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Resonate your identity with Naseeb journals. Express your opinions, share your thoughts, post your writings and connect with like minded people through the power of expression.
Strange istikhara dream
By FoxgloveHave you ever had a strange dream after praying istikhara? It happened to me last night... Under normal circumstances, I don't dream much, but after this dua I saw a strange vision. I know that istikhara is meant to be more of a guidance for us in reaching the right decision, and that any dreams we have afterwards are of secondary importance. However, this dream has piqued my curiosity, and if anyone could shed some light on what it might mean, I'd be interested to hear your thoughts.
"I was running backwards and forwards across a road in the dark, and entered a community centre on the other side. Once there, I recognised a work colleague of mine and was asked to go back outside and guide a new person to the community centre. Everything was still pitch-black, except for a white car driving past slowly... I peered into the car window from a distance, and was horrified to see that it had no driver!"
Now I know that the general rule for istikhara dreams is white or green = good and black or red = bad, but what about a dream that contains both black and white?
4
The opinions expressed in this journal are of the author and not necessarily of Naseeb.
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Comments on this journal
babaganoush
(March 12, 2009 at 5:14pm)
Jadz advice concerns me a lot as it sounds more of a sales pitch!
babaganoush
(March 12, 2009 at 5:12pm)
It would be wise to maintain counsel with Athene and Aminah_shahidah for they can help you out a bit as they have good intuition.
The rest seem to be snowballing one confabulation into another.
Since I can't n-mail you, I will only touch upon few of the themes discussed.
1 Question versus Dream
The question is fair but the dream does not answer the question directly, for it is a predictive dream. In other words, the dream only adds colour to your question and will play out sequentially to the end most likely causing a small harm.
2 Colleague & White Car
This is good. I believe your work colleague may actually be a real-life confidant of sorts. In the dream he or she symbolizes your values, goals and ideology. This is natural as our workplaces are filled with people sharing similar attitudes as to ours.
The white car is a project of sorts.
It was driving past slowly as you exited the community centre.
A work assignment is waiting for you.
When you peer from afar you see the white car is driver less and you are horrified. You shall realize you have no control over the assignment as it is controlled by someone else.
Most important fact to note is that you did not guide a new person to the community centre as your work colleague had requested, for there was no one there. In other words, you actually did not act in accordance with your own personal values as symbolized by your work colleague.
3 Ibn Seerin's dating context
He suggests to avoid acts in dreams that imply travelling, stress and worries which occur during the eleventh month of Zul-Qida 23rd / November / 2008?
Did you travel after this date?
(ISBN # 1-879405-03-2)
The rest seem to be snowballing one confabulation into another.
Since I can't n-mail you, I will only touch upon few of the themes discussed.
1 Question versus Dream
The question is fair but the dream does not answer the question directly, for it is a predictive dream. In other words, the dream only adds colour to your question and will play out sequentially to the end most likely causing a small harm.
2 Colleague & White Car
This is good. I believe your work colleague may actually be a real-life confidant of sorts. In the dream he or she symbolizes your values, goals and ideology. This is natural as our workplaces are filled with people sharing similar attitudes as to ours.
The white car is a project of sorts.
It was driving past slowly as you exited the community centre.
A work assignment is waiting for you.
When you peer from afar you see the white car is driver less and you are horrified. You shall realize you have no control over the assignment as it is controlled by someone else.
Most important fact to note is that you did not guide a new person to the community centre as your work colleague had requested, for there was no one there. In other words, you actually did not act in accordance with your own personal values as symbolized by your work colleague.
3 Ibn Seerin's dating context
He suggests to avoid acts in dreams that imply travelling, stress and worries which occur during the eleventh month of Zul-Qida 23rd / November / 2008?
Did you travel after this date?
(ISBN # 1-879405-03-2)
Hayaah
(November 28, 2008 at 11:11pm)
inshAllah!
Just keep invoking the Lord (swt) and things will come clear soon... Ameen. :)
Just keep invoking the Lord (swt) and things will come clear soon... Ameen. :)
Foxglove
(November 28, 2008 at 7:06pm)
I come back after a whirlwind few days and see all these awesome interpretations... Thanks all!
idStar: For a non-serious interpretation, that was particularly brilliant! I love the symbolism of a white car = a convert.
I can't say what I made istikhara about, but it's still on my mind... Please pray that I get the outcome that is best from all perspectives :-)
idStar: For a non-serious interpretation, that was particularly brilliant! I love the symbolism of a white car = a convert.
I can't say what I made istikhara about, but it's still on my mind... Please pray that I get the outcome that is best from all perspectives :-)
Athene
(November 28, 2008 at 5:39am)
I agree with Hayaah and Jadz :)
With regarding dreams , indeed of the various types and the aspect of WAHI. Completely true. Indeed there are constant signs for those of understanding depedning on the level of spiritual connection.
Though I completely agree about the point that Allah is the best to guide, not everyone approaches him sometimes first on, but either forgets, or truly does think that posting a JE can help them out a bit.
As long as a JE provokes discussion, and urges the person in the direction of Allah and the comments are written in humility, I do not think sharing, some knowledge which possibly may be useful is wrong.
Indeed, we are all helpers of one another in Islam. Though neither one of us can directly be the source of anything, for everything comes from Allah swt, we can be the 'means' of it. Alhumdolillah.
With regarding dreams , indeed of the various types and the aspect of WAHI. Completely true. Indeed there are constant signs for those of understanding depedning on the level of spiritual connection.
Though I completely agree about the point that Allah is the best to guide, not everyone approaches him sometimes first on, but either forgets, or truly does think that posting a JE can help them out a bit.
As long as a JE provokes discussion, and urges the person in the direction of Allah and the comments are written in humility, I do not think sharing, some knowledge which possibly may be useful is wrong.
Indeed, we are all helpers of one another in Islam. Though neither one of us can directly be the source of anything, for everything comes from Allah swt, we can be the 'means' of it. Alhumdolillah.
Hayaah
(November 27, 2008 at 9:31pm)
Ur words truly humble me Jadz... i see the same beauty in ur words and line of thot reflecting in ur communication with everyone here, as u compliment me with.
JazakAllah khayr for ur kindness, and for setting a pleasant example, mashAllah!
JazakAllah khayr for ur kindness, and for setting a pleasant example, mashAllah!
jadz
(November 27, 2008 at 4:19pm)
Hayaah, you are blessed habibti - believe me, not everyone has your level of consciousness/awareness of Allah The Beautiful. One reason people, even those claiming to be believers, find it difficult to comprehend how/why one is in unceasing communication with one's Beloved is because they are far distant from HIM. To experience the constant Presence of The All-Embracing One is to realise just how vain/shallow this world and all it contains really is.
May our Beloved Allah SWT Guide us all ever nearer to HIM, Alhamdulillah.
Ma'Salaama Sis
May our Beloved Allah SWT Guide us all ever nearer to HIM, Alhamdulillah.
Ma'Salaama Sis
Hayaah
(November 27, 2008 at 3:57am)
I totally agree with that Jadz... like i said... abt what i read and not being sure of where it as that i did read that in the 1st place... ever since then, i practice that, even tho i dont have a solid religious backing to why i do that. I only speak of a dream to someone if they are involved in it in an extreme fashion and only tell them as much as seems necessary to be discussed.
Otherwise, i find more peace in asking Allah (swt) for a better understanding of it if its confusing, or keep me or so and so safe from what i might have seen or interpretted from a dream if it unsettles me.
But its always safer to remember, that only Allah (swt) knows best of all things.
I completely agree, that even i find myself often talking to the Lord abt things big and small not necessrily on a prayer mat or while doing dhikr. I at random enjoy talkin to Him. As funny as some ppl mite find that... i find peace in knowing He is always arnd to hear me out and give me peace and re-instate happiness or gimme patience when i need it.
Alhumdulillah.
Otherwise, i find more peace in asking Allah (swt) for a better understanding of it if its confusing, or keep me or so and so safe from what i might have seen or interpretted from a dream if it unsettles me.
But its always safer to remember, that only Allah (swt) knows best of all things.
I completely agree, that even i find myself often talking to the Lord abt things big and small not necessrily on a prayer mat or while doing dhikr. I at random enjoy talkin to Him. As funny as some ppl mite find that... i find peace in knowing He is always arnd to hear me out and give me peace and re-instate happiness or gimme patience when i need it.
Alhumdulillah.
jadz
(November 26, 2008 at 5:59pm)
Hayaah, as we know there are many categories of dreams. There are those which arise out of the conscious/subconscious self; those which simply replay earlier occurences/happenings; those which foretell near/distant future events.
The third might best be described as Divine Communications, because dreams which contain messages or dreams which come true are definitely from Allah SWT. The Prophets (pbut) often had such visions, Al-Qur'an mentions Prophet Ibrahim's vision about his son Isma'el; Prophet Yusuf's dream in which was foretold his immense stature/greatness; and Prophet Muhammad's (pbuh) dreams/visions wherein Allah SWT kept him informed of present/future events. These are forms of "WAHI", ie., Revelation.
Sometimes, it is necessary to share dreams if they concern other people (eg. one's family/friends). Usually however, dreams are intended only for the person who recieved them, which is why it is better to ask Allah SWT for their meanings rather than people. A great deal depends upon context, in terms of the person's situation/circumstances and also the context in which the dream took place. Sometimes good dreams are interpreted as bad and vice versa, simply because of a lack of information. Not everything that appears good/bad on the surface neccessarily is. And, as has already been discussed, different colours etc. are supposedly representative of some good/bad omens, and so on.
Personally speaking, I only share my dreams with Allah SWT, HE gave them, HE best understands them. HE is the Only One I would ask for meaning/interpretation. In fact, hardly a day goes by when I do not go running to HIM to explain some matter or other! Fortunately, our Beloved One is Ever Patient, Forbearing and Tolerant!
Ma'Salaama Sis
The third might best be described as Divine Communications, because dreams which contain messages or dreams which come true are definitely from Allah SWT. The Prophets (pbut) often had such visions, Al-Qur'an mentions Prophet Ibrahim's vision about his son Isma'el; Prophet Yusuf's dream in which was foretold his immense stature/greatness; and Prophet Muhammad's (pbuh) dreams/visions wherein Allah SWT kept him informed of present/future events. These are forms of "WAHI", ie., Revelation.
Sometimes, it is necessary to share dreams if they concern other people (eg. one's family/friends). Usually however, dreams are intended only for the person who recieved them, which is why it is better to ask Allah SWT for their meanings rather than people. A great deal depends upon context, in terms of the person's situation/circumstances and also the context in which the dream took place. Sometimes good dreams are interpreted as bad and vice versa, simply because of a lack of information. Not everything that appears good/bad on the surface neccessarily is. And, as has already been discussed, different colours etc. are supposedly representative of some good/bad omens, and so on.
Personally speaking, I only share my dreams with Allah SWT, HE gave them, HE best understands them. HE is the Only One I would ask for meaning/interpretation. In fact, hardly a day goes by when I do not go running to HIM to explain some matter or other! Fortunately, our Beloved One is Ever Patient, Forbearing and Tolerant!
Ma'Salaama Sis
Hayaah
(November 26, 2008 at 6:59am)
not necessary Idstar... for instance lets create a scenario wich is an istikhara done re: marriage.
and the dream shows u another man present who is better for u. Or lets say there are 2 ppl dressed as a groom and the other mr. x is taking better care of u? Then ure interpretting it simply, as mr. unknown being better for marriage than mr.case study. That means its positive because ure still gonna be married... only not to who u are checking up on via istikhara.
Lets call it similar to viewing a glass being half full instead of half empty, when we say give it a positive interpretation. Also lets not forget, this is hypothetical, as i still dont recollect where i read this, and it cud perhaps not have a valid base to it Islamically. Since the topic was being discussed, i simply mentioned it, thinking perhaps if someone else has read or heard likewise, they may shed light upon it in more detail if they know better :)
and the dream shows u another man present who is better for u. Or lets say there are 2 ppl dressed as a groom and the other mr. x is taking better care of u? Then ure interpretting it simply, as mr. unknown being better for marriage than mr.case study. That means its positive because ure still gonna be married... only not to who u are checking up on via istikhara.
Lets call it similar to viewing a glass being half full instead of half empty, when we say give it a positive interpretation. Also lets not forget, this is hypothetical, as i still dont recollect where i read this, and it cud perhaps not have a valid base to it Islamically. Since the topic was being discussed, i simply mentioned it, thinking perhaps if someone else has read or heard likewise, they may shed light upon it in more detail if they know better :)
idStar
(November 26, 2008 at 4:09am)
If in fact, we only give a positive interpretation, this would only support the thesis that anything can mean anything, and that the psychology of being positive regardless, trumps the veracity of any dream. No?
I don't disagree or agree...just stating the consequence of this approach.
Furthermore, do you sugar coat a nightmarish Istikhara as positive? What if it was in regards to your friend's marriage? Then every Istikhara about marriage would be a "yes"?
I don't disagree or agree...just stating the consequence of this approach.
Furthermore, do you sugar coat a nightmarish Istikhara as positive? What if it was in regards to your friend's marriage? Then every Istikhara about marriage would be a "yes"?
Hayaah
(November 26, 2008 at 2:42am)
i remember reading somewhere that we shudnt talk abt dreams to anyone, and if at all, then only to sumone who is our well wisher, a really close person... and that when interpretting a dream, we must always give it a positive interpretation no matter what it is...
i cant remember tho, where i had read that... );
i cant remember tho, where i had read that... );
idStar
(November 25, 2008 at 6:34pm)
I agree that what's most relevant is how the dreamer felt/intuitively interpreted the contents.
But back to the reference meaning of colors and symbols, it gives me the heebee jeebies when we start deferring to scholars in such matters, in modern times.
It almost felt like a mode of disempowerment of the individual, in much the same way Christianity had clergy to intermediate with God.
In this modern age, we should have a website with each color listed, the various meanings proposed and by whom, and some social network voting on how solid the interpretation looks.
Then the people decide what these things mean. Disintermediation. Power to the People!
I'm certain every color can mean anything and as such, it will mean nothing. You can find even in the Qur'an, based on context, colors take on different meanings. To me, this is a hint that looking at colors for meaning is one big "it depends".
But back to the reference meaning of colors and symbols, it gives me the heebee jeebies when we start deferring to scholars in such matters, in modern times.
It almost felt like a mode of disempowerment of the individual, in much the same way Christianity had clergy to intermediate with God.
In this modern age, we should have a website with each color listed, the various meanings proposed and by whom, and some social network voting on how solid the interpretation looks.
Then the people decide what these things mean. Disintermediation. Power to the People!
I'm certain every color can mean anything and as such, it will mean nothing. You can find even in the Qur'an, based on context, colors take on different meanings. To me, this is a hint that looking at colors for meaning is one big "it depends".
jadz
(November 25, 2008 at 5:57pm)
Aminah, you are absolutely right. All such visions are bound to relate to personal matters - preferences/inclinations/experience s/etc. Which is why it is very problematic to interpret dreams without all of that relevant background information. And, even then, it is always best to ask Allah SWT to explain the meaning of such dreams - which HE does, but not necassarily immediately, so one must be patiant.
(Incidentally Aminah, the colour green being associated with jealousy/envy/greed is I believe - please do correct me if I'm wrong - from Shakespearan plays/poetry, I seem to have vague recollections from my English Lit. days).
Ma'Salaama Sis
(Incidentally Aminah, the colour green being associated with jealousy/envy/greed is I believe - please do correct me if I'm wrong - from Shakespearan plays/poetry, I seem to have vague recollections from my English Lit. days).
Ma'Salaama Sis
jadz
(November 25, 2008 at 5:43pm)
Because the colour green is mentioned a number of times in Al-Qur'an in regard to descriptions of Paradise - green associated with life/freshness/gardens/wisdom/etc. - it is the principle reason for considering it propitious in dreams. White is often associated with purity/nobility/beauty, so this colour is also deemed to be a "good" colour in dreams.
However, there is no doubt that every colour created by Allah SWT is beautiful/significant/excellent. For instance, the dark of night is regarded as one of the best times for prayer/du'a/worship. The Prophet(pbuh) was enjoined upon to make prayer at night a regular excercise in his devotions, since the quiet/stillness of night increases/heightens spiritual/intellectual awareness/receptivity. Yet, some would regard night or the darkness associated with it as being bad omens in dreams. That idea should be dismissed.
Surah 12, Yusuf, deals in some measure with Yusuf's (pbuh) ability to interpret visions. His own vision was highly allegorical, which obviously means that such dreams should not be interpreted literally. And, one dream may contain a number of messages - trying to unravel them takes time. Which is why one should always be patiant, often dreams are interpreted/understood one way - and they turn out to be entirely different in meaning and purpose.
It's important to concentrate upon the reason for making special prayers, rather than becoming engrossed/absorbed in dream-interpretation. There is only One Who is Able to explain the meaning of dreams (ie., those visions that convey messages as opposed to those which arise out of the conscious/subconscious self) and that is the One Who sends them. Which is why I urge everyone who seeks truth in regard to this sector of reality to ask it's Owner, Allah The Beautiful. HE Alone Knows Best.
Ma'Salaama
However, there is no doubt that every colour created by Allah SWT is beautiful/significant/excellent. For instance, the dark of night is regarded as one of the best times for prayer/du'a/worship. The Prophet(pbuh) was enjoined upon to make prayer at night a regular excercise in his devotions, since the quiet/stillness of night increases/heightens spiritual/intellectual awareness/receptivity. Yet, some would regard night or the darkness associated with it as being bad omens in dreams. That idea should be dismissed.
Surah 12, Yusuf, deals in some measure with Yusuf's (pbuh) ability to interpret visions. His own vision was highly allegorical, which obviously means that such dreams should not be interpreted literally. And, one dream may contain a number of messages - trying to unravel them takes time. Which is why one should always be patiant, often dreams are interpreted/understood one way - and they turn out to be entirely different in meaning and purpose.
It's important to concentrate upon the reason for making special prayers, rather than becoming engrossed/absorbed in dream-interpretation. There is only One Who is Able to explain the meaning of dreams (ie., those visions that convey messages as opposed to those which arise out of the conscious/subconscious self) and that is the One Who sends them. Which is why I urge everyone who seeks truth in regard to this sector of reality to ask it's Owner, Allah The Beautiful. HE Alone Knows Best.
Ma'Salaama
Athene
(November 25, 2008 at 5:24pm)
It isn't superstition, but interpretation is an art which is very subjective and personal. To deny it as such is denying part of the truth.
Agreed, the dream must be taken to a scholar well versed in the matter, but since this JE was posted asking for any ideas, these were given with the best of intentions. Allah knows best!
Agreed, the dream must be taken to a scholar well versed in the matter, but since this JE was posted asking for any ideas, these were given with the best of intentions. Allah knows best!
Athene
(November 25, 2008 at 5:18pm)
The book I have read is : The dreamer's handbook : Sleep etiquettes & Dream Interpretation in the light of the sunnah by Muhammed Mustafa al-Jibaly.
The best is to do one's own research, I merely offered what I understood thus far. Allah knows best.
The best is to do one's own research, I merely offered what I understood thus far. Allah knows best.
Athene
(November 25, 2008 at 5:18pm)
The book I have read is : The dreamer's handbook : Sleep etiquettes & Dream Interpretation in the light of the sunnah by Muhammed Mustafa al-Jibaly.
The best is to do one's own research, I merely offered what I understood thus far. Allah knows best.
The best is to do one's own research, I merely offered what I understood thus far. Allah knows best.