prophet Muhammed). He was telling them that if they were to read a particular prayer,96 the Holy Prophet Peace be upon him (The Holy Prophet Muhammed) would intercede with Allah Almighty for their forgiveness on the Day of Judgement. On hearing this, K. was struck religiously in her heart and she began to cry (such was her belief in this Truth). Then the doorbell rang (the lesson was taking place in K.’s house) and K., still with tears in her eyes (and on her cheeks), went to open the door. As she went Mr. X. said, "(Don’t worry)97—these tears are (valuable) because they have flowed in the way of Allah Almighty." K. was embarrassed that she would be seen with tears in her eyes.98
DREAM NO. 51: MISS L.‘s DREAM.
Tuesday Night, 12th August, 1986.
Miss L. walked into a beautiful ballroom, holding a wedding invitation which was very heavy and made of gold. Everything inside the room was beautiful—the chairs were golden and silver and ruby. The walls were carved of jewellery and diamonds. Miss L. met many people, who were all very friendly. She stepped onto the stage, on which Mr. X. and his bride were seated. Golden stairs led up to the stage, and they were seated on big, golden chairs. Roses were all around them. Mr. X.’s bride was very shy—she did not look at Mr. X.
The bride was wearing an aristocratic burgundy frock with golden tassles. She wore much jewellery—necklaces, bracelets, earrings and such items. Mr. X. wore a grey, silvery suit. In the background was a very large prayer mat,99 on which was printed "ALLAH" (). All the guests tried to make Mr. X. and his bride hold hands, but the bride wouldn’t hold hands.
The ballroom was very crowded—there were over a thousand guests.100 (In front of everyone) Miss L. stepped onto the stage. She began to ask the bride many questions, such as "Do you like children?" The bride laughed, and her laughter echoed in the hall (it was most beautiful to hear, like an Angel singing). Her laughter was so melodious that everyone looked towards the stage (in awe).
Miss L. asked the bride for her name. It was something that resembled "Ibraheema." At length, Mr. X. and his bride rose from the golden chairs, and began to walk down the stairs. The bride was very shy, and was not holding Mr. X.’s hand. She suddenly fell over her frock, and actually fell into Mr. X.’s arms. The guests began to look and laugh, and Mr. X. put his arm around his bride. Then they continued to walk down the steps.
Context: Mr. X. had informed Miss L. that to have good, religious dreams was a real possibility. He had emphasised the need to remember Allah, the King of Kings, frequently, had explained the temporary nature of this current, worldly life (that after death is eternal), and had made her aware of prayers in Arabic, which glorified Allah, the Sovereign Lord, and hence were meritorious. Miss L. followed this advice and, after a few days, she dreamt the above dream, perhaps a sign from Allah that Mr. X. would be rewarded for his efforts.
DREAM NO. 52: Mr. A.‘s DREAM.
April, 1986
Mr. A. and Mr. X. died in the way of Allah (Martyrs in Holy War, or Jihad). When they reached JANNAT (Heaven), they met many prophets one by one—Adam, Joseph, Noah, Younis, Suleiman, Dawood and Muhammed (May the Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon them all).101 Mr. A. and Mr. X. shook hands with each of the Prophets.
"And if ye are slain, or die, in the way of Allah, Forgiveness and Mercy from Allah are better than all they could amass. And if ye die or are slain, Lo! It is unto Allah that ye are brought together." (III, 157, 158)
DREAM NO. 53: Mr. A.‘s DREAM.
Wednesday Night, 13th August, 1986.
Mr. A. and Mr. X. were reading Salaat (prayer). So, too, were their wives and children.
DREAM NO. 54: MR. I.‘s DREAM.
Sunday, 14th September, 1986.
Mr. X. (the tutor) and:Mr. I. (the pupil) were sitting at a golden table. Mr. I. was writing with a pen on which was inscribed the name of the Holy Prophet () (May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). Mr. X. was writing with the same kind of pen. Mr. X. and Mr. I. were writing on sheets of silver paper, and the ink from the pens was golden. Mr. X. wore a purple velvet blazer, and Mr. I. wore a red velvet jumper (the colours and materials are aristocratic rewards for aristocratic deeds).
Context: Mr. I. benefitted from this dream after he had read two very important prayers given by Mr. X.:
1. "Allahumma barakli flu mauti wa fee maa ba’dal maut"—O Allah! Bless me when I die, and bless me after death." (25 times)
2."Allahumma sali alaa Muhammadin wa anzil hul muqa’dul muqarraba indaka yaumal qeeyamati."102 O Allah! Shower your blessings upon Muhammed (Peace be upon him) and select for him a nearest place to Thee and the most exalted place on the (awful) Day of Judgement."
DREAM NO. 55: MR. U.‘s DREAM.
Date not recorded.
Mr. U. saw that Mr. X. was standing in front of the Holy Ka’ba103 in Holy Mecca. Mr. X. bowed his head in front of the Ka’ba and touched this sacred House with his forehead.
DREAM NO. 56: MR. G.'s DREAM.
Date not recorded.
An angel (invisible in the dream) brought* to Mr. G. a book, whose cover was made out of gold. In each of the front cover’s corners was written the name of Allah. In the middle of the book was written, "I begin in the name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate." The author of the book was Mr. X. The angel said to Mr. G., "If you desire to worship Allah Almighty from your heart,104 then read this book."
*("The angels glide along [on errands of mercy]" (LXXIX, 3)
DREAM NO. 57: MR. D.‘s DREAM.
November, 1986.
Mr. X. was listening to songs (music). Allah Almighty sent a message to him, "Why are you doing this (when you could be devoting your time to the remembrance of Allah)?" Mr. X. then turned off the songs and began to pray. Mr. X. was an (academic) tutor. Then suddenly Allah Almighty gave to Mr. X. more and more pupils (clients). With the fees, Mr. X. went on Pilgrimage to Holy Mecca, after a month. He was the only person allowed into Allah Almighty’s house.105 Mr. X. read two Nafi (Optional prayers) for the sake of his mother and father, inside Allah Almighty’s house. At length, when Mr. X. had finished praying, and had come out of the holy Ka’ba, he saw beautiful, golden trees and beautiful, golden houses.106
DREAM NO 58: Mr. X.‘s DREAM.
Date not recorded.
Mr. X. was teaching two very young pupils (a little boy and a little girl) Islamic eschatological knowledge. He was trying to make the point that this present, worldly life must not be taken for granted, and that one might die at any instant. He was trying to make the pupils aware of the need to do good deeds as frequently and as numerously as possible, before death struck, and a person could rely only on his or her worldly deeds to secure the mercy of Allah. After this "discussion" (the teaching had been informal—Mr. X. and the two pupils had been standing in a friendly circle), the children began to make their way home along a bending and narrow, leafy and aristocratic-looking country lane.
Suddenly, there was a loud crash—that of a road accident. The middle of the road was bloody, and someone had been killed. Mr. X. witnessed the accident, and was relieved that he had taught his pupils about the inevitability of death. (In other words, the road accident had practically demonstrated to his pupils the truth of his argument).107
DREAM NO. 59: MR.M.’S. DREAM.
January, 1987.
Mr. M. saw Mr. X., who was dressed in a long, black, shining cloak. He wore golden necklaces, one of which was squarely-shaped and contained a miniature Holy Quran. Mr. X. wore a sparkling, golden crown, which had two spikes at the front and three at the back. He was bare-footed and in a desert (around him was nothing but sand). He was smiling.108
DREAM NO. 60: MR. T.‘s DREAM.
March, 1987.
Mr. T., Mr. A. and their friends organised a football match between their own team (they were players in it) and another team, for the purpose of charity.109
DREAM NO. 61: Mr. X.‘s DREAM.
Monday, 8th September, 1986.
Mr. X. heard a loud (and pleasant) recital of verses in the Arabic language.110
DREAM NO. 62: Mr. X ‘s DREAM.
Monday, 7th October, 1991.
Mr. X. was in the home of a pupil for the purpose ot private tuition. He was asked a question about the pronunciation of the Prophet Abraham’s name and he gave the correct answer—that the pronunciation is, in fact, "Ibraheem."
Note: The dream was delightful in that the sound of this Prophet’s name conveyed a special sweetness, illustrating the fact that he is loved by Allah Most High.
DREAM NO. 63: MR. A.’s DREAM.
Friday, 18th July, 1986.
Mr. A. was reciting Arabic. He was being taught by Mr. X.
DREAM NO. 64: MR. T.‘s DREAM.
November, 1986.
"There was news of an Islamic competition" at Victoria Park Mosque and I thought about entering it. One could do a project on Islam, or deliver lectures. Other groups of children had an adult with them, but my friends and I did not have an adult to help us. We read the rules of the competition and then left the Mosque. We bumped into Mr. X. We asked him if he would like to help us in the competition. He was delighted and said, ‘Can I look at the rules?’ When we had read the rules again, we left the Mosque to go to Mr. X.’s house. It was a house in JANNAT. On one of the walls was written, ALLAH and "Allah is Great ()." After learning the work for our project there, we then went to my house, which was similar to Mr. X.’s house, but not as precious. We took equipment out and began preparations for the project.
"The next week, the competition was held at Victoria Park Mosque. The prize winners were announced in reverse order. The judges said:
‘Third prize winners are...(applause)...Second prize winners are...(applause)...First prize winners are...(applause).’ Our group stared at the ground in disappointment, and we left the Mosque. But the judges announced: ‘We have made a mistake!’ and they began to confer with one another. We did not know this, and kept on walking. Then the judges announced: ‘First prize winners are Mr. X. and group!’ A boy ran after us to reveal this news and he called to Mr. X. who did not answer. The boy ran after Mr. X. and tugged at his leg, informing us that a mistake had been made.
Our group walked back towards the Mosque, hoping that the little boy had told the truth. We stepped into the Mosque just as the judges were about to award first prize. The judges announced once more: ‘The first prize winners are Mr. X. and group.’ Mr. X. jumped up in delight, and the boys in his group congratulated one another. Our group went onto the stage, in front of the audience. Prizes were awarded to our group—Mr. X. received a Gold Cup and a Certificate, and we (boys) were (each) awarded a Certificate and Silver Medal."
("The meaning of the Glorious Quran," Trans. by Abdullah YusufAli; Nadim and Co., London, 1983.)
Note: Consult Holy Quran for descriptions of Heaven, or Paradise. In the index, look for: gardens, rivers, eternal home, companions, mansions. Allah’s Mercy and Pleasure, fountains, peace and security, no lurking sense of injury, adornments, thrones, cool shades, thrones, fruits, honour and dignity, cup, chaste women, angels singing, bounty, rejoicing, dishes and goblets of gold, satisfaction, Allah’s Presence, happiness, food and drink, families, springs, carpets, chaste companions, service, fruits and meats, peace, light, highest achievement, bliss, Fountain of Abundance, adornments, cushions, lofty mansions. (In Yusuf Au’s translation, look under the entry "Heaven" for all these items.)
DREAM NO. 65: MR. I.‘s DREAM.
March, 1987
Mr. X. was seated on a large throne,112 which was adorned with a golden statue of a lion on each side. An angel was at each side of his throne, guarding him. Mr. X. was holding a golden staff, and wore a large golden crown, lined on the inside with blue velvet. He wore a read velvet cloak, on which diamonds, rubies and sapphires were studded. The throne was based on a golden cloud.
DREAM NO. 66: MR. I.'s DREAM.
Sunday, 17th August, 1986.
Mr. I. had just left the Mosque when, suddenly, everything halted and the clouds opened up. An Archangel came down from the heavens and gave to Mr. I. a golden container, on which was inscribed a flower-pattern. Mr. I. went home, changed into casual clothes, and began a game of badminton with Mr. R. At length, Mr. I. felt thirsty, and he remembered the container of pure water. He drank all the water and then inserted the container back into his pocket. After a while, Mr. I. and Mr. R. had a rest from their game.
It was then that Mr. I. saw that a handicapped person had come up to him. He said, "Have you any water?" Mr. I. knew perfectly well that the container was empty, but he nevertheless decided to check anyway. To his amazement, the container was filled to the very top! The invalid drank this water, and not only began to walk, but actually played badminton with Mr. I. and Mr. R.!
That night, Mr. I. recited the first Kalimah (there is no God but Allah and Muhammed, may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, is the Prophet of Allah) and then went to sleep. Something awoke him. A golden "box" decorated in silver, came down from the heavens. Something made Mr. I. step inside it. Angels the size of butterflies carried the box upwards, onto a cloud foundation. Someone awarded Mr. I. a book as a prize (perhaps for noble and religious deeds). This book was decorated with gold flowers and golden lining. On it was written, "Love, affection (and generosity)." Mr. I. stepped back into the box, and was transported to his own room. He could not get to sleep and therefore decided to read the book. He read all night long, till morning. As he reached the very last page, more pages appeared—it was an endless book!
DREAM NO. 67: MR. F's DREAM.
Monday, l3th January, 1986.
The scene appeared—Mr. F. saw a very beautiful tree, which belonged to Mr. X. There were very spacious plots of land around the tree. Mr. X.’s tree’s bark was golden, and its branches were a shining white which resembled silver. Around the tree were beautiful red and white flowers, which can never be seen in this world—if even one such flower were to appear in this world, the entire earth would benefit from its fragrance. Glistening fruit113 grew on Mr. X.’s tree and it was of a light green colour.
A golden chair was underneath the tree, and on it was seated Mr. X. His face was very beautiful, since it glistened with rays of light. Mr. X. said, "I want to eat this fruit!" Thereupon, one branch leant, of its own accord, towards his mouth. When Mr. X. had plucked the fruit, the branch, once again by itself, returned to its former position. Mr. F. came to Mr. X. and said, "Give me this fruit, which you have just picked." Mr. X. replied: "I will eat this fruit, but I will order another and I will give that to you!"
DREAM NO. 68: Mr. R.'s DREAM.
Tuesday, 26th August, 1986.
A brave man and a wise man were fighting side-by-side in holy war (Jiha114—a war between those who believe in Almighty God and those who do not). The brave man was strong and generous. However, he did not have much knowledge of Islam. The wise man, as well as being generous, had great knowledge of Islam. During the battle, the enemy hurled a trident at the brave man. However, he avoided it, but outstretched his arm so that he might catch it and throw it back. Just before his hand had made contact with the trident, he saw that the head of this weapon had been shaped into the name of "ALLAH" () (It had been transformed in mid-air.) Having grasped the trident, he was electrocuted on the very spot in the way of Allah Almighty, and bearing the name of Allah.115 The wise man, seeing that his own death was likewise imminent, began to recite verses from the Holy Quran. He also died in the way of Allah Almighty.116
DREAM NO. 69: Mr. A.'s DREAM.
Wednesday, 25th June, 1986.
Mr. A. began to pray. He was very happy because he had been able to donate an Islamic book, which he had written himself, to the world’s best University. He finished prayer (Salaat), and then went to tell this good news to Mr. X. When Mr. X. heard this, he said: "I have donated a book too," and they both shook hands. Mr. A. then went to the University with Mr. X. in a religious competition, they both won (joint) first prize. The Chancellor announced the first prize: either a week’s trip to Holy Mecca, or £5,000 plus a holiday to Malta. Mr. A. chose to go to Mecca, while (surprisingly) Mr. X. chose the Malta holiday.
Mr. A. returned from Mecca after enjoying his pilgrimage greatly. Mr. X. also returned from Malta. Everyone at the University asked Mr. X. why he had chosen to go to Malta. He replied: "I will tell you later...we will all be really happy for what I did!"
When Mr. X. came to the University the next day, no one spoke to him)117 He said: "Come here, everyone!" but there was no response. Then Mr. A., who still spoke to Mr. X., shouted: "Come here, everyone!" and all came running.
Mr. X. said: "I haven’t that £5,000 now—I’ve donated it to a very small Mosque." Then everyone was really sorry that Mr. X. had been misunderstood, and had thought him a bad person. Everyone said, "Sorry," and then the dream finished.
DREAM NO. 70. MR. T.’s DREAM.
Monday night, 8th September, 1986.
Mr. X. was tutoring Mr. T. in Mr. T.’s house. The next day was the day of Mr. T.’s "A" level exams. Mr. T. sat them. He then had results that he had passed, and he was overjoyed. Mr. T. prayed to Allah Almighty that both his parents, who had helped in life, be admitted to Paradise.118 Mr. T. prayed on a blue prayer mat, in the same room in which Mr. X. had taught him. Having read "Isha," he went to sleep.
The next morning, Mr. T. and his family were pleasantly surprised to discover that they inhabited a beautiful and peaceful place.
DREAM NO. 71: Mr. X.‘s DREAM
Wednesday, 8th October, 1986.
Mr. X.’s grandfather sent to Mr. X.’s father a beautiful, colourful "Eid Card," on which were written the name of ALLAH () and that of the Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him) ().
DREAM NO. 72: MR. I.'s DREAM.
Saturday, 4th April, 1987.
Hungry, lonely, homeless and poor beggars stood around a golden box. Their clothes were ragged. Mr. X. walked up to them, and saw (the condition) of the clothes they were wearing. He knew the secret of the Golden Box)119 Mr. X. opened the lid of this box, and a huge, golden tree, bearing golden fruits (apples, pears, peaches, etcetera, all grew on this one tree) came out of the box. The tree grew and grew, limitlessly, and its fruits came down. The beggars, who were hungry, bit the fruits. Then their clothes were transformed into completely new ones—they now wore robes which were studded with diamonds. They were amazed, and they thanked Mr. X. The now rich men went their different ways, and each then saw his own home—a huge mansion, around the golden walls of which grew silver flowers. They had their own swimming pools in the mansions—silver walls lined the sides of the swimming pools.120
DREAM NO. 73: Mr. A.'s DREAM.
Friday night, 10th April, 1987.
Mr. A. and Mr. X. and their army were fighting against those who did not believe in Allah. We were 18 believers against 500 disbelievers. We were fighting with our hands, but they fought with weapons (spears and daggers); we were wearing white clothes, but they wore black121 ones. As we killed them, white blood poured out of them. When the disbelievers were struck by punches, so much white blood came pouring out of their mouths that their black clothes became white. As we ended the battle, one of the disbelievers stuck a spear into Mr. X.’s back. As soon as the spear went in, everyone cried out, "Allah Hoo Akbar"122 (Allah is Great) and then, to Mr. A.’s astonishment, a flash of lightning (it was a sunny day) struck the man who had killed Mr. X. Everyone was sad that Mr. X. had died, because he was the leader of the believers.
DREAM NO. 74: Mr. A.'s DREAM.
Monday night, 11th August, 1986.
Mr. A. and Mr. X. were praying. When they had finished, they went to a place which was one of the best places in JANNAT (Paradise).
DREAM NO. 75: MR. I’s DREAM.
Shab-I-Barat, 1987.
(After the day of judgement) Mr. X. was walking on a bridge, on his way to JANNAT (Paradise) when, suddenly, the bridge collapsed. But angels quickly grasped him, and took him to JANNAT. Outside Paradise was the word JANNAT—so massive that its end could not be seen (this word just faded). The letter N opened, and Mr. X. stepped inside JANNAT. Mr. X. saw the Holy Quran there—its cover was golden and its writing was silver. The Angels said to Mr. X., "Read the first section123 of the Holy Quran!" Mr. X. read it and, when he had finished, his house in Paradise was there—it was a massive, transparent, crystal palace. In the middle of it was written "Allah" () in silver writing.
DREAM NO. 76: Mr. A.'s DREAM.
Monday night, 18th August, 1986
Mr. A. was extremely happy because one of his sons had completed the first Arabic reading of the Holy Quran.124 Mr. A. threw a party in celebration. There was much food available in the party—ruby apples, silver drinks and diamond grapes on little leaves. Mr. A. was so generous in giving presents to his son that the guests were surprised.125 When everyone had finished dinner, it was time for Salaat (prayer).
DREAM NO. 77: Mr. X.'s DREAM.
Date unrecorded.
Mr. X. was on his knees126 in the front room of his mansion, loudly praising and glorifying Allah Almighty. At length, he left the room, still on his knees (walking on the knees was effortless and "natural" in the dream). Mr. X. saw his own aristocratic, winding staircase, and he shouted at the servant on duty outside the room which he had left. Mr. X., still on his knees, "walked" outside his mansion and saw that the night had fallen. He stopped at a bridge, underneath which flowed a river)127 Looking around, Mr. X. noticed small lights coming from small houses. Mr. X. gained the impression that his mansion was far superior to these other dwellings.
DREAM NO. 78: MR. A.'s DREAM.
April, 1987.
Mr. A. was praying for a child to Allah Almighty.128 Then as soon as he had read a special prayer, a child came into his arms. Mr. A. said, "Subhaanallah (Glory be to Allah)."
DREAM NO. 79: MR. X.’s DREAM.
Date unrecorded.
Mr. X. saw the hallway of K.’s house. It contained items of furniture like coat-stands. On the right-hand side (of a person entering the house) was an elegant-looking mirror, and a little distance away (displayed on the same wall) was Mr. X.’s work entitled, "Prayers in Islam." Looking very aristocratic, it was glistening, and appeared to possess power. Although in worldly life the work consisted of over sixty pages, in the dream the entire work was slightly larger than one piece of A4 paper. Its beauty decorated the entire house.
Context: Mr. X. had given a copy of his compilation of "Prayers in Islam" to K. to read. Its beauty in the dream represents the Praise and Glory given to Allah Almighty throughout the book. The fact that it was permanently displayed in the hallway suggests that K. valued it and made use of the prayers. The work was powerful because it acknowledged the Power of Allah Almighty.
DREAM NO. 80: MISS H.'s DREAM.
Tuesday, 31st March, 1987.
Miss H. went on holiday to an Islamic Country. She went on the seaside, and rode a camel. She nearly fell off. She saw women observing the "Purdah."129
DREAM NO. 81: MR. U ‘s DREAM.
Date unrecorded.
In Paradise, Mr. X. was behind a counter. He was serving a very long queue of people. They were carrying pails. The pail would be given to Mr. X. who would then step back, fill the pail with milk from the River of Milk, and then hand it back.130 The River of Milk ran behind Mr. X.’s counter and the people in the queue had no direct access to it. Mr. U. was one of the people in the queue (and he received preferential service from Mr. X., whom he knew).
DREAM NO. 82: MR. X’s DREAM.
Date unrecorded.
Mr. X. was making his way to a very historical and important-looking, though small, library. It was made of stone. Mr. X. climbed some steps to the entrance and entered the catalogue-hall. He wanted to locate an Islamic book which he himself had both written and donated. When he found it, he discovered that it had been stamped many times (this suggested that his book was being well-used).
DREAM NO. 83: MR. A’s DREAM.
Wednesday, 20th August, 1986.
Mr. A. and Mr. X. were both wearing clean clothes, to perform Salaat. They then performed the prayer. Afterwards, they both prepared to go to a place called "Lake District"131 to donate a book entitled, "The Way of Islam."
DREAM NO. 84: MR. A.'s DREAM.
Thursday night, 12th August, 1986.
Mr. A. was donating a book on Islam, which he and Mr. X. had written, to a library in Mexico City.
DREAM NO. 85: MR. A ‘s DREAM
Thursday, l7th July, 1986.
Mr. A. was drinking lemonade and Mr. X. was drinking orangeade. While drinking, they noticed that the time for Salaat had come. They threw away their cans132 and took out their mats. At exactly Maghrib (sunset) time, Mr. A. began Salaat and the dream ended.
DREAM NO. 86: MR. A.'s DREAM.
Tuesday night, 12th August, 1986.
Mr. A. was in an aeroplane.133 He was sitting next to a person who was going to Egypt for the same reason as himself—to donate an Islamic Book to a library. Mr. A. saw a Sapphire pyramid.
DREAM NO. 87: MR. A’s DREAM.
Friday night, 15th August, 1986.
Mr. A. and Mr. X. did shopping for the feast of Eid—which was to take place on the next day. Mr. A. woke up and felt very happy that it was the day of Eid. His family put on their best clothes. Mr. A. and Mr. X. went to the Mosque to perform the Eid prayer, and then they returned home to eat. The plates were trimmed with real gold and the glasses were made of silver. Mr. A. and his family received an Eid card, made of gold, with silver writing.
DREAM NO. 88: MR. A.'s DREAM.
Sunday, 20th July 1986.
Mr. A. owned a Halal butcher’s shop. He was cutting meat. Mr. X. came into the shop then and said, "Can I have 50 lambs and 30 chickens and 80 sheep?" Mr. A. said, "Stop fooling about and tell me what you really want, brother." Mr. X. said, "I want two chickens and half a lamb." Mr. A. said, "Right away." Then Mr. A. said, "We have sheep too, if you want it." Mr. X. replied, "I haven’t enough money." Mr. A. slapped Mr. X. on the face and said, "Have I ever charged you before?" "No," said Mr. X. Then Mr. A. said, "Well, be quiet, and I’ll cut you a full sheep." (At length) Mr. X. said, "You have made all134 this meat for me, but I can’t carry it home with me." Mr. A. replied, "You’re getting round my nerves—have I never delivered your meat before?" Mr. X. said, "calm down,135 now, it’s time for Salaat."
DREAM NO. 89: MR. X.'s DREAM
Date unrecorded.
Mr. X. was teaching one of his pupils about purity136 before Salaat.
DREAM NO. 90: MR. A.'s DREAM.
Date unrecorded.
Mr. A. fell down the stairs and broke his arm and leg. Mr. X. quickly called an ambulance. When it came, he said, "Take him quickly!" He went with them too.137 Mr. A. was both unconscious and very pale. Mr. X. saw Mr. A.’s condition and started to worry a lot. Mr. A. was admitted to the hospital. His arm and leg were put in plaster. He was soon in an invalid’s chair, and then Mr. X. prayed for him.138 When Mr. A. recovered at length, the first thing he did was to pray to Allah Almighty.
DREAM NO. 91: MR. X.'s DREAM.
Tuesday morning, 23rd December, 1986.
Mr. X. saw two Islamic books in his dream. He had written one of them, and someone had written the other one. The title of Mr. X.’s book was golden, but that of the other book was not. Mr. X.’s book’s title was glistening, but the title of the other book did not glisten. Mr. X. gained the impression that his book was superior.
DREAM NO. 92: MR. X.'s DREAM.
Saturday, 6th September, 1986.
Mr. X. visited a college to donate a book that he himself had written.139 The librarian and his assistant met Mr. X. He explained his purpose. Mr. X. was bluntly told that his donation would not be acceptable. Mr. X. was then cross-examined by the librarian and his assistant, and he answered some very difficult questions. They were seated and Mr. X. was standing. The questions were very difficult and Mr. X. was very nervous (it was like being interviewed for a job). After a while, however, the assistant revealed that Mr. X.’s book would be accepted by the College Library. Mr. X. was quite surprised, and he was informed that the librarian and his assistant had changed their minds. Mr. X. then left the college at length, and on his way he saw people leaving a Mosque. They had just read special prayers—it was the day of Eid.
DREAM NO. 93: MR. X.'s DREAM.
Date unrecorded.
Mr. X. saw a Holy Quran which was actually made of river reeds. This Holy Book looked aristocratic,140 sophisticated, and powerful, and its appearance cannot be described.
DREAM NO. 94: MR. X.'s DREAM.
Date unrecorded.
Mr. X. was explaining to very young pupils about the end of the world—The "Qiyamat," "Doomsday," as described in the Holy Quran by the verses:
When the Sky is cleft asunder;
When the Stars are scattered;
(LXXXII, 1-2)
When the Sun...Is folded up;
When the Stars fall, losing their lustre;
(LXXXI, 1-2)
Mr. X. was explaining the fall of stars on a piece of paper. To get his point effectively, Mr. X. was drawing like this:
DREAM NO. 95: MISS H.'s DREAM.
Saturday, 21st February, 1987.
Mr. X. went to visit his friend. He took his little daughter with him. In the friend’s house, an old man and woman were praying on a prayer mat. The little girl said, "Daddy, what are they doing?" Mr. X. said,"141 (Mr. X. meant, "Don’t disturb them because they are praying to the Lord of the Worlds.")
DREAM NO. 96: MR. X.'s DREAM.
The Holy Month of Ramadhan, Year unknown.
Mr. X. was on his death-bed, about to die, and someone142 told him: "Over 50 people have prayed for your forgiveness (to Allah Most High)."
DREAM NO. 97: MR. A.'s DREAM.
Saturday, 6th June, 1987.
Mr. X. and Mr. A. were fighting against those who did not believe in Allah.143 A spear was about to pierce Mr. A., but Mr. X. caught it (and killed the enemy with it).
DREAM NO. 98: MR. A.'s DREAM.
Monday night, 28th July, 1986.
Mr. A. and Mr. X. were in the University library. They were studying144 books on the Islamic Religion, written by non-Muslim authors. They wished to see what kind of untruthful things non-Muslims wrote about Muslims. But in one of the books it was written that the Holy Prophet (may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) was a very, very clever Prophet. It contained the facts about how the Prophet (Peace be upon him) looked and about his history—how he coped with the non Muslims. They extracted (a great deal of knowledge) and then used it to write their own books.
DREAM NO. 99: MR. A.'s DREAM.
Sunday, l5th June, 1986.
Mr. A. was writing down one of his dreams with a golden pen on silver paper, which had been ruled with golden lines. Mr. X. sat with him. Mr. A. wrote, light (which became brighter and brighter) began to issue from his work. Mr. X. noticed this light. When Mr. X. began to talk, precious items, such as gold, flowers and valuable gems, fell out of his mouth.
DREAM NO. 100: MR. A.'s DREAM.
April, 1986.
Mr. A. was travelling to Hajj.145 The aeroplane was full of passengers, except for one empty seat next to a person who had two briefcases and a large bag. He wore a white suit and sunglasses. Mr. A. sat next to him and they made friends. Mr. A. asked him, "Ai-e you going to perform Hajj or are you going to Holy Mecca for another reason?" The reply was, "I’m going for another reason—I am going to donate the Islamic Books that I have written." Mr. A. asked, "Please may I have one of your books?" Mr. X. replied, "Why not?" Mr. A. looked at the (author’s) name—it was Mr. X. The books were golden—one was entitled "Religious Manners" and another was called "Religious Dreams."
DREAM NO. 101: MR. A.'s DREAM.
Monday, 2nd June, 1986.
Mr. X. and Mr. A. were sitting down on a silver sofa, discussing the religion of Islam. Mr. A. was narrating and Mr. X. was writing down the narrations (perhaps dreams) with a golden pen, which shone very, very brightly, on silver paper. Mr. X. was leaning (the paper) on a diamond tablet.
DREAM NO. 102: MR. A.'s DREAM.
Monday, 3Oth June, 1986.
Mr. A. learnt that his friend, Mr. X., had been successful in an Islamic degree. Mr. A. had also himself passed the same degree simultaneously. To celebrate, he bought food worth £94 and donated it to a Mosque.146 Mr. A. and Mr. X. were so happy with their success that they also went on Pilgrimage to Holy Mecca.
DREAM NO. 103. MR. A.'s DREAM.
Saturday, 2lst June, 1986.
Mr. A. was asleep, and a word came into his mind—the word was "Religion."
DREAM NO. 104: MR. A.'s DREAM.
Monday night, 9th June, 1986.
Mr. A. and Mr. X. were thinking of going on Pilgrimage to Holy Mecca, which costs money. But they didn’t have the necessary money, so they collected money from everywhere, but they still needed £200. Then Mr. A. sold his television and video for £400, so that they both had £200 spending money. Mr. X. didn’t know that Mr. A. had sold his things. When Mr. A. got the tickets, Mr. X. gave an exclamation of surprise— "Huh?" After praying at two o’clock, they then travelled to the airport for the seven o’clock flight.
DREAM NO. 105: MR. X.'s DREAM.
August, 1987.
Mr. X.’s father urged Mr. X. to begin teaching in tuition lessons with, "I begin in the name of Allah, Most Compassionate, Most Merciful."147
DREAM NO. 106: MR. X.'s DREAM.
Date unrecorded.
An institution in Huddersfield sent to Mr. X. clothes of honour (for example, an aristocratic-looking blazer, with a maroon stripe). Mr. X. felt very pleased and respected. His mother was helping him to try on the blazer, in front of a mirror. Mr. X. was overjoyed when he woke up from the dream.
Context: Mr. X. had travelled by train to several institutions in Huddersfield (for example, Central Library, District Education Department, Polytechnic) to offer copies of his Islamic works. One institution had been very pleased, and had taken (five) copies of each of his works. This dream indicated the pleasure, approval and blessing of Allah Most High. Mr. X’s mother appeared in the dream because one of the works had been dedicated to his parents by Mr. X.
DREAM NO. 107: MR. X.'s DREAM.
Date unrecorded.
The University of Z sent to Mr. X. a red robe (perhaps a robe for a Doctors’ Degree), which had spots of dark (spilt) ink on it. Accompanying the gown was a (negative) letter from the University—also partly covered with inky spots. Despite this, Mr. X. felt most honoured to receive the gown (a very bright red colour) along with the letter. Both these gifts floated towards Mr. X.’s house, and presented themselves to him. Mr. X. gained the impression that the gown was a very special reward for righteous deeds. Again, Mr. X. was overjoyed when he woke up from his dream, and he felt that he had accomplished something special.
Context: Mr. X. had travelled from Manchester to Z University, hoping to place his Islamic works in the University Library. The acquisitions librarian asked Mr. X. to leave the works for consideration by the University as to whether they should be accepted. A week or so later, however, the works were rejected and passed onto another institution (as had been requested by Mr. X.). Copies were not taken for the University Library. When he learnt of what had happened (from the University’s letter), Mr. X. was obviously very upset, since all his effort had been wasted and, moreover, his works had been "snubbed." Then Allah All-Powerful gave to Mr. X. the above dream in which it is evident that, according to Allah, Mr. X.’s efforts and striving deserved a gown of honour. The blotched letter signifies the librarian’s wrong deed,148 and the blemished gown denotes any worldly university’s imperfection of granting honour, when compared with gifts from the Most Majestic—a robe of honour granted by Allah Almighty would, that is to say, be perfect.
DREAM NO. 108: MR. A.'s DREAM.
Friday, l0th July, 1987.
Mr. X. was sitting down, happily eating grapes. Mr. A. passed by and said, "They are nice grapes," to which Mr. X. replied, "Here, let us share."149 So Mr. A. sat down with Mr. X., and the two ate the grapes even more happily (than Mr. X. had been eating before). The grapes were as big as apples and silver.
Context: The grapes are probably religious knowledge, and their beauty and value correspond to reward and benefit or religious knowledge.
DREAM NO. 109: MR. X.'s DREAM.
Date unrecorded.
Mr. X. was walking along, eating a bar of chocolate. He then came to a bridge under which flowed a stream. Mr. X. broke off two squares of chocolate, and threw them in the stream. He said, "This is for the sake of Allah."150
DREAM NO. 110: MR. X.'s DREAM.
Date unrecorded.
Mr. X. saw the Holy Ka’ba in Holy Mecca, and the Mosque of the Holy Prophet (May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) at Holy Medina. in the courtyard, Mr. X. saw beautiful pink and white tiles. When Mr. X. woke up, he felt as if he had been to Hajj (Pilgrimage). He felt happy and secure.
DREAM NO. 111: MR. X.'s DREAM.
August, 1987.
Mr. X. saw the conducting of a Muslim burial in a graveyard.151 The Maulvi ("Muslim priest") said certain words, and a beautifully-comfortable cover152 appeared for the coffin of the deceased Muslim.
DREAM NO. 112: MR. X.'s DREAM.
Date unrecorded.
Mr. X. saw K. sitting outside a launderette. She was looking very unrefined and "ordinary." (They both went to Mr. X.’s room.)153 Once inside the room, K. began to comb her hair.154 She called Mr. X. "Mister" affectionately, and also was struck with surprise (and awe) that he could speak two different languages. Mr. X. saw K. kneel (her legs were unclothed)155 K. was wearing a dress up to her knees. Mr. X. saw an anklet on K.’s ankle. It was glistening (there will never exist an anklet like that in this world). The anklet was made of an indescribable substance, though it resembled crystal. Mr. X. was so happy in the warmth of K.’s company that, when he noticed the time, he realised that he was four hours late for his next pupil. He had completely lost track of time! When Mr. X. woke up from the dream, he felt that the feelings, and passion of the feeling, could never be matched by those in waking life.
Context: K. was a student at the same university as Mr. X. He had met her many times in and around the university. Taking advantage of the meetings, he had tried to indoctrinate K. with Islamic knowledge, giving her Islamic works to read and learn from. (Dream No. 50 above was one of the results of his efforts.) Whilst studying, Mr. X. was also tutoring for an agency in his free time. On one particular occasion, K. asked Mr. X. about his tutoring, and remarked, "My brother might (tutor) as well. Mr. X. interpreted this as K. meaning that she, too, wanted to (tutor) as well" (in other words, a request for help). Knowing K.’s character, Mr. X. realised that she was too shy to say that she, herself, also wanted to tutor and that could she have some information? Mr. X. was tempted to be selfish, and to withdraw the necessary information (in case K. might be more successful than he, or in case she secured pupils that he might otherwise have been able to teach). However, Mr. X. rejected this satanic influence and gave to K. the name and address of the agency for whom he worked.156 By doing so, Mr. X. reckoned that he would be doing an excellent deed, for which Allah Almighty would recompense him in full.157
DREAM NO. 113: MR. X.'s DREAM.
Date unrecorded.
Mr. X. saw his medal (which he had probably been awarded for Islamic knowledge) in his dream. It was glistening. Words were written on the coin. Mr. X. could remember only the word, "Scholar." (The Holy Prophet [May the Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon him] has said: "The ink of a scholar is more precious than the blood of a Martyr.")
DREAM NO. 114: MR. X.'s DREAM.
Date unrecorded.
Mr. X. dreamt158 that Mr. G.H. had been married to a Hur,159 or beautiful wife in Paradise.
Context: Mr. G.H. was a friend of Mr. X.’s family, and he had died a few weeks before this dream. Mr. G.H.’s reward is conveyed in this dream, perhaps for his piety and righteousness in this life. (A good wife is symbolic of happiness: this dream was a message that the situation of Mr. G.H. was very happy after death. Mr. X. told this dream to Mr. G.H.’s family, implying that they should not worry too much about him.)
DREAM NO. 115: MR. X.'s DREAM.
Date unrecorded.
Mr. X. saw two of his pupils (whom he tutored privately) performing the Salaat. They were prostrating to Allah Almighty on a thick, red carpet and in an aristocratic-looking room.
DREAM NO. 116: MR. X.'s DREAM.
Friday, 4th September, 1987.
Mr. P. and his family visited Mr. X.’s family. In their honour, Mr. X. brought provisions from the supermarket. He picked up a product, with a view to buying it, but a member of his family examined the ingredients and pointed out that the food was not Halal’6° because of the inclusion of one haram (prohibited) ingredient. Mr. X. then chose something else of the same kind, but which was Halal, from the supermarket. When he returned from shopping, Mm. X. was requested to recite the Holy Quran (perhaps for the benefit of the visitors). Mr. X. became depressed and said that he couldn’t read~ very well (too slow, hesitant and correcting himself often). However, he was told, "There are others (Muslims) who cannot recite even like you." (This implied that the recitation of the Holy Quran is very important—it does not matter how good you are; what matters is the willingness and effort of recitation.)
Dreams in Islam
CONCLUSION
What, then, have the dreams in this work shown—what is their significance? This is best shown in tabular form, for some selected dreams.
DREAM NO. SIGNIFICANCE
1 Good deeds -~ Pleasure of Allah -~ His Reward (Sustenance—River of Milk—Beautiful Wife as Pure and Holy Companion—Blessed luxury which is eternal, also symbolised by pearl necklaces, earrings).
2 Belief in Hereafter -~- Praise of Allah -~- Pleasure of Allah-~Beautiful Wife -~ Blessed Wedding.
3 Pilgrimage (Hajj) leads to great reward. The importance of praying for one’s parents and its great merit. Blessed Hereafter symbolised by worldly values—golden shoes, watch, clothes, furniture and so on.
4 Blessed Wife and Blessed Children as Gifts from Allah Almighty.
5 Good deeds -~- Castles and rivers of Paradise. Gifts in abundance.
7 Blessing of the Surah Fatiha of the Holy Quran. Desirability of asking for the good of this world and the next.
50 The Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him) will intercede with Allah Almighty on behalf of those who remember him in this world. One to whose eyes tears come in the way of Islam is indeed on the right path.
58 Death is inevitable and the good Muslim should prepare himself for it in advance, in the hope and faith that his or her Judgement and destiny Hereafter be favourable.
107 The effort of one who strives in the way of Islam is not wasted, even if he or she is unsuccessful.
133, 147 The grave of one who does good deeds will be a spacious and welcome home, in which the dead person will experience the Blessing of Allah Almighty. (In contrast, the grave of a wicked person is as Hell.)
136 Proclaiming Glory of Allah Almighty -~- abode in Paradise.
144, 149 Allah has Might and Power which can terrify His creatures. To be safe from His wrath, one must seek His forgiveness and only He can forgive. In other words, the only escape from Allah’s anger is His mercy.
150 In (the events of) sunrise and sunset are signs for those who believe in Allah Almighty. They illustrate a little of His Might, Power and Glory, since it is He who has given order to the universe.
151, 159, 160 To feed animals or help them in their need is righteousness.
156 Knowledge of Islam and the Hereafter is Light, whereas ignorance of the Truth and Reality is darkness.
170 Anyone who suffers from nightmares should remember the Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him).
172 To serve one’s parents has great reward.
174 Those who do not believe in Allah have been led astray by Satan.
The vast majority of the dreams are self-explanatory. With an acquisition of greater knowledge of the Islamic religion, the reader will be able to infer his or her own conclusions from the dreams (similar to those above).
May Allah bless the believing men and believing women and Muslim men and Muslim women.
Allahumma Ameen—Author
NOTES
SECTION II
1. These features are meant to convey purity.
Jewellery can be owned in this world, but the jewellery seen in these religious dreams is in a class of its own—it is simply impossible to benefit from such wonders in this life. "Pearls" and "Gold" are simply labels to convey their value. Really the lustre and form of the jewellery in religious dreams is indescribable.
2. (In Paradise, there are lofty mansions)
Beneath them flow
Rivers (of delight): (such is)
The Promise of Allah:
Never doth Allah fail in
(His) promise.
(XXXIX, 20)
Say: Shall I give you
Glad tidings of things
Far better than those (of this present life)?
For the righteous are Gardens
In the nearness to their Lord
With rivers flowing beneath;
Therein is their eternal home;
With companions pure (and holy):
And the good pleasure of Allah.
(III, 15)
On the other hand, for those
Who fear their Lord,
Are Gardens, with rivers
Flowing beneath, therein
Are they to dwell (forever)— A gift from the Presence
Of Allah, and that which is
In the Presence of Allah
Is the best (bliss)
For the righteous.
(III, 198)
3. These figures in themselves are not significant. The expense signifies Allah Almighty’s generous bestowal.
4. "Nikah"—Usually an "Imam," or learned Muslim priest, conducts the marriage ceremony and recites the sermon. In this dream, however, Allah Almighty Himself bothers to conduct the sermon—perhaps signifies Allah’s pleasure with Mr. X., who may have done righteous deeds in His way.
5. "Kaajal" or mascara (not that of this world).
6. When the eyes are closed, there is darkness. This darkness vanished, and the vision came.
7. Signifies honour and status.
8. Allah Almighty is King of Kings and The Owner of Sovereignty. Whosoever does righteous deeds to please Him, Allah will raise
his or her status to that of King or Queen in the next (eternal) world.
9. Allah Almighty, obviously, cannot be seen in dreams, but a voice, not His, which represents I-us intentions, is heard.
10
11. Hajj.
12. Thy Lord hath decreed That ye worship none but Him,
and that ye be kind
To parents. Whether one
Or both of them attain
Old age in their life,
Say not to them a word
Of contempt, nor repel them,
But address them
In terms of Honour
And out of kindness
Lower to them the wing
Of humility, and say:
"My Lord! Bestow on them
Thy Mercy even as they
Cherished me in childhood."
(XVII, 23-24)
(When man is at
an age of full strength)
He says, "0 my Lord!
Grant me that I may be
Grateful for Thy favour
Which Thou has bestowed
Upon me, and upon both
My parents, and that I
May work righteousness
Well-pleasing to Thee,
And be gracious to me
In my seed. Truly
Have I turned to Thee
And truly do I bow
(To Thee) in Islam.
Such are they from whom
We (Allah) shall accept the best
Of their deeds and pass by
Their ill deeds: (they shall
Be) among the Companions
Of the Garden: a promise
Of truth, which was
Made to them
(In this life).
(XLVI, 15-16)
13. Children are gifts from Allah Almighty. Hence, the more the children, the greater the number of gifts.
14. Muslim females have to cover their legs, bosoms and hair. See Holy Quran and Hadith regarding MODESTY in dress.
15. If Mr. X. was fined fifteen castles, how many castles must Allah Almighty have granted to him?
16. SURAH FATIHAH—AL-QURAN
Praise be to Allah, the Cherisher and Sustainer of the Worlds,
Most Gracious, Most Merciful, Master of the Day of Judgement,
You only do we worship, and Your help do we seek, show us the
straight way, the way of those on whom You have bestowed Your
Grace, Those whose portion is not Wrath, and who go not astray.
17. "O our Lord, give us good things in this world and give us good things in the next world, and save us from the torture of the fire."
18. Paradise.
19. Perhaps because Mr. X. had sent blessings to the Holy Prophet (May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) frequently.
20. Rosary.
21. "They said: ‘Glory be to Thee: of Knowledge—We have none, save what Thou Hast taught us: in truth It is Thou Who art Perfect in Knowledge and Wisdom."
(II, 32)
22. Paradise.
Their Lord doth give them
Glad tidings of a Mercy.
From Himself, of His good pleasure,
And of Gardens for them.
Wherein are delights
That endure:
They will dwell therein,
forever, Verily in Allah’s Presence
Is a reward, the greatest (of all).
(IX, 21-22)
23. Indicates informality—and what better friend than an Apostle of Allah (except Allah Almighty Himself)?
24.
25. Perhaps rewards for procurement of Knowledge.
26. The Holy Prophet (May the
Peace and Blessings of Allah
and His Nearness be upon him)
said: THE SEEKING OF KNOWLEDGE
IS OBLIGATORY ON EVERY MALE AND
FEMALE MUSLIM. (Ibn Majah)
27. Allah has revealed
(from time to time)
The most beautiful Message
In the form of a Book,
Consistent with itself,
(Yet) repeating (its teaching
In various aspects):
The skins of those who
Fear their Lord tremble
Thereat; then their skins
And their hearts do soften
To the celebration of
Allah’s praises. Such is
The guidance of Allah:
(XXXIX, 23)
The Revelation of the Book (Quran) is from God, the Exalted in Power, Full of Wisdom.
28. Possibly the black colour denotes Mr. W.’s pessimism.
29. These were invisible in the dream too, but Mr. W. sensed that they were present.
30. See "Lofty Mansions," Quran XX)(IX, 20.
31. Verses glorifying Allah Almighty.
32. Thou wilt recognise
In their faces
The beaming brightness of Bliss
(LXXXIII, 24)
33. Robe, as in Arab countries.
34. The Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him) has said: "A Muslim is the brother of another Muslim. He should neither oppress nor trouble him. A person who fulfills the needs of his brother Muslim, Allah will fulfill his needs. A person who saves a Muslim from calamities, Allah will save him from calamities on the Day of Judgement. A person who conceals the faults of a Muslim on the Day of Judgement, Allah will conceal his faults. (Bukhari)
35. But it is for those
Who fear their Lord
That lofty mansions,
One above another,
Have been built.
(XXXIX, 20)
36. Again, this dream conveys the "Bliss" (extreme delight) of Paradise.
37. Cannot be described—see again "Lofty Mansions" mentioned earlier.
38. See #35.
39. Allah, there is no God but He,
The Living, the Self-Subsisting Eternal,
No sleep can seize Him, nor slumber
His are all the things in heaven
and on earth.
Who is there who can intercede
In his Presence,
Except as He permitteth?
He knows what (appears to his
Creatures as before, or after or behind them),
Nor can they encompass any of
His knowledge except as
He wills:
His throne does extend over the
heavens and the earth,
And he feels no fatigue
In guiding and preserving them,
For He is the Most High,
the Supreme (In Glory).
(11,255)
This is the AYAT AL-KURSI
The ‘Verse of the Throne.’
40. O’ Allah!
O’ Muhammed!
41. Truly the Righteous
Will be in bliss:
On Thrones (of Dignity)
Will they command a sight
(Of all things)
(They will be) On Thrones
Encrusted (with gold
And precious stones)
(LVI, 15)
42. Such in truth are the Believers:
They have grades of dignity
With their Lord, and forgiveness,
And generous sustenance
(VIII, 4)
43. Implies that the pet had complete freedom, and was not kept as a prisoner by force, but was kept by its own consent.
44. Verses testifying to the Glory of God.
45. Traditions of the Holy Prophet Peace be upon him (The Holy Prophet Muhammed).
46. The fourth prayer to be read at dusk or "sunset."
47. Mr. X. urged the family to begin with BISMALLAH - IR -RAHMAN - IR - RAHEEM, "(I begin in) The Name of Allah the Beneficent, the Merciful." (This secures great reward in the next world.)
48. Please see overlay.
49. Friday prayers—obligatory.
50.
Faith | Prayer | Charity | Fasting | Pilgrimage |
IMAN | SALAT | ZAKAT | SAUM | HAJJ |
51. Those in Paradise will be among Lote-trees without thorns, Among Talh trees with flowers (or fruits) piled one above another—In shade long-extended, by water flowing constantly, and fruit in abundance, whose season is not limited, nor (supply) forbidden...(LVI, 28-33)
52. The lady Ayesha (may Allah Almighty be pleased with her) reported the Holy Prophet (May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) as saying:
"Select (fit) women (in respect of character) for your
seed (children), and marry your equals and give (your)
daughters) in marriage to them." (IBN MAJA)
Abu Huraira (May Allah be pleased with him) reported the Holy Prophet (May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) as saying:
"A woman is married on account of four things; on
account of her wealth, and on account of (the nobility
of) her family, and her beauty, and on account of her
character; so attain success with the one possessing
nobility of character." (BUKHARI)
The Holy Prophet (May the peace and blessing of Allah be
upon him) is reported to have said:
"The best of treasures is a pious wife."
53. gold
54. See note 13.
55. And spend in charity
For the benefit of
Your own Souls:
And those saved from
The covetousness of their own
Souls, - they are the ones
That achieve prosperity
If ye loan to Allah
(Give in the way of Allah)
a beautiful loan, He
Will double it to
Your (credit), and He
Will grant you Forgiveness
(LXIV, 16-17)
And the likeness of those
Who spend their substance,
Seeking to please Allah
And to strengthen their souls,
Is as a garden, high
And fertile: heavy rain
Falls on it but makes it yield
A double increase
Of harvest, and if it receives not
Heavy rain, light moistute
Sufficeth it. Allah seeth well
Whatever ye do
(II, 265)
And whatever ye spend
In Charity and devotion,
Be sure Allah knows it all
(II, 270)
Those who (in charity)
Spend of their goods
By night and by day
In secret and in public,
Have their reward
With their Lord:
On them shall be no fear,
Nor shall they grieve
(II, 274)
O ye who believe!
Let not your riches
Or you children divert you
From the remembrance of Allah.
If any act thus
The loss is their own
And spend something (in charity)
Out of the substance
Which we have bestowed
On you, before death should come to
Any of you, and he should say,
‘0 my Lord! Why didst
Thou not give me
Respite for a little while?
I should then have given
(Largely) in charity, and I
Should have been one
Of the doers of good’
(LXIII, 9-10)
56. Ablution performed before ritual prayer.
57. probably the verses from the Quran.
58. The call to prayer.
59. See Holy Quran and Hadith above those who fight, and are slain, in the way of Allah Almighty. See also Dream No. 52—page 60.
60. As a matter of respect, it has been decided not to name the prophet concerned.
Whoever obeys God and the Messenger,
They are with those unto whom God has
Shown favour of the prophets and saints
And the Martyrs and the righteous.
The best of company are they!
(IV, 69)
61. "Glory be to God."
62. It must be stressed that on the Thursday of this dream, Mr. X. had trained Mr. A. to read the prayer by the virtue of which he might be granted the status of a martyr by Allah Almighty’s reckoning.
Prayer to secure status of Martyr:
ALLAHUMMA BARAKLI FIL MAUTI
WA FEE MAA BA’DAL MAUT
O Allah! Bless me in death and what follows after death
The Holy Prophet Peace be upon him (The Holy Prophet Muhammed) stated that one who recites the above verses twenty-five times...may get the status of a martyr. (Islam)
63. And with fruits,
Any that they may select (LVI, 20)
64. Guard strictly
Your (habit of) prayers,
Especially the Middle Prayer (ASR),
And stand before Allah
In a devout (frame of mind)
(II, 238)
Men who celebrate
The praises of Allah
Standing, sitting,
And lying down on their sides
(III, 191)
And celebrate the praises
Of thy Lord the while
Thou standest forth,
And for part of the night
Also praise thou him,— And at the retreat
of the stars
(LII, 48-49)
65. The ninth month in the Muslim year—the month in which the Holy Quran was revealed to the Holy Prophet Peace be upon Him (The Holy Prophet Muhammed), and the month of fasting.
66. Festival to celebrate the end of the month of fasting.
67. Traditional greeting exchanged on the occasion of the Festival of Eid.
68. These names have not been revealed in this study.
69. See note No. 68.
70. Call to prayer.
71. Ablution.
O ye who believe!
When ye prepare
For prayer, wash
Your faces, and your hands,
(And arms) to the elbows;
Rub your heads (with water);
And (wash) your feet
To the ankles
(V, 6)
O ye who believe!
Approach not prayers
(in a state)
Of ceremonial impurity
Until after washing
Your whole body....
(IV, 43)
72. The person who proclaims the Adhan.
73. "Adhan" is the call to Salaat, from the minaret of a Mosque.
74. To every people did We
Appoint rites (of sacrifice)
That they might celebrate
The name of Allah over
The sustenance He gave them
From animals (fit for food).
But your God is One God:
Submit then your wills to Him
(In Islam) and give thou
The good news to those
Who humble themselves
To those whose hearts,
When Allah is mentioned,
Are filled with fear,
Who show patient perseverance
Over their afflictions, keep up
Regular prayer, and spend
(In charity) out of what
We have bestowed upon them
The sacrificial camels
We have made for you
As among the Symbols from
Allah: in them (is much)
Good for you: then pronounce
The name of Allah over them
As they line up (for sacrifice):
When they are down
On their sides (after slaughter),
Eat yet thereof, and feed
Such as (beg not but)
Live in contentment,
And such as beg
With due humility: thus have
We made animals subject
To you, that ye
May be grateful.
It is not their meat
Nor their blood, that reaches
Allah: it is your piety
That reaches Him: He
Has thus made them subject
To you, that ye may glorify
Allah for His guidance to you
And proclaim the Good News
To all who do right
(XXII, 34-37)
75. And say, 0 My Lord
Increase me in knowledge
(II, 114)
76. This number represents "Bismallah Hir-Rahmaii-Nir-Rahim"— "(I begin in) The name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful."
77. The late afternoon prayer—the third, and middle one, of the five prayers.
78. This means, "I seek
forgiveness of Allah;
surely Allah is oft
Forgiving, Merciful."
When those come to thee
Who believe in our Signs,
Say: "Peace be on you:
Your Lord has inscribed
For Himself (the rule
of) Mercy: verily,
If any of you did evil
In ignorance, and thereafter
Repented and amended
(His conduct), Lo! He is
Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful"
(VI, 54)
He (Allah) is the One that accepts
Repentance from His Servants
And forgives sins;
And He knows all
That ye do
(XLII, 25)
79. Kalimahs are Declarations of Faith.
First Declaration of faith
There is no god (worthy of worship) but Allah, Muhammed
(Peace be upon him) is the Prophet of Allah.
Second The Code of Evidence
I bear witness that there is none worthy of worship but Allah. He is the One and has no partner. I also bear witness that Muhammed (Peace be upon him) is His Servant and His Prophet.
Third The Code of Exaltation
Allah is free from all defects. All the praises belong to Allah. Allah is the Great. There is no power and no might except with Allah; He is the Supreme and the Great.
Fourth The Code of Unity of Allah
There is none worthy of worship except Allah. He is the One and has no partner. Sovereignty belongs to Him, and He deserves all the praise. It is He Who gives life and causes death. He lives for ever and never shall He die. He possess Greatness and Respect. In His hand is all the good. He has the Power to do all things.
Fifth The Code of Apology
O, Allah! You are my Lord. There is none worthy of worship except You. You created me and I am Your servant. And I shall abide by Your Promise and Your Covenant to (the best of) my strength. I seek Your Refuge from the sins I have committed. I acknowledge Your Favour which You bestowed on me and I admit my sins. Forgive me indeed. None can forgive sins but You.