Question
Some physicists and philosophers argue that this world is not truly real but resembles a dream or illusion, where human beings experience objects, pleasure, and pain much like they do in dreams. According to this view, reality is shaped by consciousness rather than physical existence.
What does Islam say about this idea? Does Islam regard the world as a dream or an illusion?
Answer
Thank you for writing to us.
The idea that the world is a dream or an illusion is not new. It has appeared in various philosophical, mystical, and religious traditions. Some modern physicists and philosophers also suggest that our perception of reality may be subjective or consciousness dependent.
The Qur’an does not describe the world as an illusion in the absolute sense. Rather, it presents this world as a temporary and transient reality, real in its existence and effects, but deceptive in its ultimate worth. The Qur’an repeatedly refers to worldly life as matā‘ al-ghurūr (a deceptive enjoyment):
“And the life of this world is nothing but a deceptive enjoyment.” (Qur’ān 3:185; 57:20)
This means that the world is not unreal, but it is not the final or ultimate reality. It is a place of trial and moral responsibility, whereas the Hereafter is described as al-ḥayawān, the true and lasting life (Qur’ān 29:64).
Islam also acknowledges the importance of dreams in human experience. Dreams of prophets are recognised as a genuine form of divine communication, as seen in the dreams of Prophet Yūsuf (Joseph) and Prophet Ibrāhīm (Abraham). The good dreams seen by righteous people (ru’yā ṣāliḥa) are also given importance in their personal capacity. However, recognising the meaningfulness of dreams does not equate dreams with waking reality.
A key assumption behind the “world as a dream” idea is that dreams are unreal while the physical world is real. Islam does not frame the issue in this binary way. If reality is understood as that which has consequences, then dreams could also be said to possess a form of reality, albeit of a different order. Similarly, this world is real in that actions performed here have lasting moral and spiritual consequences, even though the world itself is temporary.
Islam, therefore, allows for the possibility that reality may be layered and that human perception is limited. However, it does not reduce the world to a meaningless illusion. This life is a serious moral arena where choices matter, accountability exists, and outcomes carry eternal significance.
For further reflection on this topic, you may find the following video helpful:
Regards,
Mushfiq Sultan
Al-Mawrid
