Interpretation Of Dreams by Ibn Raashid Al-Bakri Al-Qafsi is a classic Islamic treatise discussing the rich. Multifaceted topic of dreams how they should be interpreted, whence they originate. What position they occupy in the life of a Muslim. With its roots in classical Islamic scholarship, this book presents an eye-opening glimpse into the universe of ta’beer al-ru’ya. The art of dream interpretation, through the windows of Qur’an, Sunnah, and centuries of contemplation by the scholars of Islam.
This is not a contemporary, universal dream dictionary. It is an academic, spiritually informed book that approaches dreams with respect, reverence, and prudence. Dreams, in Islamic teaching, are not random images they can be omens, warnings, or blessings. Sometimes they are meaningless, sometimes misdirectional, and sometimes profoundly meaningful. This book seeks to assist readers in sorting out which categories they fall into and interpreting what they see using the correct lens.
The Islamic Model of Dream Interpretation
In Islam, dreams have never been thought to be omnipotent but have always been considered significant. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was given some revelation in the form of dreams in the early days of his prophethood. He even informed his companions that one of the forty-six aspects of prophethood is true dreams. Nevertheless, he also cautioned against false or mixed-up dreams due to one’s thoughts, feelings, or even whispers of Shayṭān.
Ibn Raashid Al-Qafsi, in the traditional style of Islamic writing, describes this equilibrium. He does not promote fixation on dreams, nor does he reject them. Rather, he focuses on three classes of dreams, according to prophetic wisdom:
Authentic dreams of Allah that could contain glad tidings, experiences, or spiritual messages. Dreams of the nafs symbols of one’s own unconscious or worldly concerns. Dreams of Shayṭān, inducing fear, grief, or perplexity. His remarks lead the reader through discerning these kinds of, with references from Hadith, companions’ lives, and other esteemed scholars’ opinions.
Dream Interpretation as a Science and Trust
One of the primary messages of the book is that dream interpretation is not to be taken lightly. Ibn Raashid consistently warns that it is dangerous to interpret dreams without knowledge. Just as not everyone has the right to issue a fatwa, not everyone should try to interpret dreams. He quotes verses and Hadith that indicate the need for precision, humility, and wisdom when working with what people see in their sleep.
Simultaneously, the book demonstrates that this science is not mere conjecture. It is a tradition grounded upon patterns in revelation, symbols in prophetic speech, and actual events. For instance, the Qur’an itself gives us the dream of Prophet Yusuf (AS) and his interpretation of other people’s dreams in prison—both of which were realized. Such examples demonstrate that dreams can be symbolic and predictive, but that their interpretation takes knowledge, experience, and God-consciousness.
Symbolism and Interpretation of Dreams
Much of the book is spent on developing a framework for understanding common symbols and themes within dreams, specifically within the context of Arabic language, Qur’anic examples, and sayings of the prophets. Ibn Raashid states that the meaning of a dream frequently rests on context not so much on what one sees, but on whom, when, and where one sees it, and one’s own state.
For instance, water in a dream could symbolize knowledge, life, cleansing, or uncertainty, depending on its form and the manner in which the dreamer handles it. Snakes could symbolize an antagonist, threat, or hidden fear. Picturing the Prophet ﷺ in a dream is subject to certain rules, as discussed in authentic Hadith.
The book educates people to realize that symbols are not one-size-fits-all for all individuals. A king having a lion in his dream is different from a student. Meanings change depending on the dreamer’s life, righteousness, and even mood. This complex comprehension is what distinguishes this book from run-of-the-mill meanings.
Dreams as Warnings, Comforts, or Tests
Ibn Raashid Al-Qafsi also discusses how sometimes dreams can act as a warning or reminder from Allah, particularly for those who have strayed away from Allah. He provides examples of the righteous predecessors who had changed their conduct after a severe dream or had received some kind of spiritual push when they were experiencing adversity. Sometimes the believers are made to see future incidents or personal realities that strengthen their iman.
However, the book also discourages people from depending solely on dreams, particularly when this leads individuals to neglect prayer, pursue illusions, or indulge in superstition. Genuine dreams never go against the Qur’an or Sunnah. If an individual insists on seeing a dream that commands sin or excuses something false, it should be dismissed.
The right response, the book says, is to take a good dream as a sign of encouragement, find refuge from an evil one, and never act on a dream as if it is a revelation. Rather, dreams must lead to contemplation, thankfulness, repentance, or inspiration not hasty actions.
Advice for Dreamers and Interpreters
For people who frequently experience dreams, Ibn Raashid provides advice and etiquette. He tells readers to refrain from reporting every dream they witness, particularly if it might provoke jealousy or misinterpretation. Dreams must be revealed only to someone mature and informed.
He also instructs interpreters to be soft in delivery, careful in conclusion, and genuine in intention. Dream interpretation is not a matter of impressing people or dominating them it is a matter of serving them by making their own inner world begin to make sense to them.
The interpreter must also continually seek Allah’s guidance, never tell lies nor exaggerate, and recall that sole knowledge is in the hands of Allah.
Final Thoughts
Interpretation of Dreams by Ibn Raashid Al-Bakri Al-Qafsi is a precious and ageless tool for anyone who wishes to gain insight into dreams through the proper Islamic lens. It is derived from traditional knowledge, moderate in its approach, and replete with practical tips.
This book reminds us that dreams can be meaningful, but they must be handled with care, humility, and knowledge. Whether you’re someone who dreams vividly, a student of Islamic sciences, or simply curious about this dimension of the unseen, this text will enrich your understanding and sharpen your spiritual awareness.
In an age in which dreams tend to be used for self-glory or bewilderment, this book illuminates. It revives the honoring, genuine perspective of dreams that scholars once had and shares that insight with us today.
Read more: Suwar min Hayat al-Tabiin (Arabic Only)