Dreams have always been an inseparable part of human life, existing since the time of Prophet Adam (AS). The question of what dreams truly are and why we see them has remained a deep mystery for centuries. From ancient times to the modern day, countless theories have been presented about dreams, but humanity is yet to reach a final conclusion: are dreams real or mere illusions? Even today, the accurate interpretation of dreams remains an unresolved subject.
What Is the Reality of Dreams?
According to one theory, during sleep, the soul departs from the body but remains connected to the brain. Wherever the soul travels and whatever it experiences is transmitted back to the brain, which then manifests those experiences in the form of dreams.
Historical Beliefs About Dreams
Ancient Greek Views
The earliest known ideas about dreams come from ancient Greece. The Greeks considered dreams to be a form of divine revelation. They believed that gods appeared in dreams to guide people towards healing and solutions. There were also professional dream interpreters in ancient Greece.
Socrates believed that the dreams of righteous people were pure and carried divine messages.
Babylonian Beliefs
In ancient Babylon, dreams were considered highly significant. The Babylonians even authored books on dream interpretation. According to legends, a man used to sleep in a temple every night and pray to a deity named Makhir — the god of dreams — who would communicate with him through dreams.
Egyptian Views on Dreams
The ancient Egyptians gave immense importance to dreams. During the reign of the Pharaohs, people sought guidance from their gods through dreams. Special rooms were built within palaces where individuals would sleep to receive divine dreams. Additionally, magic rituals to induce prophetic dreams were also common in ancient Egypt.
Jewish Dream Traditions
Jewish scriptures mention numerous famous dreams, including those of Jacob (AS), Joseph (AS), Pharaoh, and Prophet Daniel (AS). It is believed that 24 experts in dream interpretation always resided in Jerusalem.
A Jewish sect called Kabbalists, known for their expertise in magic, presented dreams through symbolic diagrams, often involving concentric circles — representing a direct connection between man and God, which opens through dreams.
Dreams in the Holy Quran
The Holy Quran mentions eight dreams, with the story of Prophet Joseph (AS) being the most detailed. In Islam, dreams are considered a form of glad tidings for believers. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
“Prophethood has ended, but glad tidings remain.”
When asked what these glad tidings were, he ﷺ replied:
“A good dream that a person sees or that is seen for him.”
(Sahih Bukhari)
Types of Dreams in Islamic Teachings
According to authentic Ahadith (Prophetic traditions), there are three types of dreams:
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Dreams from Allah (Glad Tidings):
These dreams carry good news and future indications. -
Dreams from Satan (Disturbing Dreams):
These are meant to distress and confuse believers. -
Dreams from One’s Own Mind (Subconscious Thoughts):
These reflect a person’s own fears, desires, and daily thoughts.
Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and Dreams
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
“Dreams are one of the forty-six parts of Prophethood.”
In fact, the very first form of divine revelation (Wahi) to the Prophet ﷺ came through true and pure dreams. Whatever he ﷺ saw in dreams came to pass exactly as he had seen it.
After Fajr prayer, the Prophet ﷺ would often sit facing his companions and ask:
“Has anyone seen a dream last night?”
If someone had, they would narrate it, and the Prophet ﷺ would interpret it for them.