The Reality of Dreams & Sunnah Etiquettes in Islam
Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: "Dreams are of three types: a good dream which is glad tidings from Allah, a dream from one's own inner thoughts (Hadith-an-Nafs), and a distressing dream caused by Shaitan to grieve the believer." (Sahih Muslim)
True Dream (Glad Tidings from Allah)
Divine glad tidings or spiritual comfort. Express sincere gratitude to Allah (say "Alhamdulillah") and only disclose it to someone who genuinely loves and supports you.
Nightmare from Shaitan (Whispers)
Frightening whispers designed by Shaitan to induce grief. Spit dryly to the left side 3 times, seek refuge in Allah from Shaitan, change your sleeping side, and never disclose the dream to anyone; it will not harm you.
Subconscious Mind (Hadith al-Nafs)
Reflections of daytime thoughts, anxieties, and subconscious daily stress. These carry no spiritual forewarning or omens and are natural mental processes.
Etiquettes of Good Dreams (Glad Tidings)
- •Praise Allah and feel joy by saying "Alhamdulillah".
- •Only narrate the dream to a sincere, wise, or loving companion.
- •Never disclose good dreams to envious people or enemies.
Sunnah Etiquettes for Bad Dreams & Nightmares
- •Spit dryly to the left side three times.
- •Seek refuge in Allah three times by saying "A'udhu billahi minash-shaytanir-rajim".
- •Turn onto the other side you were sleeping on.
- •Stand up and pray two voluntary Rak'ahs of prayer, and never disclose the nightmare to anyone; it will not harm you.
Bedtime Sunnah Adhkar & Supplications
- •Perform wudu (ablution) and lie on the right side.
- •Recite Ayat al-Kursi and the Mu'awwidhatayn (Surah Al-Falaq & An-Nas), blow into your cupped palms, and wipe over your body.
- •Recite the Prophetic dua: "Bismika Rabbi wada'tu janbi wa bika arfa'uh" (In Your name, my Lord, I lay down and in Your name I rise).
Bedtime Sunnah Adhkar & Supplications (Protection)
بِاسْمِكَ اللَّهُمَّ أَمُوتُ وَأَحْيَا
"Bismika Allahumma amootu wa ahya"
"In Your Name, O Allah, I die and I live (I lay down to sleep and I awaken)."
أَعُوذُ بِكَلِمَاتِ اللَّهِ التَّامَّاتِ مِنْ غَضَبِهِ وَعِقَابِهِ وَشَرِّ عِبَادِهِ، وَمِنْ هَمَزَاتِ الشَّيَاطِينِ وَأَنْ يَحْضُرُونِ
"Aoozu bi-kalimaatillahit-taammaati min ghadabihi wa iqaabihi wa sharri ibadihi..."
"I seek refuge in the perfect words of Allah from His anger, His punishment, the evil of His slaves, and from the whispers of devils and their presence."