Category Archives: Spirituality
The Science of Dreams (Part 2)
August 16, 2003 / Jamad-uth-Thani 1424
Volume 1, Issue 2
This is the second in a series of articles on the Science of Dreams. It is hoped that the discussion of the science of dreams can be beneficial to those who wish to interpret dreams of others or of their own.
1. Earthquakes: Dreaming of an earthquake indicates a major event taking place in the world or in one’s life. If someone sees mountains shaking, it is a sign of corrupted scholars, which means that scholars will sell out their consciousness, writings, and honor, for the sake of money and worldly resources. It is a bad sign if someone sees a victim of an earthquake; it may indicate impending death or illness. If one sees a house shaking, it indicates trouble in family life.Â
2. Mountains and Hills: To dream of mountains or hills represents meeting men of great worth; the more grand the mountain, the more valuable the person. They may also represent one’s own spiritual power and authority. Climbing up a hill or mountain is gaining elevation in spiritual growth or gaining greater closeness with one’s sheikh. To see yourself on the peak of the mountain means to have authority within society. To possess a mountain means to have control over emotions or society. Destroying a mountain reflects someone’s personality as a killer of a man. Digging up any part of the mountain indicates skill in outmaneuvering someone who is trying to gain control over you. To climb up a very steep mountain side points out difficulties in achieving one’s goals or desires. Powerful men may harm the dreamer if he sees himself moving large stones, crags or mountains.
3. The Earth: Seeing land spreading out before you into the distance indicates a long, peaceful and happy life. Seeing land twisting underneath you may either indicate imminent death, or gaining spiritual power if one is prepared to handle the situation. Hearing the earth speak to you in a dream is a powerful message of obtaining great wealth or power in this world. If one dreams of any inanimate object speaking to him, this signifies Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala has given you power of understanding of secret, hidden matters. To be swallowed up by the earth shows materialism, going after things of this world. Falling into a hole in the earth is a sign of potential harm being done by one’s enemy. Seeing sand, dust, earth or similar elements points to gaining wealth. Eating earth symbolizes consumption of wealth, but if one is covered in dust while eating, it means that they will receive considerable wealth. If one dreams of walking on a dusty road or gravel road, or of carrying earth on one’s back, this symbolizes receiving great reward after accomplishing a very heavy task. Digging in the earth while eating something shows making material gains by using trickery or deceit. Seeing dust in the air or fog shows an uncertain outcome for a business venture or educational aspiration. Dreaming of a vast fertile land covered with greenery, or of a large plain, represents Islam. Following a straight path in the land is synonymous with following the straight path of Islam, while deviating on the path in the dream is also synonymous with going astray in the path of Islam. Â
4. Shops and Houses: Dreaming of markets or shops means an unexpected increase in business or money or a job offer from an unseen source, or an increase in domestic peace. Unfamiliar shops indicate that one will travel somewhere new very shortly. A house with strangers or in an unknown place represents the Hereafter, whether good or bad. If a house is being renovated or expanded, it may indicate increase in honor or increase in family harmony. Seeing a house collapse or being destroyed symbolizes one’s spiritual status being lowered because of misconduct. Building a house shows the coveting of this world, but if it is built in an unknown place it means building up good deeds in this life that will benefit one greatly in the next world. If the house in an unknown place is being destroyed, it is synonymous with one’s good deeds being destroyed in this life through disobedience to Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala and His Beloved Prophet Muhammad Sallalahoo Alaihe Wasallum. In the case that the house is in a known place, then destruction may indicate one’s irresponsibility and thoughtlessness in actions, particularly spending.
5. Walls, Stairs, and Doors: Falling from a wall denotes a downfall in business, education, health, or spiritual degradation. Jumping down from the wall however may show one’s ability to face the challenges of society. Standing on top of a wall where you can see most of the city or the roofs of the houses, it reflects one’s intelligence and support from friends and hometown. If the city walls crumble down, this shows the spiritual degradation of a society and may portend its destruction or punishment from Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala. Dreaming of climbing stairs or ladders symbolizes ascension in Islam and in the next world. Brick stairs indicate spending in alms. Staircases of plaster, wood, or clay show ascension in this world. To dream of a door of a house falling down means facing a sickness followed by recovery. If a door of a room is torn off, then there may be a death of a member of one’s family. If a door is open but obstructed by another object, this signifies the possibility of a divorce or separation or any other serious domestic problem. Opening an unfamiliar door means one’s prayers will be granted Insha Allah Ta’ala.Â
Allah and His Beloved Prophet Muhammad Sallalahoo Alaihe Wasallum Know Best.
Suggestions to the dreamer: An individual who dreams should observe the following principles of dreams:
1. Any dream at the time of reporting must begin with Bismillah Hir Rahmannir Rahim.
2. The dreamer should not mention the dream to a person who does not know about alpha and omega of dreams.
3. Dream should not be reported after sunset.
4. Dua to recite after seeing any dream: Bismillahi Allahu Akbar Hamdan Katheeran
Prof. Dr. Mohammad Ahmed Qadri
Dr. Qadri is Founding Director of IECRC. He is a renowned known scholar from Pakistan, who taught at the University of Karachi for over 20 years. He has expertise in both modern education as well as traditional Islamic sciences, having completed the 18 year Dars-e-Nizami course from Pakistan. Dr. Qadri has studied with eminent scholars from Al-Azhar University, Cairo. He has dedicated his life to spreading the light and love of our Beloved Master Muhammad, prayers and peace of Allah be upon Him.
Manners for Sisters at the Mosque and Gatherings of Remembrance
August 16, 2003 / Jamad-uth-Thani 1424
Volume 1, Issue 2 (Part 7)
Going to the Mosque (Masjid) is a favor from Allah, Glorious and Great. As with all favors from Him, it is what we do with that favor that will turn it into a blessing or a curse for us. There are manners (adab) for attending Friday prayers and other visits to the Masjid and places of remembrance, especially for women. I say especially for women because it is not an obligation for us to attend the Friday prayer, it is a privilege.
Out of respect for the dignity of the occasion, before going to any function at a Masjid, or any building used as a place of worship or remembrance (Zikr), it is recommended to take a shower (ghusl). We should all wear our nicest and most modest clothes as Allah, Glorious and Great said:
Oh Children of Adam! Wear your beautiful apparel at every time and place of prayer…(Sura A’raf 7; 31)
It is especially important that women avoid wearing see through clothes or clothes that reveal the shapes of their bodies. Women should remember not to wear perfume or scented oils (attar) as it may distract our brothers from their worship and divert their attention towards women instead of towards Allah, Exalted is He! When we enter we should be certain to lower our gaze and guard our modesty:
And say to the believing women that they should Lower their gaze and guard their modesty that they should not display their beauty and ornaments except what must appear thereof. (Sura An Nur 24; 31)
Remember where we are and what is our intention in being there. We should take a seat next to any sisters who are already there, starting from the side furthest from the entrance. In this way the sisters who arrive after us do not have to climb over us or disturb us.
When arriving at a Masjid, it is recommended to offer two rakats Sunnah prayer as greetings to the Masjid. Then sit quietly, preferably doing silent remembrance (Zikr) or reading the Holy Qur’an. This is not the time for socializing, but an opportunity to contemplate.
At Friday prayer (Jummah), when the Imam begins to speak we are not to say one word. There is Hadith to the effect that any one speaking during the sermon (Khutbah) gets no credit for the entire prayer. Besides losing all credit for that prayer, if our voices disturb anyone, we are accountable for that. Children should use self-restraint or stay home; the Masjid is not a playground.
When the Azan (call to prayer) is called, sit still. When you hear the Iqamah recited, at the line “Hayya ‘ala Salah†rise and quietly form your straight lines, standing shoulder to shoulder with the sisters on either side of you. Our Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings on his sweet soul, warned us the Shaitan (Devil) will fill up the empty space if we are not touching each other in the prayer line. Silently offer your intention to follow the Imam and wait for him to call the Takbir Al Ahram (Allah hu Akbar) before lifting your hands. Each worshipper needs permission from the Imam to change position so do not change your position until you hear “Allah hu Akbar†or “Sami Allah hu liman Hamida†(Allah hears one who praises Him) when returning from ruku (bowing position). Even if you have memorized a particular Sura or Ayah that is being recited, it is best to be quiet and listen as listening is an aid to perfection and has a different effect on us than recitation. Out of respect for Allah, Glorious and Great, the Holy Qur’an and our brothers and sisters, we should remain silent during Recitations, lectures and prayers.
After the completion of the obligatory portion of the prayer, it is recommended to change location with your neighbor to perform the Sunnah prayers, so that more areas of the earth will bear witness for our act of prayer on the Day of Judgement.
After the prayer, it is recommended to greet your sisters with “As Salaamo alaikum†and to warmly embrace one another. Now is the time to speak, remembering where we are and
Lower your voice for the harshest of sounds without a doubt is the braying of an ass.
(Sura Luqman 31; 19)
Many sisters come from countries where women do not go to the Masjid, so it is particularly lovely that here we can. Let’s all enjoy this favor from Allah, Exalted is He, and turn it into a blessing by being grateful and doing our best to have good manners (adab).
May Allah, The Source of all good, reward you with His Good. (Aamin).
Khadija J.C. Locks
Sister Khadija is a resident of Los Angeles, CA. She is the author of “The Wealth of the Inheritorsâ€, published by Nuqoosh Press, Lahore, Pakistan. She is currently working on a book on the subject of Islamic stories for children. She is a regular contributor to the IECRC Newsletter.
Reflections of a Seeker
August 16, 2003 / Jamad-uth-Thani 1424
Volume 1, Issue 2 (Part 4)
Harmony can be defined as a pleasing or congruent arrangement of parts, which in the human paradigm leads to inner peace. The corollary would be that lack of congruency creates internal turmoil, and in severe cases leads to chronic depression. Human beings are consciously or unconsciously in constant search of this harmony. I have realized through my personal experiences that this harmony can be achieved by finding one’s place in the Court of the Creator, submitting to it, cherishing the relationships bestowed by the King and practicing unconditional love.
In the Muslim worldview, we believe in the reality of creation and design – that everything we see around us has One Creator – Allah Almighty and that He, the Most Exalted, has created a systematic world full of meaning and purpose. Out of His Infinite Mercy, instead of placing His Message of Guidance directly into our hearts, He created the institution of Prophethood, where He chose special people to administer this awesome task. It is essential and a matter of gratitude that we pay homage to this institution, primarily to its pinnacle and most perfect exemplar – Prophet Muhammad (prayers and peace of Allah be upon Him). He is the greatest Gift of Allah Almighty to us and it is imperative that not only are we grateful, but are also in constant show of this gratitude. Most people respond to this by emphasizing the importance of obeying His Sunnah (Practices), i.e. we must live our lives in accordance to the way He (prayers and peace of Allah be upon Him) lived it. This is absolutely true. However, obedience out of love, as opposed to fear or compulsion, is the only true and lasting obedience. So loving the Prophet (prayers and peace of Allah be upon Him) needs to precede trying to imitate Him. As a matter of fact, loving the Prophet (prayers and peace of Allah be upon Him) is what completes our faith, as corroborated by the following Hadeeth:
Allah’s Apostle said, “By Him in Whose Hands my life is, none of you will have faith till he loves me more than his father and his children.†(Sahih Bukhari Shareef)
The philosophy of love is a complex one. To some people like myself, it is missing the Beloved (prayers and peace of Allah be upon him), wanting to see Him, yearning to be with Him and seeking His presence, desiring His approval and pleasure, attempting to make the Beloved (prayers and peace of Allah be upon Him) happy and making every effort not to displease Him. This motivates me to try to follow everything He commands us to do. Allah Almighty says in the Noble Quran:
Whoever obeys the Noble Messenger has indeed obeyed Allah             (Holy Quran, 4:80)
Those who fear that the expression of such emotions borders on shirk (i.e. associating partners with Allah Almighty) need to consider the fact that it is Allah Almighty Himself who chose to include His Beloved’s (prayers and peace of Allah be upon Him) name in the shahaada (the testimony that “There is no God but Allah and that Muhammad is His Messengerâ€). In addition, the Hadeeth (saying of the Prophet Muhammad, prayers and peace of Allah Almighty be upon Him) says that Allah Gives and His Prophet (prayers and peace be upon Him), distributes. In other words, Allah Almighty is the Absolute Authority and the Prophet Muhammad (prayers and peace of Allah be upon Him) is His delegated authority in creation. Therefore, to bypass Allah Almighty’s delegated authority and claim direct connection with Him is in the best-case naiveté and in the worst case impertinent and disrespectful to Allah Almighty, as one is not submitting to His System (Nizam). As the Persian saying expresses beautifully:
Bades Khuda Buzurg Tuhi Qissa Mukhtasar
After Allah, you are the greatest spiritual personality and that is the end of the matter
Unfortunately, today’s Muslim psyche has become plagued with what can be coined as “shirk-phobiaâ€, due to the lack of understanding of the definition of the word shirk. Some think that praising and loving the Prophet (prayers and peace of Allah be upon Him) should have a limit, after which somehow it can seep into the realm of shirk. Nothing can be further from the truth. The more we love and praise Allah Almighty’s Beloved (prayers and peace of Allah be upon Him), the closer we get to Allah. These acts increase our love for the Beloved (prayers and peace of Allah be upon him) and are highly recommended, such as sending copious salawaat (prayers) upon him, writing and reciting poetry and prose that praise Him, talking about His birth, life, love, message and personality and remembering and celebrating the most awesome day that He was sent to this earth.
The Prophet (prayers and peace of Allah be upon him) epitomized unconditional love, which can be defined as genuinely wanting the best for others, doing something practical about it and wanting nothing in return except Allah Almighty’s love and rida (contentment and pleasure). To those who make statements that He was “just†a Messenger, that He completed his “job†by conveying the message (may Allah protect us from such thoughts), need to consider that He (prayers and peace of Allah be upon Him) as the Messenger embodies Allah’s Message as reported in the famous Hadeeth by Sayyidatuna Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) that He is the walking Quran. In addition, He (prayers and peace of Allah be upon Him) is described as “Shaahid†(Witness) in the Quran [48:8] and therefore He is aware of all that we do on a daily basis and He continues to pray for His Ummah (community).
I once heard a speaker at a conference say “It is better to be at the tail of Truth than the head of falsehoodâ€. At the time, the statement resonated with my heart but its full meaning did not descend upon me until I had the great honor of affiliating myself with the Qadri Tareeqat (Sufi Path) of Shaykh Abdul Qadir Jilani (may Allah be pleased with him). Allah Almighty says about His awliya (Friends / Saints) that they have no fear of the future and no grief over the past. I believe this is so because they have surrendered themselves absolutely, not in negative resignation but a conscious willing submission to their Infinitely Merciful, Beneficent, Wise and Loving Lord with the understanding that He Almighty does everything for the good of His creation whether that is immediately obvious to us or not.
In my limited understanding, the Path of Tasawwuf (Sufism) is about self-effacement, taming and eventual annihilation of the ego, considering everyone else as better than oneself, removing all prejudices and biases, breaking stereotypes, becoming completely non-judgmental, recognizing that we don’t know where any human being stands with Allah Most Exalted, that we mustn’t judge by the external as we don’t know what is in someone’s heart. This Path is a path of no claims, just pure and total surrender, longing and love.
The Path is a tough one for anyone who wishes to tread it, but it is the only way for those who yearn for their Lord and seek His and His Beloved’s (prayers and peace of Allah be upon Him) contentment and pleasure.
Syeda Shagufta Ahmad Qadri
