Evil dreams?

[yasiin sadiq]

I have night terrors about things so evil I'm uncomfortable talking about them. A more milder one had evil entities tearing my guts out of my stomach and eating them, and that again is a milder dream compared to what I have had! Could I be affected by jinn? If so what can I do about it? Any advise is appreciated.

[PureExistence1]

@yasiin sadiq 

Salaam,

I don't know anything about your background at all, but if you have a history of reading scary books or magazines or have a history of watching very graphic violent horror movies or movies in general that contain violence, it could be that that has affected you on a psychological level and that it is manifesting in your dreams. Very often what we see or do in our daily life manifests itself and our dreams later that night and if there is a long history of putting these types of ideas or images in our brain, it can have a negative effect on us in our sleep.

I have this problem myself and have to really guard what I allow my eyes to look at. Especially when it comes to horrific images, violence, demonic images or graphics. 

I haven't been able to watch horror movies or anything like that for ages, but every once in awhile, when I'm at my family's house, there will be something on TV and I will catch a glimpse of it, and I end up having nightmares that night of whatever it was that I saw. So I know what I'm telling you is true, for me at least, and I don't think my psychology is unique in any way so probably this is true for many other people as well.

Sometimes when I'm scrolling through youtube, i will see videos that some people have posted that are supposed to help with spirit and djinn possession (called ruqaya) and a lot of times they choose these really horrific demonic images to catch your attention to their videos. I've criticized them before saying having those images is actually anti-islamic but the creators don't care because that type of imaging gets them views because people are drawn to these images for some reason.

We have 2 surahs meant to help us:

Surah Al-Falaq (Chapter 113) and Surah Al-Nas (Chapter 114), collectively known as "Al-Mu'awwidhatayn" (The Two Protectors). They are highly regarded in Islam for their protective and healing properties, and are recited to seek refuge in Allah from internal and external harms. Below is an explanation of these Surahs, with emphasis on Shia thought based on authentic sources:

Surah Al-Falaq (The Daybreak)

• Chapter: 113

• Verses: 5

• Revelation: Meccan Surah

• Purpose: Seeks protection from external harm such as physical dangers, supernatural forces, envy, and the evil in creation.

Translation (Summarized):

Say, “I seek refuge in the Lord of daybreak.
From the evil of that which He created,
And from the evil of the darkness when it settles,
And from the evil of those who blow on knots (witchcraft),
And from the evil of an envier when he envies.”

Shia Perspective:

1. Healing and Protection: Based on narrations from Imam al-Sadiq (a) and Imam al-Baqir (a), Surah Al-Falaq is a prayer for safeguarding oneself against external harm such as black magic and envy.

2. Recommended Use: It is advised to recite this Surah regularly, particularly during struggles or dangerous encounters.

Surah Al-Nas (The People)

• Chapter: 114

• Verses: 6

• Revelation: Meccan Surah

• Purpose: Seeks protection from internal harm, specifically spiritual and psychological challenges like whispers and doubts instilled by Satan or other harmful entities.

Translation (Summarized):

Say, “I seek refuge in the Lord of mankind,
The Sovereign of mankind,
The God of mankind,
From the evil of the lurking whisperer,
Who whispers into the hearts of mankind,
Among jinn and mankind.”

Shia Perspective:

1. Spiritual Protection: In Shia tafsir (exegesis), Surah Al-Nas addresses internal threats such as doubts, spiritual whispers (waswasa), mental disturbances, and weaknesses in faith caused by external influences like Satan or malicious humans.

2. Recommended Use: Imam al-Sadiq (a) reportedly advised reciting Al-Nas alongside Al-Falaq for complete protection against evil forces—external and internal.

The Combined Role—Al-Mu'awwidhatayn

Both Surahs (Al-Falaq and Al-Nas) are often recited together as a pair for holistic protection from all types of harm. According to Shia tradition:

1. Integration into Daily Life: These Surahs are recommended for:

   • Morning and evening adhkar (supplications).

   • Before sleeping.

   • During illness or moments of vulnerability.

   • ---------------------------

   • Tafsir from Shia Scholars: The Surahs emphasize reliance solely on Allah for protection—rejecting reliance on worldly or tyrannical powers. The repeated invocation of Allah’s titles ("Lord," "Sovereign," "God") in Surah Al-Nas reflects the importance of acknowledging Allah's dominion in all matters.

   • Additional Names and Practices in Shia Islam

   • Mushaqshaqatayn: A lesser-known name for these Surahs, referring to prayers for urgent rescue.

   • Duas and Practical Usage: According to Shia scholars like Allama Tabatabai (author of Tafsir Al-Mizan), it is highly recommended to recite Al-Mu'awwidhatayn when facing spiritual or physical challenges.

   • Philosophy of Evil: Shia thought, as elaborated by scholars such as Allama Tusi and Al-Mufid, acknowledges the existence of evil but prescribes reliance on Allah for its resolution. Both Surahs reflect this ideology by focusing on Allah's sovereignty in combating evil forces.

   • Surah Al-Falaq: Protects from external harm such as black magic, envy, and supernatural threats.

   • Surah Al-Nas: Shields against internal harm like doubts, whispers of Satan, and mental disturbances.

   • Combined (Al-Mu'awwidhatayn): Holistic spiritual and physical protection to guard against all evil forces.

   • Recommended Practice: Memorize and recite both Surahs daily, especially during times of hardship, sickness, or spiritual vulnerability.

     Summary of Benefits:

      

• Surah Al-Falaq: Protects from external harm such as black magic, envy, and supernatural threats.

• Surah Al-Nas: Shields against internal harm like doubts, whispers of Satan, and mental disturbances.

• Combined (Al-Mu'awwidhatayn): Holistic spiritual and physical protection to guard against all evil forces.

Recommended Practice: Memorize and recite both Surahs daily, especially during times of hardship, sickness, or spiritual vulnerability.

-----------------------------

The Role of Jinn in Dreams

In Shia tradition, jinn are real creatures with free will, as described in the Quran (Surah Al-Jinn, 72:1-15). However, their direct involvement in dreams is rare unless provoked by sins or actions like dabbling in magic or neglecting dhikr. Most dreams involving jinn or demons are symbolic rather than literal.

B. Misinterpretation and Mental Health

Horrific dreams might not always stem from spiritual forces; they may be linked to mental health conditions, such as:

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Flashbacks or nightmares stemming from trauma.

• Sleep Disorders: Conditions like sleep paralysis are sometimes misinterpreted as demonic possession.

Shia scholars emphasize the importance of consulting medical professionals when mental health issues are suspected, alongside spiritual remedies.

3. Practical Steps to Address Horrific Dreams

Islamic teachings provide guidance on how to handle bad dreams, including those of a demonic nature. From a Shia perspective, the following steps are recommended:

A. Immediately After the Dream

1. Seek Refuge in Allah: Recite A’udhu Billahi min ash-Shaytan-ir-Rajeem.

2. Spit Lightly to the Left Three Times: This is a Sunnah practice to ward off Shaytan's influence.

3. Refrain from Sharing the Dream: The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) advised against sharing bad dreams with others, as doing so gives them unnecessary weight (Sunan Ibn Majah).

B. Before Sleeping

1. Recite Ayat al-Kursi (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:255) for protection.

2. Recite Surah Al-Falaq (113) and Surah Al-Nas (114), which are specifically recommended for seeking refuge from harm.

3. Perform wudu' (ablution) and offer two units of prayer (Rak’ahs) before bed.

4. Recite Tasbih Fatimah: 34 times Allahu Akbar, 33 times Alhamdulillah, and 33 times Subhanallah. This practice, taught by Imam Ali (عليه السلام) and Lady Fatimah (SA), is known for bringing peace and tranquility.

5. Spiritual Resilience

6. Daily Dhikr and Quran Recitation: Strengthen your connection with Allah by consistently reciting protective verses like:

   • Surah Al-Ikhlas (112),

   • Surah Al-Falaq (113),

   • Surah Al-Nas (114).

7. Charity and Good Deeds: Acts of charity are believed to repel harm and invite divine blessings.

8. 4. Shia Spiritual Insights on Dreams

   A. Dreams as Reflections of Faith

   According to Shia scholars like Allama Tabatabai (author of Tafsir Al-Mizan), dreams often correspond to one's spiritual state. A frightening or demonic dream might signal spiritual distress, prompting the dreamer to reassess their relationship with Allah.

   B. Guidance from the Imams (عليه السلام)

   The Ahlul Bayt (عليه السلام) emphasized that not all dreams are significant. Imam Ja'far al-Sadiq (عليه السلام) is reported to have said:

   “Dreams are of three types: glad tidings from Allah, a warning from Shaytan, and thoughts from what preoccupies the mind during the day.”

   This categorization highlights that some dreams are purely psychological, while others hold spiritual meaning.

   Conclusion

   From a Shia perspective, horrific demonic dreams can stem from spiritual, psychological, or physical causes. They may reflect inner struggles, spiritual vulnerability, or external satanic influences. However, Islam provides practical steps to address such dreams:

9. Strengthen faith through prayer, Quran recitation, and remembrance of Allah.

10. Ultimately, these dreams can serve as opportunities for reflection, spiritual growth, and a renewed connection with Allah.

11. Address psychological causes by maintaining healthy sleep habits and managing stress.

12. Seek guidance from the Quran, the teachings of the Ahlul Bayt (عليه السلام), and trusted scholars when interpreting dreams.

[Ashvazdanghe]

10 hours ago, yasiin sadiq said:

I have night terrors about things so evil I'm uncomfortable talking about them. A more milder one had evil entities tearing my guts out of my stomach and eating them, and that again is a milder dream compared to what I have had! Could I be affected by jinn? If so what can I do about it? Any advise is appreciated.

Salam 

Interpretation of the dream of a torn stomach based on the narrations of the elders According to Islamic narrations, a torn stomach in a dream means sustenance and blessings. This dream may indicate the achievement of good things and a happy ending in your work and life. In other words, a torn stomach in a dream is a sign of increasing your livelihood and financial and economic prosperity. On the other hand, this dream can also indicate your commitment and perseverance towards the tasks ahead and that with effort and patience you will eventually achieve the desired result.

 

Imam Jafar Sadiq (عليه السلام) said:

The interpretation of the dream of the stomach is based on four aspects:

The place of knowledge (the center of knowledge).

System (discipline and order of affairs).

Pleasure (a happy life and livelihood).

Children.

Hazrat Daniel (عليه السلام) says:

Seeing the belly from the outside and inside is a sign of wealth and abundance.

Quranic Dream Interpretation of Torn Stomach
Note that the interpretation of dreams in Islam is based on general thoughts and concepts and personal opinions and should be examined with caution and careful analysis.
In general, a torn stomach in a dream may be a sign of grief and physical and mental problems. Among the verses of the Quran, we can mention verse 62 of Surah Az-Zumar, which says: "Indeed, Allah has knowledge of the Hour; when a class of people sighs in pain, He will say: "Serve the servant whom You have prepared for the Hour!!"
Therefore, a torn stomach in a dream may be a sign of a test and a day at the end of which we must give an account to Allah.

Of course, the interpretation of dreams depends on the personal opinion and circumstances of each person, and it is better to consult a religious or reputable scholar.

https://www.malakootiha.com/تعبیر-خواب-شکم-و-جراحی-شکم-و-دوختن-شکم-د/

https://tabirdon.ir/dream-interpretation/dream-interpretation-of-stomach-tearing

somehow negative interpretation

Quranic Interpretation of a Torn Stomach Dream
The interpretation of a torn stomach dream in Islam and the Quran refers to the importance and value of personality and personal dignity. In the Holy Quran, man as humanity is the center of all his actions. A torn stomach from the Quranic perspective can indicate a loss of honor that does not care about their lives and has lost its value.
This interpretation reminds us that we should respect our values and refrain from any action or thought that may harm ourselves and others. On the other hand, this interpretation may refer to betrayal or not promoting important and principled matters in life that can be related to a torn stomach.

Interpretation of a torn stomach dream based on the narrations of elders
According to Islamic narrations, the interpretation of a torn stomach dream cannot be interpreted in a positive way. This dream probably indicates undesirable things that occur in a person's life and may indicate separation, divorce, or family problems. As an interpreter, it is recommended that a person pay attention to actions that will resolve problems and improve their family and social relationships. Paying attention to these points can help avoid problems and misfortunes.

https://tabirdon.ir/dream-interpretation/interpretation-of-a-dream-about-a-torn-stomach

 

 

[Ashvazdanghe]

11 hours ago, yasiin sadiq said:

evil entities tearing my guts

Imam Sadiq (عليه السلام) says:

Seeing a demon in a dream has six aspects:
The enemy's home (region or country),
Corruption of religion,
Lust and desires of the soul,
Being far from obedience,
Staying away from the people of reform,
Eating something forbidden.

Interpretation of a dream about a demon
A demon is a great and cunning enemy, and the contact of a demon with a person in a dream conveys the necessity of repentance and returning to Allah Almighty. If the dreamer is victorious in the battle with the demon, his faith is true and strong. In other words, seeing a demon in a dream is our own Nafs Amarah, which we sometimes control and sometimes get out of our hands.

If we see that the demon is happy and laughing, we desire corruption and destruction, and if the demon is sad, we do good and good deeds. If the demon takes hold of us, we surrender to the desires of the soul, and if the demon is chasing us, we are tempted. If we ride or overcome the demon, we turn to righteousness.

in conclusion 

InshahaAllah you will receive Halal sustenance and blessings which some cunning people will try to fool you to spend it in Haram way but by paying attention & following what @PureExistence1 has mentioned you can overcome them inshaAllah.

[yasiin sadiq]

12 hours ago, PureExistence1 said:

B. Misinterpretation and Mental Health

Horrific dreams might not always stem from spiritual forces; they may be linked to mental health conditions, such as:

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Flashbacks or nightmares stemming from trauma.

I'm on disability for this.

 

[PureExistence1]

7 hours ago, yasiin sadiq said:

I'm on disability for this.

 

Salaam, this is definetly a tough one to have on your neck..  Im dealing with Cptsd myself. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَ تَعَالَى) help us both and everyone else who m this world has impacted, in sha Allah. (He guided us to islam so thats definitely beneficial)

[PureExistence1]

8 hours ago, yasiin sadiq said:

I'm on disability for this.

 

Salaam, have you heard of I.O.N.S.?

Heres an article on some work theyre doin in this field:

Healing Trauma While We Sleep with Lucid Dreaming

April 9, 2025

IONS Science Team

Can the sleeping mind help us process trauma to improve our well-being?

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a complex psychiatric condition triggered by traumatic events, and is often characterized by nightmares, hypervigilance, avoidance, and emotional shutdown. To overcome PTSD, we need to process the emotions and reframe the traumatic experiences in a healthy way. As you can imagine, this critical recovery process can feel incredibly difficult to do while experiencing a heightened emotional state.

Standard treatments include using Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) and Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and group support. SSRIs and SNRIs help reduce anxiety and depression experienced during PTSD by balancing the brain chemicals affecting mood, alertness, and stress. Therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and group support help patients reframe traumatic experiences, learning to view them in a less triggering and more empowering way. However, individuals may not have access to PTSD medications due to costs, stigma, or personal preference. Additionally, CBT often sees high dropout rates, with long-term recovery remaining a challenge for many patients.

For people living with PTSD, healing feels just out of reach. The heightened emotional states and even stigma can make traditional therapies feel overwhelming or inaccessible. But what if we could use the power of sleep itself to offer individuals with PTSD a new path?

How and Why Dreams Might Help

Sleep is a core process in our daily routines and is critical for rest, recovery, and our overall well-being. It is also a more complex and dynamic process than most of us may realize, and there is still much to learn in sleep research. But, we do know that one of the most unique aspects of sleeping is the REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep cycle.

During REM, the levels of stress-related chemicals like norepinephrine drop off dramatically, allowing the brain to process emotions with less reactivity. The REM cycle is also where most of our dreaming occurs. Thus, REM is a natural state that may mirror the combined effects of the common medications and therapies used to treat PTSD.

Adding another layer to this phenomenon is the concept of lucid dreaming. Lucid dreaming describes a dream in which we are aware we are dreaming and can influence the outcomes of that dream. When it comes to PTSD, this may mean we could potentially revisit painful memories from a place of safety and empowerment. Individuals suffering from PTSD may be able to process emotions and discover emotional healing—all while asleep.

Lucid Dreaming as Therapy

Several small studies have shown that dreamwork—especially lucid dreaming—can help reduce PTSD symptoms. Our standout pilot study had 49 veterans participate in an intensive 6-day lucid dreaming workshop. More than 90% reported a significant reduction in PTSD symptoms and nightmare distress, with sustained improvements at one-month follow-up.

Our new study, “Decreased PTSD symptoms following a lucid dreaming workshop: A randomized controlled study“, published in the European Journal of Trauma and Dissociation expands on that pilot study.

Researchers added a control group, which helps validate whether lucid dreaming is truly the source of improvement in individuals suffering from PTSD. Our study included both combat and non-combat adults experiencing chronic PTSD. Individuals were provided the PCL-5 checklist, which is a validated self-reporting survey tool researchers and clinicians use to measure the presence and severity of PTSD. The participants who reported experiencing PTSD were accepted into the study and randomly assigned to either an active workshop or a control group.

In the active group, participants joined a 22-hour immersive online workshop led by professionals trained in mindfulness-based psychotherapy. They practiced dream journaling, sleep hygiene, and dream incubation techniques, and received support from therapists and peers. Surveys were provided to the participants to take before and after the workshop. The results helped researchers evaluate the changes in PTSD symptoms, well-being, and dream content.

Promising Results

Nearly two-thirds of participants in the active group reported experiencing healing dreams, compared to just 38% in the control group. Participants reported that their PTSD symptoms and nightmares had decreased significantly, from well above a standard lower limit cutoff for PTSD to well below that threshold, after the weeklong workshop. Furthermore, these improvements were maintained even at a 1-month follow-up.

Researchers had also introduced a new method to investigate the intensity of lucid dreams. While the findings showed that lucid dream intensity did not directly predict PTSD symptom improvement, participants still experienced meaningful reductions in pain and distress.

These findings suggest that structured, remote, dream-based workshops can offer therapeutic value. For some individuals suffering with PTSD, the ability to explore trauma safely within a dream may feel much more empowering than revisiting it in waking life. Furthermore, people who commonly experience lucid dreaming may benefit even more from these techniques, and the workshop also appeared to help participants even when lucid dreams didn’t occur.

Looking Ahead

While more rigorous studies are needed—including those that monitor dream states in lab settings rather than relying solely on self-reported findings—this research opens new doors.

Our researchers plan to further expand the study, by refining the workshop, developing training modules for therapists, and exploring broader population samples. As the program expands, its accessibility and flexibility may make it especially promising for people facing barriers to care, whether from stigma, cost, or geographical location.

Could lucid dreaming one day become a mainstream part of trauma therapy? Perhaps. While we can’t predict the future, the research is truly promising—and as we dive deeper into exploring the potential of the dreaming mind, we may continue uncovering powerful, more accessible avenues for healing.

Read the publication this blog is based upon

 

[123xo]

Sorry OP. 

Does anyone know what it means to constantly dream about a specific person but in every dream you don't get to see them but always waiting to see them or only talking about them and mentioning their name without their physical presence in the dream? 

 

[PureExistence1]

2 hours ago, 123xo said:

Sorry OP. 

Does anyone know what it means to constantly dream about a specific person but in every dream you don't get to see them but always waiting to see them or only talking about them and mentioning their name without their physical presence in the dream? 

 

Salaam sis, 

I have no idea what it means, but I'm 49 now and when I was a teenager, I totally was hung up on this particular musician that eventually in my mid twenties I got a chance to hang out with for many days, totaling up to a month over the course of 4 years, so I'd already actually met and hung out with this person, but ever since then I've been plagued by dreams of me trying to find him or I will go to a concert and be trying to like get backstage and I can't get there or I'm supposed to be meeting him and something keeps preventing me from getting there or a whole bunch of other scenarios. I have no idea what this means for me or for you, lol.. for me, it's probably my brain or my soul trying to separate myself from him or show me that that's not  what's good for me.

I haven't listened to that music in 15 years and I completely dropped that part of my life when I converted so I have no idea why this thing with him and dreams continues on. I would really rather they quit, lol! I don't have these types of dreams about anybody else.

Alhamdulilah,  this musicians turned back to his Christian roots which is great for him. At times when I accidentally come across something in the news about him, I will actually toy with the idea of getting in contact with him again and having a serious talk with him because back when I hung out with him, the talk was very service level and stupid stuff but now, I would be talking with him about important issues, such as religion, reality, and possibly his stance on certain world affairs. I mean the guys a lot older now. In February he turned 77 so I would expect a more in-depth conversation, but I've never attempted to establish contact again. 

 

[123xo]

15 hours ago, PureExistence1 said:

Salaam sis, 

I have no idea what it means, but I'm 49 now and when I was a teenager, I totally was hung up on this particular musician that eventually in my mid twenties I got a chance to hang out with for many days, totaling up to a month over the course of 4 years, so I'd already actually met and hung out with this person, but ever since then I've been plagued by dreams of me trying to find him or I will go to a concert and be trying to like get backstage and I can't get there or I'm supposed to be meeting him and something keeps preventing me from getting there or a whole bunch of other scenarios. I have no idea what this means for me or for you, lol.. for me, it's probably my brain or my soul trying to separate myself from him or show me that that's not  what's good for me.

I haven't listened to that music in 15 years and I completely dropped that part of my life when I converted so I have no idea why this thing with him and dreams continues on. I would really rather they quit, lol! I don't have these types of dreams about anybody else.

Alhamdulilah,  this musicians turned back to his Christian roots which is great for him. At times when I accidentally come across something in the news about him, I will actually toy with the idea of getting in contact with him again and having a serious talk with him because back when I hung out with him, the talk was very service level and stupid stuff but now, I would be talking with him about important issues, such as religion, reality, and possibly his stance on certain world affairs. I mean the guys a lot older now. In February he turned 77 so I would expect a more in-depth conversation, but I've never attempted to establish contact again. 

 

Wa alaikum assalaam sis,  

Thank you so much for sharing that, what an incredibly interesting and unique experience. SubhanAllah, it's fascinating how certain people or moments from our past can linger in our hearts and minds, even long after we’ve moved on from that chapter of our lives. Dreams especially can feel so persistent and confusing at times.

I pray that Allah grants you complete closure if that’s what you truly want, and that He brings peace and clarity to your heart. And if it’s better for you to be freed from these lingering thoughts and dreams, and gently remove them from your mind and replace them with ease, contentment, and focus on what truly matters now in your life. Ameen.

May Allah continue to guide and protect you always, sis.

xo

Edited April 17, 2025 by 123xo

[PureExistence1]

@123xo

Salaam and thanks for your kind words, i wish the same for you!