Q. asalamualikom, I just wanted to ask if you would be able to interpret dreams. Recently i have had dreams that i would like to know the meaning of. If yes please let me know so i can write them down. jazakallah

Q. Are there times that it is best to get a dream?

Q. Do dreams have any reality in Islam?

Q. Are Muslims allowed to interpret deams or is it bad to go to people that can interpret dreams?

Answer: Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala) has given some people a greater ability concerning the interpretation of dreams than others. We usually prefer that you find a pious scholar who abides by all the religious injunctions at all times for this type of service. It has been stated that an incorrect interpretation can cause mishap or a negative outcome for the person.

However, here are some paraphrased ahaadith in English. Also at the end are similar related ahaadith with the Arabic text. Dreams, regardless of type, do have a place in Islam.

Sayidinah Qatada reports that Rasulullah (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) said:  Good dreams are from Allah and the evil dreams are from satan. If one sees a dream which one does not like, one should spit on one’s left side and seek the refuge of Allah from the satan; (spitting 3 times means to resemble the gesture of spitting, not actual splitting with a mouthful of saliva. Such a gesture will help that) it (the dream) will not do one any harm, and one should not disclose it to anyone and if one sees a good dream one should feel pleased but should not disclose it to anyone but whom one loves.(In other words, disclose it only to people that are pious, honorable, etc.)

Muslim: Book 29, Number 5618

Sayidinah Jabir (radiAllaahu anh) reported that Rasulullah (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) said: If anyone sees a dream which he does not like, he should spit on his left side. (Resemble the gesture of spitting, not actual splitting with a mouthful of saliva.)

Muslim: Book 29, Number 5620

Sayidinah Abu Huraira reported that Rasulullah (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) said: When the time of Qiyamah gets closer, a believer’s dream can hardly be false. And the truest vision will be of one who is himself the most truthful in speech, for the dream of a Muslim is the forty-fifth part of Prophecy, and dreams are of three types: one good dream which is a sort of good tidings from Allah; the evil dream which causes pain is from the satan; and the third one is a suggestion of one’s own mind; so if any one of you sees a dream which he does not like he should stand tip and offer prayer and he should not relate it to people, and he said: I would love to see fetters, but I dislike wearing of necklace, for the fetters is (an indication of) one’s steadfastness in religion. The narrator said: I do not know whether this is a part of the hadith or the words of Ibn Sirin.

Muslim: Book 29, Number 5621

Dream or nightmare, having hope in the Mercy of Allah, having firm imaan, helps resolve the variety of dreams one may observe. May Allah bless you all, and make your good pious dreams become a reality, Ameen

Allah certainly knows best.