Topics
Question:
What
is the significance of dreams? Is a dream simply a series of disjointed
thoughts? Because the events in dreams seem to be disconnected from the
realities of our waking life. However. The hadith of the Prophet Muhammad
(P.B.U.H.), "Dreams are a part of prophecy," implies a profound
significance to dreams, suggesting that they hold more than mere subconscious
meanderings. However, personal experiential evidence does not always support
this view. I seek a deeper understanding of this concept from a scholarly
perspective.
Answer:
The
process of dreaming offers us a deeper understanding of the soul and its
inherent capabilities. This happens in such a manner that, while we are in a
state of sleep, all physical faculties are entirely dormant, with only the
respiratory functions remaining active. In dreams, the individual can engage in
a variety of actions: walking, speaking, and experiencing emotions such as joy
and sorrow. There is no aspect of waking life that does not find its
counterpart in the dream state.
A
common argument is that dreams are merely projections of the mind—fleeting and
inconsequential—because, upon awakening, the individual perceives no lasting
effects of the actions witnessed in dreams. However, such an assertion is
flawed. It is not uncommon for individuals to experience physical sensations or
emotional responses in dreams—such as the need to bathe after an intense dream
or lingering feelings of fear following a nightmare. There are also instances
where dreams manifest in waking life with remarkable accuracy, sometimes after
days, months, or even years. It is rare to find a person who has not
experienced such synchrony between dream and reality.
Given
this, the claim that dreams are mere figments of imagination or arbitrary
mental phenomena is untenable. Dreams, in their nature, convey insights that
extend beyond the subjective realm of the individual, providing a window into
broader metaphysical truths. When we acknowledge that dreams are not purely
illusory, their ontological significance becomes clearer. Indeed, the actions
and experiences that unfold in dreams are often symbolic of broader existential
themes, mirroring the waking life experiences, as both realms are constructed
through the medium of consciousness.
It
is a routine experience wherein we walk from our residence to the marketplace,
position ourselves at a specific shop, and engage in the act of purchasing an
item. If, at that moment, someone were to inquire about what we observed on our
way to the shop, we would likely respond that we did not consciously register
any details. It has been observed that in the state of wakefulness, if we are
not fully attentive, we remain oblivious to the events around us—unaware of
what transpired, how it unfolded, and when it occurred.
This
example demonstrates that both in wakefulness and in dreams, the significance
of any experience is contingent upon the full attention of the mind towards a
particular object or activity; without such focus, both wakefulness and dreams
hold no inherent value. Even the most extended periods of wakefulness often
pass in a state of inattentiveness, and substantial portion of dreams also
unfolds in a state of unconsciousness. There are instances when dreams carry
considerable significance, just as there are moments when wakefulness itself
lacks meaning. Thus, it is not justifiable to neglect the state of dreaming and
its components, which represent half of our existence.
The
origin of the creation of the universe Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H.),, conveyed
that dreams constitute the fortieth chapter of the knowledge of prophethood. This
inherently elucidates the profound significance of dreams. The prophets (P.B.U.T.)
and those exalted servants of Allah the Almighty who were graced with the
knowledge of the Divine Names—namely, the comprehension of His attributes,
known in mystical theology as ʿIlm al-Ladunī (esoteric, divinely bestowed knowledge).
The
significance of dreams, therefore, parallels that of waking life: both realms
contain meaning only when conscious awareness is present. This reflects the
spiritual teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H.), who stated that
"dreams are a part of prophecy," underscoring the notion that dreams
can convey divine knowledge and guidance. Prophets, as divinely chosen figures,
were granted profound insight into the unseen through their dreams, and such
visions provided them with critical revelations regarding the nature of
reality. Similarly, the ability to interpret and understand dreams is a
capacity rooted in spiritual knowledge (Ilm al-Asma), which was imparted to the
Prophets.
Such
individuals—endowed with divine gnosis—possess the requisite capacity to
decipher the mystical directives and allegorical intimations of dreams.
Moreover, the acquisition of prophetic knowledge and the assimilation of the
spiritual endowments associated with the legacy of the prophets (P.B.U.T.)
becomes accessible, in large part, through the activation and cultivation of
the dream faculty, which serves as a conduit to unveil supra-rational truths.
For
those seeking to access the divine wisdom inherent in dreams, it is essential
to engage in Muraqabah (spiritual meditation) as a practice that enhances one's
ability to transcend the confines of the material world and attune oneself to
the metaphysical realms. Through disciplined spiritual contemplation,
individuals can cultivate an awareness that allows them to perceive the deeper
meanings embedded within both their waking and dreaming experiences.
Ultimately,
the prophetic faculty of dream interpretation offers a pathway to understanding
the hidden dimensions of existence. Through dreams, individuals can uncover
insights into their spiritual journey, the nature of divine will, and the
trajectory of their soul's evolution. In this sense, dreams are not mere
fleeting phenomena but are integral to the broader cosmic order, reflecting the
interconnectedness of all realms—material and spiritual. Furthermore, the
acquisition of the esoteric sciences and metaphysical faculties conferred upon
the Prophets (peace be upon them) is attainable solely through the activation
and disciplined refinement of the oneiric faculty—namely, the capacity for
visionary perception within the dream state. By employing particular
methodologies, this faculty can be discerned and its latent potential
harnessed, thereby facilitating its practical application within the waking
state. The praxis of the Prophets (P.B.U.H.) originates from this very
juncture, and it is through this esoteric knowledge that they elucidated to
their disciples the ontological origins of humanity, the course of its
existence within the physical domain (ʿālam al-nāsūt),
and its eventual transcendence to the higher, spiritual realms.
The
first lesson in applying the dream faculty in wakefulness is
"muraqaba" (meditation).
Khwaja Shamsuddin Azeemi
Nearly three decades ago, the esteemed spiritual scholar and blessed guide, Khwaja Shamsuddin Azeemi (R.A), inaugurated a mission of public service with the objective of liberating humanity from afflictions, psychological distress, and physical ailments. For ten years, he remained in contemplative retreat, silently advancing this sacred commitment to the service of creation (khidmat-e-khalq). As the hearts of the people began turning toward him, he employed the medium of mass communication. In 1969, this initiative was formally introduced to the public through newspapers and spiritual journals. According to conservative estimates, through written correspondence and face-to-face interaction—particularly via national publications and the Roohani Digest—Hazrat Azeemi has extended spiritual guidance and healing to over 1.4 million men and women, addressing intricate personal crises and intractable medical conditions. Today, it is not uncommon that wherever a few individuals gather, and a seemingly insoluble dilemma or incurable illness is mentioned, someone inevitably suggests: “Establish contact with Azeemi Sahib—the matter will be resolved.”
Through the grace of Allah the Almighty, the spiritual affinity with the Prophet (P.B.U.H), and the continued beneficence of the blessed guide, four volumes of Roohani Daak (Spiritual Correspondence) have now been compiled. The first volume is hereby presented to you for contemplation and benefit.
