Between "Fulfilling the Trust" and "Inner Rectitude"... A Comprehensive Encyclopedia 1. Introduction: Prayer as a Symbol of Cosmic Connection Prayer in reality is a connection between the servant and his Lord; in a dream, it is the spiritual "thermometer" measuring the heat of faith and health of the psyche. It is the only symbol combining "Fear" (of God) and "Hope" (in His mercy). When a person sees themselves praying in a dream, their subconscious and spirit unite in a moment of detachment. The vision might be a message of "affirmation" for the righteous, a "warning" for the heedless, or "good tidings" for the distressed. Prayer gains its complex meanings from minute details: Did you complete it? Were you pure? Where did you face? In this massive reference, we decode the Mihrab (Prayer Niche), relying on Ibn Sirin (who linked prayer to completing matters), Al-Nabulsi (who linked it to fulfilling covenants), and Ibn Shaheen (who scrutinized direction and form), to provide a complete guide to your prayer in the unseen world. 2. General Interpretation (Perspective of the Three Scholars) The three scholars agree that prayer is the "Pillar of Religion" in dreams as in wakefulness, generally indicating goodness unless its pillars are deficient. Ibn Sirin (Imam of Completion): Establishes the rule of "Completion." He says: "Whoever sees that he completed his prayer, his requested matter is completed, and he attains what he hopes for." Prayer for him is "Fulfilling the Trust," repaying debt, and avoiding indecency. Obligatory prayer (Fard) symbolizes unavoidable duties (like Hajj), while Voluntary prayer (Sunnah) symbolizes extra good and caring for orphans. Praying without knowing how much one prayed indicates worry. Al-Nabulsi (Knower of Signs): Links prayer to "Promises and Covenants." Whoever performs it has fulfilled God's right and people's rights. He sees temporal and spatial significance; Congregational prayer is "Unity in Goodness," and Leading (Imam) is "Responsibility." He adds: "Praying in a garden is seeking forgiveness; praying in a dump is committing indecency." Ibn Shaheen (Scrutinizer of Form): Focuses on "Direction and Conditions." The key is the "Qibla." Deviating from it is deviating from religion. Praying without Ablution (Wudu) is pursuing a matter that won't complete (like trade without capital). He distinguishes between Day Prayer (Publicity/Clarity) and Night Prayer (Privacy/Supplication). 3. Detailed Nuances: The Five Prayers (Time Significance) This section is the core of precise interpretation: Fajr (Dawn): "New Beginnings" and disappearance of darkness. Promises imminent relief. Dhuhr (Noon): "Manifestation" and glory. Attaining rights and clarifying ambiguous matters. Also signifies sincere repentance. Asr (Afternoon): "The Oath." Indicates the matter is nearing its end (little remains). Hardship followed by ease. Maghrib (Sunset): "Conclusion." May indicate finishing a task or rest after fatigue. For the sick, it could mean death (sunset of life) or full recovery (end of disease). Isha (Night): "Rest and Stillness." Caring for family affairs, covering/protection, or preparation for travel/marriage. 4. Positive Interpretation: Prostration and Humility Prostration (Sujood): The ultimate closeness. Whoever prostrates to God, their life is prolonged, they conquer their enemy, and sins are forgiven. Congregation (Jama'ah): Aligned rows indicate abundant praise (Tasbih). It means the dreamer is a leader or participates in collective good. Supplication (Du'a): Supplication after prayer is answered, especially if facing the Qibla. Ablution + Prayer: "Light upon Light." Exiting worries just as the body exits filth. 5. Negative Interpretation: Deviation and Deficiency Wrong Qibla (Consensus): Turning one's back to Qibla is rejecting Islam or committing major sins. Deviating left/right is following innovation (Bid'ah). Being lost regarding Qibla means confusion in life. Without Ablution (Ibn Sirin): A merchant without capital, a leader without obedience. A "corrupt" deed with no fruit. Interrupting Prayer: Severing kinship, retracting repentance, or breaking an engagement. Laughing: Mocking religion or excessive heedlessness. 6. Interpretation by Dreamer's State Single: Istikhara means a destined marriage. Imam represents a future husband she will follow. Fajr is academic/career success. Married: Prayer at home is blessing/stability. Cutting prayer is negligence towards the husband or menstruation (temporary halt). Du'a opens provision for the husband. Pregnant: Standing prayer shows health. Du'a is safety for the newborn. Divorced: New Qibla is facing a new life. Mosque is legal victory. Man: Leading well is high office/justice. Friday Prayer is profitable travel and debt repayment. 7. Psychological Analysis (Freud & Jung) Freud (Superego): Prayer is the Superego attempting to cleanse the Ego of repressed guilt. Crying in prayer is discharging remorse. Jung (The Self): Prayer represents connection to "The Self," the center of the psyche. It's a strive for Wholeness. Facing Qibla symbolizes "Orientation" and focus amidst chaos. Behavioral: Prayer is a "Safe Haven" reducing anxiety during stress. 8. Complex Visions Praying while Riding: Intense fear or urgent matter. Also, beneficial travel. Eating Honey in Prayer: Intercourse while fasting (forbidden) or mixing religion with lust. Naked Prayer: If private parts covered: Asceticism/Hajj. If fully exposed: Scandal in religion or heresy. Woman Leading Men: Disliked; implies her death (she leads men only in her funeral) or systemic corruption. 9. Stories from Heritage A man told Ibn Sirin: "I saw myself praying Dhuhr and Asr together." Ibn Sirin said: "You are hastening to pay a debt or will travel." Another saw himself praying towards a non-Qibla direction. Ibn Sirin said: "Check your heart; you may harbor betrayal or desire opposing Sharia." 10. Modern Interpretations Phone Prayer: Seeking religious knowledge remotely. Forgetting Prayer at Work: Materialism overtaking spirituality. Prayer Rug: Personal space; clean means a pure private life. 11. Actionable Advice Prayer of Gratitude: If you prayed completely in the dream, pray two Raka'at in reality. Correction: If you prayed wrong, check your worship and income immediately. Charity: The best response to "connection" (Salah) is charity. 12. Conclusion Prayer in dreams is not just physical movement; it is the "Dreamer's Identity." Ibn Sirin teaches "Completion" is success, Al-Nabulsi reminds of "Covenant," and Ibn Shaheen points to the "Compass" (Qibla). If you prayed, God called you. If completed, you won. If deficient, repair in wakefulness what was broken in the dream.