Introduction: The Language of the Soul in the World of Dreams In the depths of night, when bodies rest and sounds subside, souls embark on a unique journey to a realm governed neither by the laws of physics nor the logic of wakefulness; it is the world of dreams. This world is not merely fleeting fantasies but a symbolic stage where our deepest preoccupations, fears, and hopes are displayed. The symbol in a dream is the language of the subconscious mind, the tool it uses to translate our suppressed emotions and daily experiences into images and scenes with profound meanings. Early scholars, foremost among them the masters of interpretation, recognized that these symbols are not random but keys to understanding the self and revealing what fate holds. A disturbing nightmare, which leaves us breathless and our hearts pounding violently, is not just a fleeting nocturnal event but an encrypted message from our depths, carrying echoes of our anxiety and stress in real life. In this article, we will delve into this complex relationship, guided by the beacon of traditional knowledge from Ibn Sirin, Al-Nabulsi, and Ibn Shaheen, with a touch of modern psychological understanding, to decipher the nightmares that plague our sleep. General Interpretation of Nightmares and Their Relationship to Anxiety (Disturbing Visions) A nightmare, or what is known in tradition as a "disturbing dream" or "confused dreams" (Adghath Ahlam), is a phenomenon that has preoccupied interpreters due to the psychological burden it places on the dreamer. It is a direct reflection of inner turmoil, anxiety, and fear that a person experiences in their waking life. Interpreters have agreed that most nightmares are embodiments of the soul's concerns, even if they differed in the details of their connotations. The Perspective of Imam Ibn Sirin Imam Muhammad Ibn Sirin, in his book "Muntakhab al-Kalam fi Tafsir al-Ahlam" (A Selection of Discourse on Dream Interpretation), states that disturbing dreams are divided into three main types: a vision from Allah, which is good tidings; a vision resulting from what a person thinks about in their waking state, reflecting their thoughts and anxieties; and a dream from Satan to sadden humankind. Ibn Sirin considers that nightmares involving violent screaming, pursuit by monsters, or falling into terrifying situations often fall into the third category, aiming to instill fear and distress and not necessarily carrying an interpretation. He advises the dreamer to seek refuge with Allah from them and not recount them to anyone. However, he acknowledges that some disturbing dreams might be a warning of an lurking enemy, a warning against committing a sin, or an indication of impending sorrow and distress. Anxiety and stress in reality, from his perspective, open a door for Satan to tamper with a person's sleep, or directly reflect what the dreamer fears and preoccupies their mind. The Perspective of Sheikh Abd al-Ghani al-Nabulsi Sheikh Al-Nabulsi, in his book "Ta'tir al-Anam fi Ta'bir al-Manam" (Perfuming Humanity with Dream Interpretation), expands the scope of interpretation, not limiting it solely to the satanic aspect. He believes that a nightmare can be a symbolic embodiment of a negative real-life event. Feeling distressed and suffocated in a dream might indicate debts burdening the dreamer or worries surrounding them. Being chased might symbolize a claim for a right or fear of an unjust authority. Al-Nabulsi closely links the details of the nightmare to the dreamer's life, considering anxiety not just a cause of the nightmare but its main theme. Thus, someone anxious about their livelihood might see symbols of poverty and hunger in their dream. And someone afraid of illness might see symbols of weakness and frailty. For Al-Nabulsi, a nightmare is a magnifying mirror of waking concerns, presented by the psyche to the dreamer in symbolic form to urge them to seek solutions. The Perspective of Khalil bin Shaheen Al-Dhahiri Ibn Shaheen, in his book "Al-Isharat fi Ilm al-Ibarat" (Pointers in the Science of Interpretations), agrees with his predecessors on the general principle but adds an interpretive dimension focusing on inner conflict. He believes that many nightmares stem from the dreamer's struggle with themselves, between their desires and conscience, or between their faith and doubts. The monster chasing the dreamer in a dream might not be an external enemy but an overwhelming desire or a negative trait the dreamer tries to suppress. The feeling of paralysis or inability to scream in a nightmare, for him, symbolizes the inability to confront a problem in reality or express an opinion. Ibn Shaheen considers that anxiety and stress generate these internal conflicts, which in turn manifest as terrifying nightmares, as if the dream is screaming what the tongue cannot utter in wakefulness. Most Common Nightmare Symbols Resulting from Anxiety and Their Traditional Interpretation Certain symbols frequently recur in the nightmares of individuals experiencing stress, and ancient interpreters have elaborated on their meanings. 1. The Dream of Being Chased and Escaping This is one of the most common nightmares and is directly linked to feelings of threat and psychological pressure. Ibn Sirin's Interpretation: He believes that being chased in a dream indicates fear and anxiety about something in reality. If the pursuer is a known enemy, the matter is as it appears. If it is a ferocious animal, it symbolizes a fierce enemy or an oppressive ruler. If the pursuer is unknown, it symbolizes general worries and calamities. Escaping and surviving implies overcoming anxiety and triumphing over enemies, while being caught by the pursuer indicates falling into the problem the dreamer fears. Al-Nabulsi's Interpretation: Al-Nabulsi adds that being chased might indicate a demand for a debt or a right. Escaping death implies the approach of one's term for the sick. And escaping someone who wishes you well indicates rejecting a blessing or advice. For him, being chased is not always evil; its interpretation depends on the identity of the pursuer and the dreamer's situation. Ibn Shaheen's Interpretation: Ibn Shaheen emphasizes that escaping an enemy indicates safety from their harm. If the dreamer is chasing something and cannot catch it, they are pursuing something unattainable. For him, pursuit symbolizes striving and fear, and the outcome in the dream (survival or capture) is a reflection of the outcome of the endeavor in reality. 2. The Dream of Falling from a High Place This dream is associated with loss of control, fear of failure, and instability in life. Ibn Sirin's Interpretation: He considers falling to be generally a bad symbol, indicating a change of state from good to bad. Falling from a mountain or a high roof might signify losing a position, prestige, or wealth. It could also mean failing to achieve a goal or falling into sin. The only exception is falling into a good place like a mosque or a garden, which might indicate a transformation towards good after evil. Al-Nabulsi's Interpretation: He believes that falling indicates despair and hopelessness, or moving from one place to a worse one. It might also indicate a negative change in behavior or religion. Falling on one's face is considered worse and signifies loss and disappointment. Ibn Shaheen's Interpretation: Ibn Shaheen confirms that falling for someone in a position of authority means their removal, and for a merchant, their loss. Generally, it indicates anxiety about the future and fear of losing what one possesses, whether material or intangible like social status. 3. The Dream of Falling Teeth This dream is often associated with anxiety about family and relatives, or the fear of loss and death. Ibn Sirin's Interpretation: He is the most renowned for detailing this symbol. He believes that teeth represent the dreamer's household and relatives. The upper teeth are the men on the father's side, and the lower teeth are the women on the mother's side. The canine tooth is the master of his household, and the incisor (or bicuspid) is his cousin. Their falling indicates the death of the person represented by that tooth, or their long absence. If they fall into his lap or hand without seeing them, it is good fortune, wealth, or the birth of a male child. However, their falling with pain and blood signifies worry, sorrow, and calamity among family members. Al-Nabulsi's Interpretation: Al-Nabulsi agrees that teeth represent family but adds that their falling might indicate settling a debt or fulfilling a covenant. It might also signify a long life for the dreamer if all of them fall and are seen as a group. Ibn Shaheen's Interpretation: He believes that falling teeth might indicate enmity and strife among relatives. If they fall without pain, it might signify the invalidity of the dreamer's deeds. Their falling with blood indicates sin and severing kinship ties. Modern Psychological Interpretation: The Nightmare as a Safety Valve for the Mind From a modern psychological perspective, nightmares are not so much mystical messages as they are a complex biological and psychological process. When we experience constant anxiety and stress throughout the day, our minds work to process these negative emotions during the rapid eye movement (REM) sleep stage. A nightmare is essentially a failed attempt by the brain to regulate these emotions. The amygdala, responsible for fear responses, is highly active during nightmares, leading to the reenactment of threat and danger scenarios. In this sense, recurrent nightmares about a specific theme (such as failure or being chased) indicate an unresolved internal conflict or chronic anxiety that has not been confronted in reality. It is the mind's way of telling us: "There's a problem here that needs your attention." They act as an alarm bell, prompting us to deal with the sources of our anxiety instead of ignoring them. Interpretation of Nightmares According to the Dreamer's Social Status The interpretation of a disturbing dream varies according to the dreamer's circumstances; what it means for a single woman may differ from that for a married woman or a man. For the Single Woman Nightmares in a single woman's dream often reflect her fears of an unknown future, marriage, and loneliness. Being chased might symbolize a suitor she doesn't desire, or her fear of people's gossip. Falling might represent her apprehension about a failed romantic relationship or falling into a sin that harms her reputation. Falling teeth might express her anxiety for her family or her fear of aging without marriage. The three interpreters agree that these visions are embodiments of her psychological preoccupations related to her social status. For the Married Woman A married woman's nightmares revolve around the stability of her home and her relationship with her husband and children. Being chased might symbolize marital problems or financial pressures hounding the family. Falling might reflect her fear of her marital relationship collapsing or her failure in raising her children. Falling teeth, as mentioned by Ibn Sirin and Al-Nabulsi, are directly linked to her anxiety for her husband, children, and family. The nightmare here is a warning for her to pay attention to her home or merely a reflection of her excessive concern for them. For the Pregnant Woman Nightmares increase for pregnant women due to hormonal changes and natural anxiety about the birthing process and the responsibility of motherhood. Interpreters believe that most of these dreams are "self-talk" resulting from her fears. Falling represents her fear of miscarriage, being chased symbolizes the pains of labor she is trying to escape, and seeing blood or monsters might be an expression of her anxiety about the fetus's health. These nightmares are often a release of negative energy and do not carry bad future implications. For the Divorced Woman A divorced woman's nightmares reflect feelings of injustice, loneliness, and fear of the future after separation. Being chased might symbolize her problems with her ex-husband or society's view of her. Falling represents her feeling of collapse and loss of security after divorce. Nightmares, in general, are an echo of her psychological trauma and her need for support and a fresh start. Ibn Shaheen might see these dreams as an impetus for her to confront her internal conflicts and move past the past. For the Man A man's nightmares are often linked to his professional and financial pressures and responsibilities. Being chased might signify debts demanding his attention, competitors at work, or fear of failure. Falling from a high place symbolizes his apprehension about losing his position or authority, as indicated by Ibn Sirin. Falling teeth might reflect his anxiety for his family he supports or problems with his business partners. For a man, a nightmare is a mirror of his daily battleground in pursuit of livelihood and self-affirmation. Modern Interpretations of Nightmares by Traditional Analogy With changing lifestyles, new symbols have appeared in our dreams. By using the rule of "analogy" (Qiyas), which relies on connecting a modern symbol to something similar in function from ancient times, we can understand them from a traditional perspective. The Dream of Failing an Exam: This dream is very common and reflects anxiety about performance and fear of others' judgment. By analogy, an exam resembles "accountability" or a "test" before a judge or ruler. Failing it, according to Ibn Sirin, would be evidence of failing to bear responsibility or falling short in performing religious or worldly duties. Being Chased by a Car: A car is a fast mode of transportation, analogous to "horses" or "vehicles" in ancient times. Being chased by a car symbolizes a modern problem or pressure that is accelerating and pursuing the dreamer rapidly, such as credit card debts or ceaseless modern work demands. Losing a Mobile Phone: A phone is a modern means of communication, analogous to a "messenger," "news," or "kinship ties." Losing it in a dream symbolizes feelings of isolation, interruption of important news, or fear of losing contact with loved ones, which Al-Nabulsi might interpret as a severance or loss of an important connection in the dreamer's life. Conclusion: The Nightmare is Not an Enemy, But a Guide In conclusion, it is clear that a nightmare is not merely a terrifying nocturnal specter but a deep symbolic language, a bridge connecting our conscious world full of pressures with our subconscious world that seeks balance. Whether we view it through the lens of esteemed interpreters like Ibn Sirin, Al-Nabulsi, and Ibn Shaheen, who saw in it a warning and a sign, or through the perspective of modern psychology, which sees it as an attempt by the mind to process anxiety, the message is one: there is something in our lives that demands attention. Understanding these messages and confronting the sources of stress in our waking lives is the way to transform our restless nights into peaceful sleep and lasting inner tranquility. For an accurate and detailed interpretation of your vision based on your real life, download the RuyaAI dream interpretation app from the following link ( https://ruya-ai.com/download ) . Definitive Answers to What Most Concerns the Dreamer According to the Traditional Method - Part One: Top 10 Questions and Their Brief Answers 1. Is Every Disturbing Nightmare from Satan? No, Ibn Sirin divided visions into three types: from Allah (good tidings), from Satan (to cause sadness), and self-talk (a reflection of anxiety). Nightmares often fall into the latter two categories. 2. What Does It Mean to See a Deceased Person Chasing Me in a Dream? According to Al-Nabulsi and Ibn Shaheen, it might indicate the dreamer's shortcoming regarding the deceased person (such as a debt or a prayer), or that the dreamer is following a wrong path that the deceased warned them against during their lifetime. 3. I Dreamt I Was Falling But Didn't Reach the Ground, What Is Its Interpretation? It indicates going through a severe crisis or anxiety, but it will not lead to a complete disaster. It is a phase of instability and hesitation that will pass peacefully, God willing, known as "hanging between heaven and earth." 4. Does the Interpretation of a Nightmare Necessarily Come True? No, a disturbing vision is often a warning or a psychological release. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) guided that whoever sees something they dislike should seek refuge with Allah, spit to their left, and not mention it to anyone, for it will not harm them. 5. I Repeatedly Have the Same Nightmare of Being Chased, What Does That Signify? Repetition, according to all interpreters, confirms the existence of a real and persistent problem in the dreamer's life that has not yet been resolved, whether it is an lurking enemy, an unpaid debt, or a worry they haven't rid themselves of. 6. Does Screaming in a Nightmare Change Its Interpretation? Yes, Ibn Sirin believes that screaming in a dream indicates the occurrence of a calamity or a tribulation. If the screaming is accompanied by slapping or tearing clothes, the matter is considered even worse. 7. I Saw All My Teeth Fall into My Hand Without Pain, Is This Bad? On the contrary, this is one of the praised visions regarding falling teeth. Ibn Sirin and Al-Nabulsi interpret it as a long life for the dreamer, exceeding that of their peers, or that they will acquire much wealth or a large offspring. 8. What is the Difference Between a Dream Before Dawn and Other Dreams? Interpreters believe that visions occurring during the time of Sahar (before dawn) are the most truthful and closest to realization, while dreams in the early part of the night are often from self-talk or Satan. 9. I Dreamt I Was Unable to Move or Speak in a Nightmare, What Does It Mean? This dream, according to Ibn Shaheen, symbolizes the dreamer's feeling of helplessness in facing their real-life problems, or that they are bound by restrictions preventing them from achieving their goals, and it may indicate a hindrance to their affairs. 10. To Whom Should I Recount a Nightmare I Had? Prophetic and traditional guidance advises against recounting a disturbing dream to anyone. If it must be told, it should be recounted to a knowledgeable advisor or a compassionate loved one, and it is forbidden to tell it to an enemy or an ignorant person, as they might interpret it negatively and thus cause it to occur.