Interpretation of Dreams - Sahih al-Bukhari 6985

The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "If anyone of you sees a dream that he likes, then it is from Allah, and he should thank Allah for it and narrate it to others; but if he sees something else, i.e., a dream that he dislikes, then it is from Satan, and he should seek refuge with Allah from its evil, and he should not mention it to anybody, for it will not harm him."

Scholarly Commentary

This noble hadith establishes the fundamental Islamic classification of dreams into two categories: true dreams from Allah and disturbing dreams from Satan.

True dreams (ru'ya saliha) constitute one of the forty-six parts of prophethood, as established in other authentic narrations. They serve as glad tidings and spiritual communications from the Divine Realm.

When one experiences a pleasing dream, they should: (1) Praise and thank Allah for this blessing, (2) Share it only with those who love them and wish them well, as the Prophet instructed to narrate dreams only to knowledgeable or loving persons.

Disturbing dreams from Satan are meant to cause fear, anxiety, and spiritual disturbance. The prescribed remedy is threefold: (1) Seek refuge in Allah from Satan's evil, (2) Spit to one's left side three times (as mentioned in other narrations), (3) Change one's sleeping position, and (4) Absolutely refrain from mentioning it to anyone.

The wisdom behind not sharing bad dreams is that doing so may actualize their negative aspects and grant Satan further influence. By following the Prophet's guidance, the dream loses its potential harm.

Scholars emphasize that this classification applies to dreams during true sleep, not mere fantasies or daytime thoughts. The heart's connection to the higher realms during sleep allows for these spiritual communications.