Dreams and visions in Islam : a study of its roles in the early Malay world

Abstract

This FYP aims to study the role of dreams and visions in Southeast Asian Muslim societies and its significance in shaping society and culture. I would first analyse why did these societies give such importance to certain dreams and visions and what are the implications and repercussions of their entry into the public sphere? I would then attempt to answer how religious dream interpreters and narrators define, categorise, tame, and discipline dreams in different ways which bring about varying impacts on society. I intend to study these impacts and methods and thus evaluate the significance of dreams and visions in the pre-colonial Malay world. And ultimately, answer the question of what roles do dreams and visions play in shaping politics and society in early Muslim Southeast Asia?