New Directions in Islamic Education : Pedagogy and Identity Formation (P/B)

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.

Some thinkers has said, ‘A smattering of knowledge turns people away from God. Grater knowledge brings  them back to Him’. The author concludes in this book by examining various theories that the choice humanity have is not between the universe with God and the universe with God and the  universe without God. The real option is between the universe with God and no universe at all. Therefore humanity is compelled to opt for the proposition the universe with God. Hence it is logical to say I exist, therefore, God exists.

In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful

Allah (SWT) says: (If you fear that you will not be able to deal justly with the orphans, marry women of your choice, two or three or four; but if you fear that you shall not be able to deal justly (with them), then only one or (the captives or the slaves) that your right hands possess. That will be more suitable to prevent you from doing injustice) (An-Nisa’: 3).

Praise be to Allah (SWT) who has prescribed for His Servants a religion (Islam) that is beneficial to them in this world and the Hereafter, and Peace and Blessing be upon His Messengers and Prophets who were guided by His Guidance and conveyed His Religion. The last and seal of His Messengers was Muhammad Ibn Abdillah (SAW). He (SAW) was the best to advise his Ummah and convey the True Message, by words, deeds and his character. He (SAW) was the best model and example for the believers.

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.