Exploring the Depths of Dreams About Existential Crises and Time

Dreams about experiencing an existential crisis can often leave us feeling perplexed and disoriented upon waking. These dreams may reflect profound feelings of uncertainty about our roles in life, purpose, and the concept of time itself. Such dreams often arise during periods of introspection or significant life changes, prompting deep thoughts about our existence and the ticking clock of life.

Within the framework of Islamic teachings, dreams hold deep spiritual significance, serving as pathways to self-understanding and divine messages. By exploring these dreams founded on Ibni Sirin’s traditions, we can better access the profound insights that lie beneath our subconscious concerns about time and fulfillment. Examining how the eternal and fleeting nature of time manifests in our nightly visions can lead us to clarity and peace.

• Dreams of an existential crisis often reflect inner turmoil and uncertainty about one's purpose.
• Time in dreams symbolizes the pressures and constraints we feel in waking life.
• Exploring these dreams can lead to deeper self-discovery and understanding of our path.
• Engaging with one's feelings during these dreams is crucial for emotional healing.
• Consultation with knowledgeable individuals can enhance understanding of these profound dreams.

Symbols

• duration
  • Transient:

    (Dwellings; House; Interim; Loan; Temporary)

  • Watch:

    (Timepiece; Wristwatch. See Clock)

  • Calendar year:

    (Age; Period; Time) In a dream, ayear represents drought, doubt, difficulties, threats, scientific advancement, trials, temptations. If one identifies a year in a dream, during a drought season, it means a good harvest. As for a pregnant woman, identifying ayear in a dream means delivering her child.

    Seeing a year in a dream means experiencing an adversity, or witnessing someone else’s trials and learning a lesson from it, or to repent of one’s own sins. Yearning for one’s homeland:

• existential
  • Recognize:

    (Doubt) In a dream, uncertainty means heedlessness or being allured by Satan. Uncertainty and doubt about all religions in a dream represents adjuration and ingratitude. If a person who is concerned about religious explanations sees himself unable to recognize what faith he belongs to, or what direction to turn to in a dream, it represents doubt and lack of knowledge or certitude.

    If a seeker or a student on the path sees himself searching at no avail for a place to pray in a dream, it represents a blocking on his path, or obstruction of his learning. As for a merchant, uncertainty in a dream represents obstacles hindering his efforts from receiving any significant benefits from his business. Uncle’s beard: Holding one’s uncle’s beard in a dream means inheriting him through unlawful means.

  • Despondency:
  • Discouraged:
• experiencing
  • Talbiyyah:

    ( arb . Talbiyah ) Responding to a call, or uttering and repeating a formula “Labbaika Allahumma Labbaik,” during the pilgrimage season in a dream means that one will capture his enemy and bring him to justice. Loud answering to a call in a dream means complaining before a judge, and winning the case thereafter.

  • Eyewitness:

    (Eyewitness; Legitimacy; Testify; Truth) An eyewitness in a dream means triumphing over one’s enemy, testifying to the truth and refuting falsehood. If one sees himself as a true signing witness to an agreement in a dream, it means that he will triumph over his enemies. If one sees himself witnessing a contract or putting his seal on a testimony in a dream, it means that he will loan money to the second party in the contract.

    If one sees himself bearing a true testimony before someone and against the other in a dream, it means that he will attend the pilgrimage in Mecca.

  • Inspector:

    (Touch) In a dream, examining means spying, eavesdropping or paying attention to a conversation one should not listen to.

• period
  • Zucchini:

    £uhur: (arb. See Five time prayers)

  • Calendar year:

    (Age; Period; Time) In a dream, ayear represents drought, doubt, difficulties, threats, scientific advancement, trials, temptations. If one identifies a year in a dream, during a drought season, it means a good harvest. As for a pregnant woman, identifying ayear in a dream means delivering her child.

    Seeing a year in a dream means experiencing an adversity, or witnessing someone else’s trials and learning a lesson from it, or to repent of one’s own sins. Yearning for one’s homeland:

  • Watch:

    (Timepiece; Wristwatch. See Clock)

• crisis
  • Roaring:

    (Clamor) In a dream, roaring means witnessing social disorder, a public outcry, participating in a religious festival, or in an important event that involves the interest of all people.

  • Calamity:

    (Catastrophe; Destiny; Fate; Kismet) In a dream, calamity represents the opposite effect in real life, meaning: rejoicing after suffering from great distress.

  • Clamor:

    (Noise; Roaring; Hubbub) In adream, it means witnessingsocial disorder, a public outcry or participating in a religious festival or an important public event that will attract the interest ofpeople from all walks of life.

• encountering
  • Wanted:

    (Claim; Search; Wanted) In a dream, pursuit means one’s destiny, or death. If one sees himself wanted by his enemy in a dream, it means that he may die shortly. On the other hand, pursuit in a dream also could represent things that foster one’s pride, such as knowledge, schooling, degrees, money, or work.

    If one sees himself pursued by someone in a dream, it means sorrow and distress. Pursuit in a dream also represents one’s goal in life. If one is not a fugitive, then to see himself wanted in a dream means appeasement of his fears.

    If one sees an ugly looking person searching for him in a dream, he then represents an unwanted catastrophe, or a mishap. If one is caught by his claimant, then it means increase of his fears. If one sees himself pursuing something, or seeking to get something in a dream, it means that he will attain his goal or at least a part of it.

  • Hereafter:

    If one sees himself entering the heavenly paradise in a dream, then his dream represents glad tidings that God willing, he shall enter it. If a pilgrim sees himself entering paradise in a dream, it means that his pilgrimage is accepted or that he will reach God’s House in Mecca. If he lacks faith in God Almighty, it means that he will become a believer.

    If a believer who is bed- stricken sees himself entering paradise in a dream, it means that he will die of his illness. If a non-believer who is bed-stricken sees himself entering paradise in a dream, it means that he will recover from his illness. If he is unwed, it means that he will get married.

    If he is poor, it means that he will become rich or receive an inheritance. If a sick person sees himself in the abode of the hereafter healthy again in a dream, it means that he will reach it free from the ills of this world, its adversities and temptations. If he is not sick, then entering the realms of the hereafter means glad tidings, business success, a pilgrimage, ascetic detachment from this world, sincere devotion, acquiring knowledge, strengthening of one’s kinship or exercising patience toward a calamity which derives from one’s own sins.

    If one sees himself entering the abode of the hereafter to visit and see around, and should he be a person of good deeds and character who is a capable person and who acts upon his knowledge, it means that he will be without work or suffer from business losses. If he is scared of something, or if he is accused of something, or if he is under stress, it means that his fears will dissipate. Mostly, entering the abode of the hereafter in a dream means travels or migration from one’s homeland.

    Thus, if one sees himself returning from a journey to the hereafter in a dream, it means that he will return to his homeland. Entering paradise in a dream means a pilgrimage to God’s House in Mecca.

  • Highway:

    (Astray; Error; Lost) Walking on a straight highway and still losing one’s way in a dream means deviating from the path of truth. If the road in the dream is twisted or curved, then it means allurement, trespassing, misguidance, or erring from God’s path, or it could mean seeking a way out of error. If one is lost in the dream, it means that he will become heedless, and if he finds his way thereafter, it means that he will receive someone’s guidance and accept it.

    Waning of one’s wealth:

• catastrophe
  • Calamity:

    (Catastrophe; Destiny; Fate; Kismet) In a dream, calamity represents the opposite effect in real life, meaning: rejoicing after suffering from great distress.

  • Fate:

    (Catastrophe; Destiny; Fate; Kismet) In a dream, calamity represents the opposite effect in real life, meaning: rejoicing after suffering from great distress.

  • Kismet:

    (Catastrophe; Destiny; Fate; Kismet) In a dream, calamity represents the opposite effect in real life, meaning: rejoicing after suffering from great distress.

• emergency
  • Celerity:

    (Celerity; Haste; Hastiness; Quick pace) Walking with dispatch, or with a quick pace in Mecca or in any town in a dream means victory over one’s enemy. Celerity in a dream also represents haste, or the dispatch through which one leaves this world. Moving with a quick pace in a dream also means loss of one’s position, or it could mean attending the pilgrimage season in Mecca.

  • Haste:

    (Celerity; Haste; Hastiness; Quick pace) Walking with dispatch, or with a quick pace in Mecca or in any town in a dream means victory over one’s enemy. Celerity in a dream also represents haste, or the dispatch through which one leaves this world. Moving with a quick pace in a dream also means loss of one’s position, or it could mean attending the pilgrimage season in Mecca.

  • Quick pace:

    (Celerity; Haste; Hastiness; Quick pace) Walking with dispatch, or with a quick pace in Mecca or in any town in a dream means victory over one’s enemy. Celerity in a dream also represents haste, or the dispatch through which one leaves this world. Moving with a quick pace in a dream also means loss of one’s position, or it could mean attending the pilgrimage season in Mecca.

• undergoing
  • Search:
  • Searching for someone:
  • Inspector:

    (Touch) In a dream, examining means spying, eavesdropping or paying attention to a conversation one should not listen to.

• philosophical
  • Physiognomy:

    (Acumen; Astute; Discrimination; Physiognomy; Prophesying) If one finds himself capable of perceiving matters with astute sense, or to discrimi¬ nate things with a clear mental keenness, or to even explain the future, or to prophesy, or to know what is hidden in a dream, it means that he will acquire all what is good, and that God Almighty will protect him so that no harm, or evil will ever touch him. Perspicacity in a dream also represents goodness and salvation.

  • Acumen:

    (Acumen; Astute; Discrimination; Physiognomy; Prophesying) If one finds himself capable of perceiving matters with astute sense, or to discrimi¬ nate things with a clear mental keenness, or to even explain the future, or to prophesy, or to know what is hidden in a dream, it means that he will acquire all what is good, and that God Almighty will protect him so that no harm, or evil will ever touch him. Perspicacity in a dream also represents goodness and salvation.

  • Telling the future:

    (Acumen; Astute; Discrimination; Physiognomy; Prophesying) If one finds himself capable of perceiving matters with astute sense, or to discrimi¬ nate things with a clear mental keenness, or to even explain the future, or to prophesy, or to know what is hidden in a dream, it means that he will acquire all what is good, and that God Almighty will protect him so that no harm, or evil will ever touch him. Perspicacity in a dream also represents goodness and salvation.

• ontological
  • Sea:

    (Government) The element of ocean in a dream represents a prison where sea lives are incarcerated, and it means losses, fear, despair, limitless knowledge, a city without walls, or the world, its trials and wonders. An ocean or a sea in a dream also represents a strong ruler who is just, compassionate toward his subjects and whom people revere, have access to, and seek for their daily needs. If a businessman sees an ocean in a dream, it represents his merchandise.

    As for a worker or an apprentice, the ocean in a dream represents his veteran teacher or master. If one sees the ocean in a dream, it means that he will succeed in his goals. If one sees himself entering into the ocean or sea in a dream, it means that he will enter before a ruler, or stand before someone in authority.

    If one sees himself sitting or lounging at the sea shore in a dream, it means that he will work for such a person or a ruler, though he will be observing caution and diplomacy with him. If one sees himself drinking the entire water of the sea though no one sees him except the king in a dream, it means that he will reign and live a long life. Drinking any portion thereof also means equal earnings to what he takes in.

    If one sees himself drinking from it to quench his thirst in the dream, it means riches, strength and longevity. If one sees himself asking for some of its water to drink in a dream, it means that he is seeking to work for such a strong person or ruler. If he pours its water in a pitcher in the dream, it means prosperity, or that he will receive a bounteous gift from God Almighty to encompass a high rank as well as riches.

    However, his status will last longer than his money. To drink water from the sea in a dream means acquiring knowledge and adopting proper conduct. Crossing the ocean in a dream means booty.

    If one sees strong waves bringing seawater to his street without causing damages in a dream, it means that a ruler or a great person will enter or visit that locality. Bathing in seawater in a dream means repentance from one’s sins. Seeing the ocean from a distance in a dream means that calamities, temptations and trials are coming to one’s community.

    If one sees the sea receding, whereby he can see the edges of the earth it covers in a dream, it means diminishing of his authority and control, or that the wrath of God Almighty has descended upon that locality. This calamity could be carried by one’s own government, economic tribulations, drought, or one’s enemies. Standing over seawater in a dream means attaining something one did not seek.

    Walking in the air above the seawater in a dream represents the person’s good intentions, his clarity, faith and certitude. If a sick person sees himself taking ablution in seawater in a dream, it means that he will recover from his illness, or it could mean payment of one’s debts and relief from worldly pressures.

  • Zendik:

    (arb. Atheist. See Cent)

  • Oriole:

    ( zool .) In a dream, an oriole represents doubt, wonderment, subsiding, concealment, trusting, confiding, associating with people in authority, or fear of one’s enemy.

• time
  • Watch:

    (Timepiece; Wristwatch. See Clock)

  • Zucchini:

    £uhur: (arb. See Five time prayers)

  • Celerity:

    (Celerity; Haste; Hastiness; Quick pace) Walking with dispatch, or with a quick pace in Mecca or in any town in a dream means victory over one’s enemy. Celerity in a dream also represents haste, or the dispatch through which one leaves this world. Moving with a quick pace in a dream also means loss of one’s position, or it could mean attending the pilgrimage season in Mecca.

Practical Guidance for Navigating Your Dreams

• Engage in Reflective Journaling

  Maintaining a dream journal can be incredibly beneficial. Write down your dreams as soon as you wake up, capturing even the smallest details. Reflective journaling allows you to track recurring themes and symbols that arise in your dreams, especially around existential themes.

  Noting how you felt during these dreams can also help connect emotions with your waking life, guiding you towards understanding your subconscious meanings. This practice fosters a deeper connection with your inner self, revealing insights that can lead to personal growth and a more profound understanding of your life’s purpose.

• Meditate on Your Dreams

  Meditation serves as a powerful tool to process your dreams. Set aside quiet time to focus on the imagery and emotions felt during the dream. You may visualize the scenarios while asking for guidance or clarity about the meanings behind them.

  This meditative state can lead to revelations, helping you realize how your dream relates to your waking life decisions and feelings. Incorporating practices such as deep breathing or mindfulness can enhance your awareness, allowing you to achieve peace amidst existential uncertainties.

• Seek Conversations with Wise Individuals

  Connecting with elders or mentors within your cultural or spiritual community can provide profound insights. Engaging in discussions about your dreams, and other existential concepts can foster an environment of understanding and wisdom. Seeking perspectives from those who draw from life experiences or spiritual teachings offers a supportive framework for interpreting the deeper meanings behind your dreams.

  It can help you navigate your feelings about time, life choices, and existential questions, fostering a shared exploration of significance.

• Embrace Therapeutic Practices

  Consider engaging with therapeutic practices such as art therapy or counseling, especially when you feel persistently anxious about time or purpose. Creatively expressing your feelings can provide clarity and allow you to safely explore complex emotions tied to your dreams. A professional therapist can guide you in recognizing patterns that link your dreams with your life challenges, helping illuminate paths toward a sense of fulfillment and peace.

  These practices adapt well within a holistic approach where dreams and mental health converge.

• Connect with Nature

  Spending time in nature can be a grounding experience, especially amidst feelings of existential anxiety. Nature offers a timeless serenity that serves as a reminder of life’s transient beauty. Activities like walking, hiking, or simply sitting in a park can promote reflection and help regain perspective on the pressures of time.

  This communion with natural rhythms may bring a sense of clarity about your dreams while fostering inner tranquility, providing a counterbalance to existential struggles.

FAQs

• What does it mean to dream about time slipping away?

  Dreams in which time feels elusive can symbolize feelings of anxiety or losing control over life's pace. Such dreams may highlight concerns related to missed opportunities or unresolved issues that occupy your mind. In Islamic interpretation, this could be a reminder of the fleeting nature of this world, encouraging you to seek purpose in each moment.

• Are dreams of existential crises common?

  Yes, these dreams can be common, especially during significant life transitions or unsettling periods. They often reflect a person's inner thoughts and feelings, offering valuable insights into one's emotional state. Engaging with these dreams can foster deeper self-reflection and promote a sense of healing.

• How can I interpret the fear of time in my dreams?

  The fear of time in dreams may signify underlying worries about aging, life choices, or the pace of societal expectations. Notice the specific scenarios in your dreams and consider how they relate to events or emotions in your waking life. Engaging in open conversations about these feelings can also facilitate better understanding.

• Do such dreams indicate a lack of direction in life?

  Dreams depicting existential crises may indeed suggest feelings of being lost or lacking direction. They urge you to evaluate your life choices and consider if you are aligned with your values and desires. This journey of introspection can lead to awakening and motivation to pursue your true purpose.

• Can I stop having these dreams?

  While you may not completely eliminate such dreams, you can certainly manage the factors that contribute to them. Reflecting on your feelings, addressing unresolved issues, and actively fostering a mindset of contentment can help lessen the frequency of these dreams. Embracing practices like mindfulness and journaling can create a positive shift in your consciousness.

References

• https://www.islamicdreaminterpretation.com
• https://www.ibbonsirinsinterpretations.com