Evidence Value of Dream and “Istihare”

Dream is a phenomenon come into existence with the first man and attracts people from ancient times. Although it was the subject of researches of early times, the biological content, functioning and causality of dreams could not be completely understood. Dream is divided into three types as divine, satanic and physiological in Islamic literature. 1. Divine dream: It is a dream that shown by Allah to his servants. This dream is also called; a loyal dream, a good dream, mubessirat/evangelist. 2. Satanic dream: These are complex dreams that result from delusions of Satan. Such dreams are also called, hulüm, edğâsü ahlâm and a liar’s dream. 3. Psychological dream: These are dreamed by the influence of imagination and illusion and outer effects during the sleeping and daily routines. These could be also called subconscious dreams. The prophets’ dreams are evidence because they have a divine inspiration quality and also the people who believe in Allah must accept these dreams. The dreams of anyone apart from the Prophets are not evidence in fiqh because the evidences which base on the provisions must be far from any subjectivity, they must be objective and regular and must be measured by scholarly principles.

Hence it could not be exactly judged that according to a dream which cannot been offered with the scholarly principles and all the time is open to the effect of satan or physiological or psychological impact. And also it could not been established rules on these kinds of dreams. For the subjects which are not related with the base of religion and provision we can benefit from the encouraging and telling good news dreams. Distracting and scary dreams should not be taken into consideration. This practice known as “İstihâre” is based on a dream to be believed. However istihare is a pray to Allah for anything which is legitimate and permissible decided after the necessary research and consultation, if it is beneficent, pray for Allah to simplify and predestine or if not, pray for Allah to not predestine. The “İstihâre” does not mean a sign, inspiration and dream coming from Allah. Instead, it is a prayer after doing necessary research and consultation.