Dreams are unavoidable during sleep. As Holy Prophet (PBUH) mentioned three types of dreams in his hadith which are glad tidings from Allah, reflections of one’s mind or frightening dreams from Satan. The last-mentioned usually remains in our mind for a long time and makes us wonder what does it mean. Allah and His Prophet (PBUH) has told us many ways and supplications which can block bad dreams.
Here are a few of them.
1. Recite Ayatul Kursi Before Sleeping
Holy Prophet (PBUH) said, ‘By reciting it, there will be a guardian appointed over you from Allah who will protect you during the night, and Satan will not be able to come near you until morning’ – Sahih Bukhari, Book 9, Hadith 30
2. Make Dua Before Going To Bed
Hudhaifah (RA) reported: Whenever the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) intended to go to sleep, he would place his right hand under his (right) cheek and supplicate: “Allahumma qini ‘adhabaka yauma tab’athu ‘ibadaka (Translation – O Allah! Guard me against Your punishment on the Day when You will resurrect Your slaves).”
In a narration in Abu Dawud, Hafsah (RA) said: Before going to sleep the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) would recite this supplication three times – Tirmidhi, Book 16, Hadith 57
3. To Avoid Bad Dreams, Protect Yourself Through Salat
It was narrated from Abu Hurairah that the Prophet (PBUH) said: “Dreams are of three types: Glad tidings from Allah, what is on a person’s mind, and frightening dreams from Satan. If any of you sees a dream that he likes, let him tell others of it if he wishes, but if he sees something that he dislikes, he should not tell anyone about it, and he should get up and perform prayer” – Sunan Ibn Majah, Book 35, Hadith 14
4. Perform Ablution
Al-Bara’ bin ‘Azib (RA) reported: Messenger of Allah (PBUH) directed me thus: “Whenever you go to bed, perform Wudu’ as you do for Salat then (before sleeping) recite: ‘O Allah! I have submitted myself to You, I have turned myself to You, committed my affairs to You and sought Your refuge for protection out of a desire for You and fear of You (expecting Your reward and fearing Your punishment). There is no refuge and no place of safety from You but with You. I believe in the Book You have revealed and in the Prophet (PBUH) You have sent.”
Messenger of Allah (PBUH) added: “If anyone recites these words and dies during the night, he will die on the true Deen, and if he remains alive till the morning, he will obtain good. And make this supplication your last words (before sleeping).” – Sahih Bukhari and Muslim, Book 5, Hadith 2
5. Recite The ‘Verses Of Refuge’
It was narrated from Bibi Aishah (RA) that: whenever the Prophet (PBUH) went to bed, he would blow into his hands, recite Al-Mu’awwidhatain (last two surahs or Holy Quran), then wipe his hands over his body – Sunan Ibn Majah 3875 Book 34, Hadith 49
6. Always Dust Off Your Bed Before Laying On It
The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “When any of you goes to bed, he should shake off (or dust off) his bedsheet because he does not know what might have fallen on it after he had left it. Then he should recite: ‘Bismika Rabbi wada’tu janbi, wa bika arfa’uhu, in amsakta nafsi farhamha, wa in arsaltaha fahfazha bima tahfazu bihi ‘ibadakas-salihin (Translation – With Your Name, my Rubb, I place my side (upon the bed) and with Your Grace, I will raise it up. If You withhold my soul (cause me to die), have mercy on it but if You let it go (let me live), guard it against which You guarded Your pious slaves) – Bukhari and Muslim, Book 16, Hadith 53
And verily, Allah knows the best!
