Nightmares can be deeply unsettling. They disturb sleep, affect emotional well-being, and sometimes leave lingering fear throughout the day. In Islam, dreams are given significance: some are glad tidings from Allah, others are whispers of the self, and some are troubling whispers from Shayṭān.
The Nature of Dreams in Islam
The Prophet ﷺ explained that dreams are of three types:
- Good dreams that come from Allah.
- Dreams that come from one’s own thoughts during the day.
- Disturbing dreams from Shayṭān, intended to frighten or cause distress.
This categorization helps us distinguish between dreams that carry meaning and those that are merely illusions meant to harm our peace of mind. Nightmares, falling into the third category, are not to be interpreted but rather rejected and shielded against.
Seeking Protection Through Adhkar
Islam teaches believers to surround themselves with divine remembrance, especially before sleeping. Reciting Qur’an and specific adhkār creates a shield around the soul. Among the most important protections are:
- Āyat al-Kursī (Qur’an 2:255)
Whoever recites Āyat al-Kursī before going to bed will have a protector appointed over him from Allah, and no shayṭān will come near him until morning.
[Sahih al-Bukhari, 2311] - Last two verses of Sūrat al-Baqarah (2:285-286)
The Prophet ﷺ said: “Whoever recites the last two verses of Surah al-Baqarah at night, they will suffice him.”
[Sahih al-Bukhari, 4008 | Sahih Muslim, 807]
- Surah al-Ikhlās, al-Falaq, and an-Nās (the three Quls)
He ﷺ would recite these before sleeping, blow into his hands, and pass them over his body.
[Sahih al-Bukhari, 5017 | Sahih Muslim, 2192]
- Supplication before sleep
“اللَّهُمَّ بِاسْمِكَ أَمُوتُ وَأَحْيَا”
“O Allah, in Your Name I die and I live.”
[Sahih al-Bukhari, 6314 | Sahih Muslim, 2711]
These practices purify the heart, guard against satanic whispers, and place the believer under Allah’s protection throughout the night.
What to Do If a Nightmare Occurs
The Prophet ﷺ provided clear instructions on how to respond to disturbing dreams:
- Do not speak of the dream to others.
[Sahih al-Bukhari, 7045 | Sahih Muslim, 2261]
- Spit lightly to the left three times and seek refuge in Allah from Shayṭān.
- Change your sleeping position.
These steps prevent nightmares from taking root in the heart and reduce their psychological impact.
Purifying the Sleep Routine
Islam emphasizes the state in which a believer goes to sleep:
- Sleep with wuḍūʾ. The Prophet ﷺ said: “When you go to bed, perform ablution as for prayer, then lie on your right side.”
- Remember Allah until sleep overcomes you. Repeating adhkār, tasbīḥ, and takbīr fills the heart with tranquility.
- Avoid sin and heedlessness before sleep. Engaging in sinful talk, watching harmful content, or neglecting remembrance leaves the heart vulnerable to whispers.
A purified state of mind and body at bedtime brings barakah into one’s sleep and reduces the chance of disturbing dreams.
Trusting Allah in Times of Fear
Nightmares often awaken deep anxieties. Islam teaches us to anchor our hearts in trust of Allah’s mercy and power. Allah reminds us:
“Indeed, over My servants you (Shayṭān) will have no authority, except those who follow you of the deviators.”
[Qur’an 15:42]
Knowing that nightmares hold no real power and that they are merely whispers allows us to detach from their fear and turn fully to Allah for strength.
Conclusion
Nightmares are unsettling, but Islam provides a holistic framework to prevent and deal with them. By reciting the Qur’an, maintaining daily adhkār, sleeping in a state of purity, and following the Prophet’s ﷺ guidance when they occur, believers find peace and protection. Above all, remembering that Allah is the ultimate Protector brings comfort to the heart.
