What should I do after a nightmare as a Muslim?
After a nightmare, the sunnah is to spit lightly (a dry puff of air) to your left three times, seek refuge in Allah from Shaytan and from the dream's evil three times, turn onto your other side, and not tell anyone about it. The Prophet ﷺ promised that if you do this, the bad dream will not harm you.
The sunnah steps, one by one
The Prophet ﷺ said good dreams are from Allah and bad dreams are from Shaytan, and whoever sees something he dislikes should spit to his left three times and seek refuge in Allah from its evil, and it will not harm him (Sahih Muslim 2261). Another narration adds turning onto the other side (Sahih Muslim 2262). So:
- Spit lightly to your left three times. It's a soft, dry puff, not actual spitting on the bed.
- Seek refuge three times: "A'udhu billahi minash-shaytanir-rajim", and ask Allah to protect you from the dream's evil.
- Turn over onto your other side.
- Don't tell people about it or try to interpret it.
- Pray if you can. One narration says to get up and pray (Sahih Muslim 2263). Two short rak'ahs are a calming way to reset.
Does a nightmare mean something bad will happen?
No. A frightening dream is not a prophecy, a curse or a sign that Allah is angry with you. Islam teaches that some dreams come from Shaytan to sadden you and some are just your own thoughts and stress replaying at night. Keeping it to yourself takes away its power. See Do dreams mean anything in Islam?
Protecting your sleep before bed
The best defence starts before you sleep. Make wudu, lie on your right side, and recite Ayat al-Kursi and the last three surahs, blowing into your hands and wiping over your body. See What should I say before sleeping? Cutting down on horror films, late-night scrolling and heavy meals before bed helps too.
When nightmares keep coming
Frequent or very vivid nightmares can be linked to trauma, anxiety, medication or sleep disorders. Keep doing the sunnah, but also speak to a doctor and follow their advice. Seeking treatment is fully in line with trusting Allah. See How do I deal with insomnia as a Muslim?
- Spit lightly to your left three times and seek refuge in Allah three times.
- Turn onto your other side, or get up and pray.
- Don't share or interpret a bad dream; it will not harm you.
- Recurring nightmares deserve a doctor's advice as well as dua.
People also ask
Is typing "Ameen" in the comments a real dua?
Typing Ameen in the comments can be a real dua if you sincerely mean it. Ameen means O Allah, answer, but type Ameen or else posts are superstition.
Read the full answer →What do I say to congratulate a newly married couple?
To congratulate a newly married couple, say "Barakallahu lakuma wa baraka 'alaykuma", the Prophet's wedding dua. Meaning and short options.
Read the full answer →Can I make dua while walking or lying down?
Yes, you can make dua while walking, lying down, sitting or driving. Dua has no required posture, wudu or direction. Here's what the sunnah says.
Read the full answer →What dua helps me stay firm in faith?
The main dua to stay firm in faith is Ya Muqallibal-qulub, thabbit qalbi 'ala dinik. Plus Rabbana la tuzigh qulubana and habits that help.
Read the full answer →What do I say when I hear thunder?
When you hear thunder, say "Subhanalladhi yusabbihur-ra'du bi hamdihi..." from Quran 13:13. The words, their source and the dua for strong wind.
Read the full answer →