A good vision is from Allah and a bad dream (hulm) is from the satan; so if one of you sees anything (in a dream) which he dislikes, he should spit on his left side thrice and seek refuge with Allah from its evil, and then it will never harm him. Abu Salama said: I used to see dreams weighing more heavily upon me than a mountain; but since I heard this hadith I don't care for it (its burden).
The Book of Dreams - Sahih Muslim 2261 d
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is to Allah, Lord of the worlds, and peace and blessings upon His final Messenger Muhammad. This noble hadith from Sahih Muslim contains profound wisdom regarding dreams and their spiritual significance in Islamic tradition.
Classification of Dreams
The Prophet (peace be upon him) categorically distinguished between righteous visions (ru'ya) and evil dreams (hulm). True visions constitute one of the forty-six parts of prophethood, as established in authentic narrations, and serve as glad tidings from Allah to His believing servants.
Evil dreams, however, originate from Satan who seeks to distress believers and instill fear in their hearts. The distinction lies not merely in content but in spiritual source - divine inspiration versus satanic whisperings.
Practical Guidance for Distressing Dreams
The prescribed remedy demonstrates Islam's comprehensive approach to spiritual and psychological well-being. Spitting lightly (without saliva) three times to the left symbolizes rejection of evil, as the left side traditionally represents negative matters.
Seeking refuge with Allah through the specific supplication provides divine protection against satanic influences. This combination of physical action and spiritual invocation creates a powerful shield against harm.
Testimonial of Companion
Abu Salama's testimony authenticates the practical efficacy of this teaching. His experience demonstrates how proper understanding and application of prophetic guidance can transform one's relationship with distressing dreams, converting anxiety into trust in Allah's protection.
This companion's witness serves as practical validation for subsequent generations, showing that the Prophet's teachings provide real solutions to human concerns.
Spiritual Implications
This hadith teaches believers to attribute good to Allah and recognize evil as external to divine nature. It reinforces tawhid (monotheism) in understanding spiritual phenomena and prevents superstition.
The instruction also cultivates reliance on Allah rather than fear of creation, training believers to respond to difficulties with prescribed remedies rather than anxiety. This exemplifies Islam's balanced approach to spiritual matters.