Captured Thoughts

Originally written in Arabic by Abdul Mun’im al Hashmi. It is like an encyclopedia of dreams. It tells us how we should behave on seeing a dream and how they may be interpreted. There are dreams of the Prophets and the Righteous men, and the dreams of the Prophet and his Sahabah. Some dreams of non-Muslims also find place in this book. The author also informs as to what various things like animals, birds and certain chapters of the Qur’an would mean if seen in a dream.

When do we teach our children? What do we teach them? How do we teach? The Messenger of Allah saw showed the way of tarbiah for Muslims in his life-forming advice to Abdullah ibn Abbas? This book is an insight into the basic Islamic teaching that children should be taught significant things early in life, so that they may live a meaningful life. It is must for every home.

Is it not time to call our children and advise them with the words of the Prophet saw?

“O young man, I shall teach you some words (of advice): Be mindful af Allah, and Allah will protect you. Be mindful of Allah, and you will fin Him in front of you. If you ask, ask of Allah: if you seek help, seek help of Allah…:(Tirmidhee)

Steadfastness and patient perseverance in Allah’s religion is a basic requirement that should be met by every sincere Muslim who wants to stick to the Straight Path with understanding and determination. Muslims today face many temptations and distractions. Those who consciously seek the means of steadfastness will succeed and those who are negligent will, sadly, suffer the doubts and confusion which are more severe now than ever before. Happy are those who seek the way out and join the righteous, dedicated Muslims, and who spare no effort to learn their religion and remain steadfast. This valuable book deals with all these issues and points out the means of steadfastness that every Muslim should learn and practice. The author also discusses common worldly distractions and explains how to deal with them.

Separates the authentic Islamic teachings on dream interpretation from the myths, superstitions and fabrications being circulated on the subject. It also provides a guide for dream interpretation according to references found in the Quran and authentic hadeeths.

Since the English publication of Muhammad Al-Akili’s 508 page work entitled, Ibn Seerin’s Dictionary of Dreams: According to Islamic Inner Traditions in 1992, followed shortly thereafter by Dreams and Interpretations by Ibn Seereen, there has been an explosion of dream interpretation and interpreters among English-speaking Muslim communities in the West. On the other hand, dream interpretation has been a long established tradition in the Muslim East. However, it has become so mixed up with superstition, myths and fortunetelling, that most educated Muslims shun this area. The fact of the matter is that dream interpretation is mentioned in the Quran and was regularly practised by the Prophet (pbuh), himself. Consequently, there is a real need to understand this subject, especially, considering that humans spend about a third of their lives sleeping.