1. The Dream of Ibrahim عليه السلام and the Sunnah of Udhiyyah
One of the most profound dreams in human history is the dream of Ibrahim عليه السلام, in which he was commanded by Allah to sacrifice his son Ismail عليه السلام. This dream was revelation, not imagination, and constituted a direct divine command and a monumental test of submission.
Allah ultimately saved Ismail عليه السلام and replaced him with a ram, establishing the Sunnah of Udhiyyah, which remains a central rite of Hajj and Eid al-Adha. This event offers countless life lessons in obedience, trust in Allah, sacrifice, and tawakkul.
2. The Jurhum Tribe and the Rediscovery of Zamzam
The Jurhum tribe resided in Makkah but later became corrupt. As a result, they were expelled by the Khuza‘a tribe. Before leaving, the Jurhum buried the well of Zamzam, concealing it from the people.
Many years later, Abdul Muttalib ibn Hashim, the grandfather of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, experienced repeated dreams in which a voice commanded him to dig for Zamzam. Acting upon these dreams, he uncovered the blessed well, which continues to flow to this day.
3. Dreams as Revelation: A Prophetic Ratio
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ received revelation for 23 years, and six months of that period consisted of true dreams, establishing the ratio:
1/46th of Revelation = 6 months out of 23 years
This highlights the significance of true dreams within Islamic theology.
4. Dreams in the Sunnah: Authentic Hadith Evidence
The books of Hadith include dedicated chapters on dream interpretation (كتاب التعبير).
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“A true good dream is from Allah, and a bad dream is from Satan.”
— Bukhari
— Bukhari
He ﷺ also said:
“Dreams are of three types: a true dream, a dream about something that has occupied a person’s mind, and a dream in which Shaytan frightens someone. Whoever sees what he dislikes should stand and pray.”
— Tirmidhi
— Tirmidhi
5. The Three Types of Dreams in Islam
1. Dreams from Allah جل جلاله
These dreams carry meaning and often require interpretation. They are a divine gift, not granted to everyone.
Examples include:
The dream that led to the legislation of the Adhan, seen by Abdullah ibn Zayd رضي الله عنه
The dreams of Prophets and righteous believers
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“A good dream that comes true is from Allah.”
— Bukhari
— Bukhari
Guideline: Such dreams should only be shared with a trusted well-wisher, advisor, or knowledgeable interpreter.
2. Psychological or Self-Originated Dreams
These dreams reflect a person’s thoughts, worries, or daily experiences. They are often forgotten soon after waking and hold no spiritual significance.
3. Dreams from Shaytan (Nightmares)
These dreams cause fear, sadness, or distress.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“A bad dream is from Satan. If one of you sees it, seek refuge with Allah, spit lightly to the left, and it will not harm him.”
— Bukhari
— Bukhari
He ﷺ also instructed:
Do not narrate bad dreams to others
If disturbed, perform Wudu and pray
6. A Life Principle from Dreams
Good plans, blessings, or dreams: Share only with sincere well-wishers
Bad dreams or misfortune: Seek refuge in Allah and remain silent
This principle applies broadly to life beyond dreams.
7. Yusuf عليه السلام and the Best of Stories
The Qur’an describes the story of Yusuf عليه السلام as “Ahsan al-Qasas” (the best of stories).
Key moments:
His story begins with a childhood dream
He later interprets the king’s dream while imprisoned, leading to his freedom
His childhood dream comes true decades later, demonstrating divine timing and patience
8. Dream Interpretation in the Time of the Prophet ﷺ
The Prophet ﷺ would often conduct dream interpretation sessions after Fajr, based on revelation, not speculation.
Key Principles:
Dream interpretation beyond Prophetic guidance is a gift from Allah, not a science
Dreams cannot override Shari‘ah
Religious rulings cannot be derived from dreams
One of the worst lies is to fabricate or falsely interpret a dream
9. Seeing the Prophet ﷺ in a Dream
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Whoever sees me in a dream has truly seen me, for Shaytan cannot resemble me.”
— Bukhari
— Bukhari
Conditions:
He ﷺ must appear as described in authentic Hadith and Shama’il
Such dreams should only be shared with a knowledgeable or sincere advisor
— Tirmidhi
10. Dreams as a Reflection of One’s Spiritual State
Dreams can reflect a person’s inner state, faith, and sincerity. It can also be a positive sign if others see good dreams about you, by Allah’s permission.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Near the end of time, the truest dreams will be seen by those who are truest in speech.”
— Ibn Majah (Da‘if)
— Ibn Majah (Da‘if)
11. Dreams in the Modern World and Da‘wah
Even today, many people embrace Islam due to dreams. This highlights:
The importance of Da‘wah
Making du‘a for guidance
Recognizing that Allah alone guides hearts
Some dreams take decades to manifest, such as a dream of performing Tawaf of the Ka‘bah alone, fulfilled many years later.
12. Glad Tidings for the Awliya of Allah
Allah says:
“Indeed, the close servants of Allah will have no fear, nor will they grieve. They are those who believe and are mindful of Him. For them is good news in this worldly life and in the Hereafter.”
— Surah Yunus 10:62–64
— Surah Yunus 10:62–64
True dreams are part of these glad tidings.